What is the best GPU make (extreme gaming) for the Motherboard GA-990FXA-UD3, is it AMD or Nvidia?

[Vincent Domingo]

What is the best GPU make (for extreme gaming) for the Motherboard GA-990FXA-UD3, is it AMD or Nvidia?
I am quite confused which GPU make should i buy because I am planning on upgrading my
current GPU to a few step higher.

I am mostly playing mmorpg such as Tera online which kinda sucks because i am using AMD processor.
And plays other RPG such as Shadow of Mordor, Skyrim, and racing such as GRID 2.

I just want to have a really smooth game play while all settings are maximized,
which is almost impossible taking consider of a budget of $150-$300 CAD.

I don't mind taking of shadow settings which dulls the games generally speaking.

I was told by a friend who is currently taking Computer Science, that to get all the benefits of my northbridge (990FXA), i have to buy AMD gpu. his claim really made me confuse
while taking consider of what people say about the 2 brands which is best for plain gaming
experience.

So, should I go for AMD or Nvidia?

please check the parts list i have on my current computer.

CPU: FX-8350 Vishera Black 4.0 Ghz.
MOBO: GA-990FXA-UD3
RAM: G. Skill 4x4gb(16GB) Sniper Series 1866 mhz
GPU: Asus Radeon HD 7850 Direct CU II 2GB
SSD: Kingston SV300S3N7A/120G
HDD: Seagate ST1500DM003
PSU: Thermaltake 750Watts 80+ Bronze

 

[huilun02]

GPU performance has nothing to do with the chipset on your motherboard.

If you're simply looking for the best card you can get for $300,
http://www.ncix.com/detail/gigabyte-radeon-r9-290-windforce-db-99167-1269.htm?affiliateid=7474144

 

[speely]

As huilun02 said, your GPU performance has nothing to do with your chipset. Also, I've been using that exact same motherboard and I absolutely love it. (except for the lack of 4-pin PWM fan headers, but that's beside the point.)

The HD 7850 2GB you are currently using is the exact same GPU as the AMD R7 265. That in mind, everything in the R9 series will technically be an upgrade, it's just a matter of how much of an upgrade. In my experience, that motherboard handles Crossfire really well - adding a second 7850 or R7 265 would make a fantastic budget upgrade.

If it's a single-card upgrade you're looking for, and $300 is your maximum, consider the R9 290 or R9 280X. If you're willing to extend your maximum just a bit, seriously consider the Nvidia GeForce GTX 970. Even as a self-admitted AMD fan, I'm willing to accept that the 970 is a very impressive card, and depending on the game, being able to take advantage of PhysX extensions can make the game look pretty great.

As to which brand is best for plain gaming experience, that's hard to say. The differences between AMD and Nvidia aren't that huge, regardless of what the fanboys on either side will say. Some will say AMD cards are faster at comparable price points, some will say Nvidia has more features. There's really no surefire way to claim one is better than the other, and sometimes one will be better at task A and the other will be better at task B.

My personal opinion says go with the R9 290 (or 290X if you can swing it.) You get free games, and a card that can run games better and smoother than you've experienced yet. (On a personal note - I just swapped out two 7850 1gb cards for a single R9 290 and I'm positively loving it.)