• Competitor rules

    Please remember that any mention of competitors, hinting at competitors or offering to provide details of competitors will result in an account suspension. The full rules can be found under the 'Terms and Rules' link in the bottom right corner of your screen. Just don't mention competitors in any way, shape or form and you'll be OK.

gtx970 or R9 390 for 1440p

kefan77

kefan77

kefan77

Soldato
Joined
24 Aug 2013
Posts
2,568
so, had GTX970 when it launched, returned both because of coil whine, then waited 4 months for new flagship AMD cards, which are fail imho, so looking something to last me about year till Nvidia next gen arrives.

I missed the last batch of cheap 290X (had order canceled)

I would consider MM or 2nd hand, but if a new card is only around 30-40 more, I'd rather have new (sweet cashback offers)

so debating between 970 and 390, I upgraded to 1440p recently.

Zotac 970 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-071-ZT
Asus 970 Strix https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-352-AS
Gigabyte 970 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-149-GI
Powercolor 390 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-178-PC
XFX 390 https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-227-XF

which one to go for?
 
Last edited:
Sure for 1440p, but maybe you'll want to downscale one in Crossfire one day?

It certainly doesn't hurt, peace of mind for dodgy port requirements etc.
 
that zotac 970 is 20 quid cheaper than cheapest 390 + a game that can be sold for further 20.

but from what I read that version is no overclocking champ.
 
slick rick said:
It sounds like you want a 970, so get a 970! :)
Click to expand...
I know. But i already owned 2 when they launched and had to return them, so I'm open to 390 too. I would like card with 8GB more than one with 3.5GB, just find it slightly difficult, as that seems to be pretty much only advantage against 970.
 
kefan77 said:
no. as stated in OP I intend to keep it only until new gen arrives in 2016.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing that when that day comes it will be easier to sell an 8GB card than a 3.5GB card.
People who already have a 390 will be more likely to pick up another 2nd hand for CF when they feel more grunt is needed (new games, upgrading to 4k/1440) and the vram is already plenty.
 
Last edited:
kefan77 said:
I know. But i already owned 2 when they launched and had to return them, so I'm open to 390 too. I would like card with 8GB more than one with 3.5GB, just find it slightly difficult, as that seems to be pretty much only advantage against 970.
Click to expand...

Personally I would go with the 390 as I think you will get more for it when you sell in a years time as 8gb cards will likely be more relevant then than 4/3.5gb, but that is just my opinion. :)
 
MichaelM said:
I'm guessing that when that day comes it will be easier to sell an 8GB card than a 3.5GB card.
People who already have a 390 will be more likely to pick up another 2nd hand for CF when they feel more grunt is needed (new games, upgrading to 4k/1440) and the vram is already plenty.
Click to expand...

you would think that but... looking at a range of 2nd hand AMD cards and Nvidia cards, I can't find any where the higher vram AMD card is actually selling for higher prices than the nvidia equivalent

resale value should not be high on your list of priorities imo
 
Either will do fine. The 970 and 390 are similar, 970 overclock better and 390 is a bit faster but more power hungry.

I'd say the 390 has an edge simply because of price.
 
There are quite a few games at 1440p that will use more than 3.5gb of vram.
I would deffo go for the 390 its faster and newer (well kind of)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom