Active Sync and AMD/NVIDIA Cards

[AndyT]

So...

Having been out of the loop for a long while, I was looking at upgrading, and going the whole hog with new CPU (from I5 2500K, will need new MoBO too), GPU (from ATI 7970) and monitor (from 24", 1920x1200, 60Hz) etc.

Unfortunately, I seem to have got the urge to upgrade at the wrong time as the market looks a bit messy with mining shortages and a lack of competition from AMD etc...

I was wanting to go balls-deep and buy a big 27" + monitor with Active Sync tech at 1440P; however, my options appear to be:

A. Incredibly expensive, but high performing NVIDIA card (1070+) with a choice of a small selection of also *incredibly* expensive GSync screens
B. Less expensive, but somewhat comparatively tepid AMD card (Rx 580 or VEGA) with a larger selection of cheaper FreeSync screens.
C. Stick with what I've got, there aren't that many good games out anyway...

Option A just seems too expensive at this moment in time.
Option B seems like a bit of compromise that will still be very expensive.
Option C - I am talking myself into Option C...

Basicially - Is ActiveSync that good? Would I be seriously missing out by not getting GSync with an NVIDIA card? Is it the case that if you want to go NVIDIA you also just have to suck up the price of a GSync monitor too? If this is the case, then I will probably just wait until the next new big game release (BF5 or something).

 

[AndyT]

OK, cheers; however do you think active sync is no-brainer for a modern card? I.e, would I be missing out on a key part of the gaming experience by not making use of a monitor feature designed for powerful cards? Bit of a tricky question really as you end up tying yourself to a particular OEM by virtue of your monitor...

EDIT: In terms of monitors, I'm actually quite disappointed in what's available in the 27" 1440p, high refresh rate (120, 144Hz) range. Anything affordable, i.e. < 400GBP seems to be adorned with some god-awful red plastic trim or a similar weird gamer style look to it. I was hoping for something a little more subdued for the office. I'd like to avoid downscaling a 4K monitor to 1440P too. I doubt any card I buy will be capable of 4K high/ultra for e.g. BF1/BF5 etc.

 

[AndyT]

I think I will wait it out for a bit yet. My idea this time last year was to wait for affordable and well supported VR, might stick with that idea and play the long game.

BF1/Witcher/GTA V are still decent enough on the 7970 at 1920 x 1200. Just hope the new middle earth game doesn't suck a Pompey whopper on it.

Question still stands though - how amazing is gsync/freesync and is it worth it?