Thinking of upgrading my GTX295

[JaseUK]

Guys I have been pondering over upgrading my 295 for a month or so now. Don't get me wrong the 295 has been rock solid and is still going strong but I just fancy something newer.
What would be a nice upgrade and something that I will see a noticeable difference. I game at 1920x1200 and have a second 19" monitor.
Cheers

 

[cmndr_andi]

Noticeable difference? I would suggest a GTX 480 SOC - the average framerates will be slightly better but the minimum framerates will be much better (this will make the game feel much smoother as the framerate is much more consistent).

That said, I'm still using my GTX 295 for modern games and run the same resolution - I'm finding the card is generally able to keep up and look great. Perhaps you may want to consider upgrading later in the year - hopefully with 28nm we will see some single GPU cards that really blow the GTX 295 away.

 

[Kanpai]

+1 for GTX480.

However if heat/noise/power consumption is something to consider, then I'd recommend the GTX570.

 

[JaseUK]

Yeah the 480 isnt a bad price either. I was hoping to fit a water block to the card so the heat and noise shouldnt be an issue.

Are the 480's power hungry then?

 

[cmndr_andi]

Are the 480's power hungry then?

Aye, they are - but compared to a GTX 295 they are on the same level (sometimes slightly more power hungry).

With the stock cooler noise was a pretty big problem - however, with the aftermarket coolers introduced on certain Gigabyte and KFA cards - this really isn't so much of an issue any more. Hence you may want to consider getting one of these cards instead of spending a lot of money on a waterblock. However, if you want quiet and cool system then I guess you can't beat a nice water cooling system, so long as you don't mind the expense.

 

[JaseUK]

Well I currently have my 295 watercooled so will probs get some of my money back when I sell that to cover the cost for the new 480 block.

I'm sure there'll be a cheap one somewhere on the well known auction site or maybe someone will be selling on MM

 

[JaseUK]

I've been looking at the ATi 6950 which can be had for the same price as a GTX 480.

The fact you can flash them to a 6970 is tempting me also.

I would ofc be getting two of them for CF

What yer reckon guys?

 

[JasonKnights]

The 480 is supposed to be a real bargain, almost 580 performance for half price and beats the 6950 has Physx.

 

[JasonKnights]

I changed from a 295 to a 580, was going to get the 590 but can't be bothered with all the hassle if it blows and sending it back etc. Going to add another 580 when I get a bit of cash. There's a massive difference already. The shadows and water effects on gta4 are so much better. On crysis 2 my 295 could only manage 26-30fps. The game now flys and all doubts I had about wether it wod be much different have gone. When I add another 580 when they drop in price it will keep up with Kepler

 

[JaseUK]

Can someone explain to me why some GTX 480's I have looked at elsewhere are over £300 and some are £199.

 

[cmndr_andi]

The GTX 480 is now pretty much end-of-life (replaced by the GTX 570 and 580) however there are still a fair few left in the channel and some shops must be getting them cut-price from suppliers trying to clear stock.

If you plan to water cool then I would suggest getting one of these remaining GTX 480s from a good brand (so they use good components) and costs £200 - like this one.

As for the HD 6950 unlocking to a 6970, are there any of these left? I was under the impression that you can't get hold of these new any more.

You may also want to consider this GTX 580. It is a fair bit more than a GTX 480, but it comes with a waterblock installed and an intact 2 year warranty - also as a GTX 580 it is a nice chunk faster than the GTX 480 at stock speeds.

 

[JaseUK]

It looks like I am gonna take the plunge and get the 480.

As its been a while when I come to SLi the 480 will it matter if they are different brands i.e an Asus one coupled with a MSI one etc....