Go for higher model or bigger memory?

[Tumpin]

Im new to the board, hi there!

Im looking to build a new PC this month and Im a bit stuck on what graphics card to go for. One thing is I will be using a high res monitor (2560x1440).

Now I dont want to break the bank here so my question is what is more important for running games at high resolutions. Bigger graphics memory or go for a higher Geforce model?

I have seen a few 570's like the KFA2 GeForce GTX570 1280MB. Its just over budget at £250 but I could stretch to it if I have to.

But at the same time I have seen some 560 Ti cards with 2gb video memory going for £215 - £230.

What cards would work better at 2560x1440?

Thanks for shining any light!

 

[S_I_N]

for that resolution I'd recommend the extra ram but I wouldnt go below a 570 if it were mine.

 

[Tumpin]

Thanks for the quick reply! So you are suggesting a 570 card with 2gb ram? Hmm that really pushes the price up.. Is there any card in particular that you recommend?

I have been browsing the forum and see that a new range of cards are about to come out. That might make it cheaper if I wait. Really looking to get this thing running in about a months time though.

 

[S_I_N]

yeah once Nvidia launches there new cards I would expect a price drop and if ya get a 570 with double memory it'll be 2.5Gb stock is 1.25GB I'm a big fan of EVGA cards. Most come with lifetime warranties (if registered within 30 days of purchase) plus they have a step-up program. that allows you to (within 90day of purchase) upgrade to a higher card for the difference in cost of what you paid (minus shipping) and the new card plus shipping to you. I went from a 560Ti to my 570HD this way.

 

[Tumpin]

yeah once Nvidia launches there new cards I would expect a price drop and if ya get a 570 with double memory it'll be 2.5Gb stock is 1.25GB I'm a big fan of EVGA cards. Most come with lifetime warranties (if registered within 30 days of purchase) plus they have a step-up program. that allows you to (within 90day of purchase) upgrade to a higher card for the difference in cost of what you paid (minus shipping) and the new card plus shipping to you. I went from a 560Ti to my 570HD this way.

Thanks for the info, will look into a 570 with double ram and EVGA. I guess I will build the machine and survive with the built in card (!) for a while and see how prices drop.

Cheers!

 

[marsey99]

dude if you can wait it might be best to hang on till feb or march as nv are meant to be releasing a card to compete with the 7970, that should have a knock on effect of pushing card prices down which could push an even better card into your budget.

if not just get a 570, the extra ram isnt really worth the cost imo.

 

[Tumpin]

Thanks, yeah I think I will just survive for a while with the built in graphics until Nvidia release their new cards. Im not really even a big gamer, just dont want to buy the high res 27in monitor and not have the power to run it properly. I would be gutted to spend £200 on a card and it cant handle the resolution..

 

[lewwatt]

Thanks, yeah I think I will just survive for a while with the built in graphics until Nvidia release their new cards. Im not really even a big gamer, just dont want to buy the high res 27in monitor and not have the power to run it properly. I would be gutted to spend £200 on a card and it cant handle the resolution..

If you're not that big on gaming or other graphics heavy stuff that 560Ti 2GB should do just fine. If you do occasionally play games though I would say check out the R7950 or wait for Nvidias new stuff.

 

[Tumpin]

If you're not that big on gaming or other graphics heavy stuff that 560Ti 2GB should do just fine. If you do occasionally play games though I would say check out the R7950 or wait for Nvidias new stuff.

Yeah think I will wait and see what March brings. I cant go near ATI because they have let me down too many times in the past. Such poor software and drivers. Even if they have made the 7950 perfect I dont care!