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7950 Upgrade Advice

WingZero30

WingZero30

WingZero30

Soldato
Joined
1 Jun 2010
Posts
7,058
Location
Bedford
Hi guys

I have got Gigabyte Windforce 7950 which I have been using for almost 2 years now after I upgraded from 5850 which lasted 3 years. I have been considering upgrading my gpu for sometime now as it does struggle in some games at highest settings. I only game at 1080p (60Hz).

I am undecided between the following 290x and gtx970 as both roughly match my budget of £250 give or take £20.

290x
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-330-AS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1752

GTX 970
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-010-GX&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1010


Now I have read about 970 vram issue and it seems 290x scores a point in this regard. However in terms of power consumption and heat, 970 comes on top.

For me heat and power consumptions are important and plus I have had two AMD cards, so switiching to Nvidia would be a nice change. However which ever card I get, I would keep it for a long time possibly 3 years at least.

Open to suggestions.

Thanks :)
 
I'd wait for the 300 series and compare one of those against an Nvidia 900, Don't go for a 290x, wait it out. If you can't wait and you want a 1080p card I'd go for a 970. The ram is a minor thing in the real world of 1080p gaming and not something I would be concerned with. If you must go for a 290/290x go with Sapphire, I made the mistake of getting an MSI 290x gaming and temps are bad, I looked into it and there's plenty of complaints about temps with MSI Twin frozer and ASUS DCUII models so avoid those. But as I said I wouldn't get a 290x I'd either wait or get the 970.

As the Anandtech link above shows the 970 is easily the winner for 1080p.
 
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I was in the same boat as you Went from a 7950 to a g1 970 and wasn't impressed. Had micro stutter without hitting the vram limit, low usage/fps, Arms 3 needed all settings turned down to get it playable, then there was the vram issue so as soon as I could return it I did. Temps and noise were great.

Got me a lightning after that and I'm much more pleased. Games are smoother, its Only Very slightly more audible than the 970, temps are the same and I've got full 4gig of vram.

Power difference is small. I tested both with a power Meter.
970 first column, 290x second column (Total System Power)

Idle (Desktop) 84w - 85w
Fire Strike Bench 295w - 330w
TR Bench 270w - 340w
Sniper E III Bench 290w - 350w
1 game of WoT 250w - 285w

Just my experience.
 
The 290x and 970 trade blows at 1080p, as shown in William-Mathew's link. If I had to choose between those two cards, I'd probably go for the 290x, for the extra peace of mind the true 4GB of vram brings. Overall though, if I were you, I'd probably save up the extra money to buy the 390x when it comes out.
 
Now that I am awaiting the gtx 780ti delivery, I have one question regarding the psu.

I have been running the OCZ Modxstream Pro 600W for the past 5 years and so far it has been excellent psu for me. It has two 12v rails each capable of providing 25amps.

Do you think it would be a good idea to change the psu to a new one before I install the 780ti in my rig? If so, could you please recommend a good quality psu?

Thanks :)
 
Dave2150 said:
+1.

If upgrading from a 3GB 7950 - you'll want at least 4GB of working memory on your next card.
Click to expand...

Good advice but I have already ordered GTX 780 Ti as stated in the above post and I am very happy with the purchase. If the 3GB Vram does come close to being fully utilised, I will just turn few settings down. I only game at 1080p 60hz.

Just need further advice regarding my current PSU if it needs replacing before I install 780Ti.

Thanks
 
Your PSU should do it but the age of it concerns me.

I would get something newer for peace of mind if anything else.
 
ALXAndy said:
Your PSU should do it but the age of it concerns me.

I would get something newer for peace of mind if anything else.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. I was reading that 780Ti requires 42amps on 12V rail.

I am thinking between these two Superflower PSUs but can't make up my mind lol


SuperFlower Leadex 650W
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-014-SF&tool=3


SuperFlower Golden Green HX 650W
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-004-SF&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=2057
 
I think either would be more than good enough tbh.

Oh and good choice on the GPU. That's exactly what I would buy in your situation.
 
ALXAndy said:
I think either would be more than good enough tbh.

Oh and good choice on the GPU. That's exactly what I would buy in your situation.
Click to expand...

Yeah the reason I went with 780Ti in the end was because it has more grunt power than either of the gpus listed in my OP and for £250 it is a steal. Plus I can always overclock it in future and get even more peformance out of games. I am perfectly happy with 1080p gaming :)
 
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