Opinions Required for Graphics Card Choice

[L.A.Baggaley]

Based on the below specifications, which graphics card would you recommend that I install?

CPU: Intel Core i7 3770K @ 3.5GHz
MOB: Asus Sabertooth Z77
RAM: Corsair Vengeance Series 4GB @ 1600MHz (x4)
PSU: Corsair Professional Series AX750
SSD: Corsair Force Series 3 120GB

If it's of any consequence, I'm using a white Corsair Carbide Series 500R chassis with an internal colour scheme of black/gold/white.

Kind regards,

Lucas.

 

[jamesriley94]

Whats the rig used for? Have you already bought parts?

Need to know that to help answer really

 

[seumasbeathan]

Do you already have all those parts?

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

Those parts have already been purchased, yes.

The system will be used for gaming, CAD, graphic design and ordinary office/business use.

 

[jamesriley94]

Do you already have all those parts?

About to recommend something else too?

Whats your budget?

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

A graphics card is the final piece of hardware awaiting installation, as far as I'm aware.

My budget will allow for a further £400 to be spent.

 

[jamesriley94]

Get a GTX 670 with an non-reference cooler and overclock it

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

I didn't want to mention it earlier but I had been swaying towards the GTX 670.

To be exact, what are you thoughts on the Asus GeForce GTX 670 @ 915MHz?

 

[jamesriley94]

I have heard of a few cooling problems with the DCii coolers. They dont directly cool the VRMs and memory on the card. It does really get that hot anyway, but if your choice is between that and one that does, then I'd go for the other.

The Palit 670 Jetstream, the MSI Twin Frozr and the Zotac versions are good offerings, so I'd be more inclined to go with them

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

GPU: Palit GeForce GTX 670 JetStream

Sorted. (Until I reconsider the perks of an Asus solution, being a fan boy and all.)

Thanks for your advice.

P.S. If possible, how could I change the default colour of my font?

 

[jamesriley94]

Pretty sure you cant, you'd have to do it every time.....if it really means that much to you


The ASUS version isnt as bad as I made out, but they do use a custom PCB, meaning you're arent going to be able to watercool it in the future if you wanted to. Dont know it this is an issue for you or not

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

I'll tire of doing it eventually.

If I can briefly talk to you about PSUs, do you think that 650W would be sufficient to power my system? I'm not likely to venture into SLI/Crossfire territory in the foreseeable future, or add any more chassis fans.

 

[jamesriley94]

650 or 750? Your OP says 750?

Either way, both will easily cut it. Especially as the Corsair AX series understate their power, so the 650 actually produces up to 750w.
Add all the fans you want, dont hold back because of power, the 650w is within limits by about 200w. You could even possibly get away with running 670s in SLI - wouldnt recommend it, but I've seen other people on here say it's possible.

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

Sorry, I wasn't clear.

I currently have a Corsair AX750 ready to install into my system but I'm contemplating returning it for a refund and getting a Corsair AX650 instead, to save the pennies.

I've since read a couple of other threads and currently feel like a right royal newbie.

 

[jamesriley94]

I'd keep it so if you do choose to go SLI in the future you are completely safe with it. How much money is at stake?

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

The AX750 is approx. £25 more expensive than the AX650.

It isn't a super saving but every little helps, yes? I suppose it's a menial decision really. We've nailed the GPU tonight which I'm quite pleased about.

 

[jamesriley94]

Well for my own rig, I personally went safe with the AX850 even though I know my rig would comfortably run off 550w. I just wanted to be safe if I were to ever go for Crossfire. Plus, when I bought it, it was £15 more expensive than the AX750, and the AX750 was only £1 more expensive than the AX650 for some reason.

Also, as they come with a 7 year warranty, and will most likely last a lot longer than that, I can use it in every rig for the next 10 years I hope, so a worthwhile investment IMO

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

I think you've made the right decision. Judging by your profile, I should think you're a lot more likely than I to ever encounter SLI/Crossfire and such.

And I suppose you could argue that the power efficiency curve of a PSU of 800W+ is more desirable in comparison to that of something akin to 600W+.

 

[jamesriley94]

Yeh, but I'm not that bothered about power efficiency really. I dont game 24/7 so it's not the biggest concern for me

 

[L.A.Baggaley]

Try and say that to my parents. My dad turns screwy whenever he catches a glimpse of the orange sleep LED on my current system.

Anyway, I'll thank you once more and hope to speak to you again.

Good night.