need help picking out new gpu...

[SUPERFLY013]

Ok so my gtx 280 is finally ready to go, the fan is acting up and is impossible do do anything when my pc is on.. S now I am trying to pick out a new gpu. I want the best bang for my buck for I don't have lots of money currently to be spending on my pc. I have narrowed it down to Gtx650 ti boost,gtx660, hd7850, and gtx7870. I am kinda leaning towards amd because my system is amd and I get 3 free games but still would want to best gpu I can get. I forgot to mention that I am watercooling my pc in the summer and would like to do my gpu as well. Thanks!

 

[Jeff_s510]

well, what do you do with the pc to begin with? what games? do you fold? more information is needed to help you make a decision

 

[SUPERFLY013]

I play far cry 3, dirt 3, battlefield 3 more the most part and some others. I am thinking about folding have yet to try it though. I want a gpu that will be able to last a long time like the gtx 280, which now seems like a dinosaur

 

[FTLN]

I think the best bang for buck card at the moment is the new HD7870 Taihiti based gpu -

I am not sure what availability and prices are like though in the US..

Here is TTL's review

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/gpu_displays/club_3d_7870_joker_xt_edition_review/1

 

[NeverBackDown]

Out of the options you said you were interested in i would suggest a 7870. Best one out of the bunch then a 660 after. 660 is not that much farther behind but still good competition anything after that a 650ti boost is the winner, or a 7850 OC'ed to keep pace with the Boost.

 

[Deejeta]

if you plan on water cooling it later on you will have to go with a reference design card.
have a look at what is available for both reference cards and waterblocks. (you could buy a universal block but imho they are a waste of time since they only cool the core)
i know that there is very limited range for mid range gpu waterblock here in oz. the 7870/50 is limited to a ekfc block.
good luck.

 

[Dire Squirrel]

I think the best bang for buck card at the moment is the new HD7870 Taihiti based gpu -

I am not sure what availability and prices are like though in the US..

Here is TTL's review

http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/gpu_displays/club_3d_7870_joker_xt_edition_review/1

^^This

I recently purchased the model reviewed in the link for that exact reason. Having looked through tons of reviews and benchmarks, it seemed quite clear that this has the best price/performance ratio of the current GPU generation.

The Club3D one is damn pretty as well ^_^

 

[SUPERFLY013]

I know I never mentioned this card but what about a 7950? I know it is more money, but if it is worth it I might be able to stretch my budget a bit. I do like the HD7870 Taihiti based gpu but I don't see a waterblock that would fit.

 

[Dire Squirrel]

I know I never mentioned this card but what about a 7950? I know it is more money, but if it is worth it I might be able to stretch my budget a bit. I do like the HD7870 Taihiti based gpu but I don't see a waterblock that would fit.

Most benchmarks that I have seen place the 7870 Tahiti pretty much on par with the 7950 or even slightly ahead of it.

 

[alienware]

7870 LE or if you want to stay with Nvidia GTX 660.

The recent price drops have made the 650ti Boost only a little cheaper than the 660 which is much faster.

 

[NeverBackDown]

7950 runs cooler and a more quiet than the 7870LE. Mine as well get the 7950

 

[Dire Squirrel]

7950 runs cooler and a more quiet than the 7870LE. Mine as well get the 7950

That will naturally depend on the non-reference cooling solution.

 

[grassman]

1080p = 7870

Anything higher = 7950

 

[alienware]

1080p = 7870

Anything higher = 7950

7950 is not enough for 1440p or 1600p.

That's when you really need to start thinking dual GPU.

 

[grassman]

I have a 7970 play on a 1600p monitor. solid 30FPS in everything.

 

[Dire Squirrel]

I have a 7970 play on a 1600p monitor. solid 30FPS in everything.

Most people would not really consider 30 fps more than barely playable.
60 fps should be the minimum.

 

[SUPERFLY013]

does anyone know of a block for the 7870 Le

 

[alienware]

I have a 7970 play on a 1600p monitor. solid 30FPS in everything.

True but 30 FPS is not exactly a great figure, especially when gaming on a PC.

 

[SUPERFLY013]

I am only gaming on 1080p for now so fps doesn't seem to be a concern too much at this point. These are the ones i am looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...61-429^14-161-429-TS&percm=14-161-429:$$$$$$$. I want something that i can get a full water block for.

 

[alienware]

I am only gaming on 1080p for now so fps doesn't seem to be a concern too much at this point. These are the ones i am looking at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...61-429^14-161-429-TS&percm=14-161-429:$$$$$$$. I want something that i can get a full water block for.

I hate XFX and Sapphire tbh. Neither have their own RMA base..

EVGA just won Nvidia partner of the year award on Bit Tech and IMO totally deserve it.

I also wouldn't use an AMD card even if it was £2 and the fastest card in the world due to the driver issues I've had which oddly only seem to happen to me

^ I admit I was being a little sarcastic there, it happens to loads of people including my mate Arjen who just swapped his 7970 for a 680..

I'm a Nvidiot mate so no matter what I'd always stick with them. Of course it's completely up to you though

Edit. BTW dude if you're considering the 7950 for $350 then you can add the 660ti to your list

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130837

Is bloody lovely