Which 7970 to get

[DGunny]

Hello everyone, I am new here (and to computer building) and can't decide on a graphics card. I got a PC for xmas but for a graphics card I got a gigabyte 7770, which is ok, but isn't by any means maxing out any modern games. After some research I have decided to get a 7970. My budget is around $400, but I am willing to pay slightly more if there is a large performance increase. I have heard the 7970 is a good overclocker, but I have no experience doing so. The card I am currently looking at is this one --> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125413

Any other suggestions?

thanks





My computer:
Thermaltake commander case
Thermaltake TR2 600W PSU
8gb Corsair Vengeance
msi 970A-G46 motherboard
AMD FX-6100
1TB hard drive

 

[vmem]

that card you have is a great pick for the price. if you're willing to pay a bit more, the sapphire vapor-x ghz edition will perform a bit better

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202001

it is arguable whether or not the small bit of performance is worth the extra $. I would only go with the sapphire if you absolutely want a top performing 7970. otherwise the gigabyte one is a very good design and the best for that price

 

[Norlag]

For a high end card like a 7970 it is definitely worth it to have a good cooler. The sapphire vapor-x is my favorite.

 

[plasmaj12345]

A 7970 is going to get bottlenecked by your CPU. You should upgrade your CPU to an FX 8350 and then upgrade your GPU to a 7950. You can crossfire another 7950 in the future if you want. However, for Crossfire, you will need a stronger Power Supply. Get This: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202006

and this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284

 

[vmem]

A 7970 is going to get bottlenecked by your CPU. You should upgrade your CPU to an FX 8350 and then upgrade your GPU to a 7950. You can crossfire another 7950 in the future if you want. However, for Crossfire, you will need a stronger Power Supply. Get This: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202006

and this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113284

While that is a good set up, I would get the 7970 now, or 7950 if I have to, and save up and wait for Intel Haswell in June

 

[DGunny]

Thanks people. As I do not make too much money I think I will buy the 7970 now, then when I have some extra cash upgrade the GPU.

But will i see an improvement in performece if I go to the 7970, but it will not reach its maximum potential until I upgrade my CPU? (over the 7770 I mean).

also for a CPU, which is better, intel (which people rave about) or AMD. I have no affinity to either. I want something that will preform well enough, not break the bank, and last for a few years.

 

[vmem]

oh you'll definately see an improvement, just you'll be limiting your 7970's full potential. chances are you'll still be able to take on most games in ultra unless you hit a particularly CPU demanding patch such as big maps on BF3, or big open scenes in skyrim (or a heavily modded skyrim). the FX6100 isn't ideal for PC gaming, but it's by no means a crappy CPU. if you're willing to put in some time tweaking, you can even overclock it:

http://forums.tweaktown.com/gigabyte/46237-bulldozer-overclocking-guide-performance-scaling-charts-max-ocs-ln2-results-coming.html

As for your choice of a future CPU, Intel is king right now in the gaming world, AMD's most recent line shows a little bit of promise but it'll still take them some time to catch up. right now something like an i5 2500k or an i5 3570k will be fine for all your gaming needs. in June or so, a faster chip from a new generation is going to be released, so get an i5 4xxxK by the (I forget the exact number, but starts with a 4 and ends with K for unlocked multiplier lol)

 

[DGunny]

With the CPU, my guess the new generation is going to be a bit on the pricey side when if first comes out. But at the same time the older gen may see a price drop. Would it be worth it to pick up a higher end CPU of the older gen or should i just go straight into the new gen?

 

[avacadobread]

I helped my brother pick out the HIS 7970 from newegg. He maxes out any game that he playes (BF3, GW2, WOW,Borderlands 2 among more) with no problems.
Good cooling and low sound when, I really like this card from experience.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161412

 

[vmem]

With the CPU, my guess the new generation is going to be a bit on the pricey side when if first comes out. But at the same time the older gen may see a price drop. Would it be worth it to pick up a higher end CPU of the older gen or should i just go straight into the new gen?

if we look at this generation, both the i7 line and i5 line from Intel were introduced at the same price as the previous gen, the i5 being around $240 and the i7 being around $340. I would imagine they would do the same with the new generation, especially since AMD is doing a decent job keeping on Intel's tails so Intel can't get too comfortable in their lead. with that in mind, if I see any awesome sales on the current generation over the next couple of months, I would go ahead and get it. otherwise just wait. you can't lose by waiting in the tech world as old gen tech can only get cheaper :lol:

 

[DGunny]

would it be smart to order a nice aftermarket cpu cooler (valman or coolmaster) when I get the new GPU? would overclocking (which I have never done) give my cpu a sizable increase in performance?

 

[zpwslayer]

I cant personally tell you if your cpu will bottle neck a 7970, but it would help if you overclock it and put a nice cpu cooler on it. I would recommend a cooler master hyper 212 evo. Its only 30 dollars and for the money you cant beat its performance.

 

[vmem]

would it be smart to order a nice aftermarket cpu cooler (valman or coolmaster) when I get the new GPU? would overclocking (which I have never done) give my cpu a sizable increase in performance?

overclocking would definately give you a nice boost that you will notice. before attempting to overclock, you should definately buy yourself a decent CPU cooler (which are pretty cheap). the generally agreed best choice for the price is:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

other than that, definitely read the overclocking guides over at the CPU forum