GPU upgrade to what?

[Meddling-Monk]

Hi all,

Would like to get some thoughts on what to upgrade towards when I get the opportunity.

Currently have a 7950 3GB (900mhz core 1250 ram) paired up with a 4930k (4.2ghz) and plenty of RAM (64GB).

Not playing that much, but of the last couple of games, there is noticable slowing down or reduced frame rate at 1080p (with all settings on) and 1440 on games that work on that resolution as well.

Dead or Alive 5 Last Round (1080p)
XCOM 2 (1440)
Mass Effect : Andromeda (1080)

Wondering what everyone's thoughts are on a graphics card that is a noticable upgrade from the 7950, that hopefully won't break the bank (like Vega would right now), last around a year (I'll be doing a proper upgrade then), and most importantly - is cool and quiet.

Was thinking the AMD RX 480/580 8GB series possibly, but could I get away with something less? And importantly, something I can grab now. (no Members Market, so stuck watching ebay, and we all know how things go there)

Oh, overclocking the GPU isn't an option unfortunately, I've tried, and hit 1100/1250, but gain 3-6 frames in ME:A and XCOM2 only (but hit 84+C from 68C), so that's not really an option.

Open to AMD and NVidia options, so if anything is suitable over at NVidia, please do suggest it.

Looking to go between £120-£180. Not willing to go higher than that really (which leaves the 580 out really, but just putting down what I was aiming towards originally) as if I go higher, might as well ditch for the Vega/1070+ class of cards at that point.

Thanks all.

 

[malachi]

I would go with a GTX 1060 3GB which is around £180 but if you can stretch an extra £60. I would go with a RX 580 or GTX 1060 6GB, the extra ram will help. 2nd hand route is also an option.

Either way, you will see a big improvement over the 7950.

 

[greatash]

at that price I think the 1060 3gb is the only option. anything less is not much of a step up from a 7950.

470/570 would have been a good choice if not for mining doubling their price

 

[GTiPUG]

Stretch to £200 for reference 980ti second hand? Seen a few for that price on Reddit classifieds.

 

[Mr Krugga]

A used GTX 980 would be right within the budget. Or try stretching to GTX 980 Ti if you can.

New cards are not really worth it due to mining inflation.

3GB of VRAM is a bit on the low side for 1440p gaming.

 

[Panos]

at that price I think the 1060 3gb is the only option. anything less is not much of a step up from a 7950.

470/570 would have been a good choice if not for mining doubling their price

3Gb will bottleneck all the games you mentioned above. XCOM2 bottlenecks even the FuryX.

Get a second hand 980Ti. They go for around ~200.

 

[greatash]

3Gb will bottleneck all the games you mentioned above. XCOM2 bottlenecks even the FuryX.

Get a second hand 980Ti. They go for around ~200.

980tis go for around 300 on the popular auction site, not 200. 970s seem to be the only ones under 200 but personally id get a new card over that, 1060 3gb is only 500mb less

 

[Panos]

980tis go for around 300 on the popular auction site, not 200. 970s seem to be the only ones under 200 but personally id get a new card over that, 1060 3gb is only 500mb less

No point to buy 970. Get a 290X/390X with non reference cooler. Is faster.

 

[greatash]

If you can find one due to mining

290s going used for the same price they were new years ago

 

[Meddling-Monk]

Thanks everyone, I had already guessed that if I wanted to hit a new card with performance gains I'd need to hit the RX 580 or higher if I were to try going higher without hitting Vega/1080+ card prices and performance (and being in availablility "soon" too - Damn miners *shakes fist as miners*).

If I were to push it to ~£240 (~£60 more top price) for a RX580 8GB (and that's really as far as I'm willing to go, any more and I might as well hold off longer for a full system upgrade or go full save for the next series of cards), is there anything over on NVidia that would be in competion with it? And if by going to a new RX580 8GB would the 290X/390X, 970/980 be something to keep an eye out for still if second hand? (Price vs Performance vs Warranty on a new card, etc)

Thanks all!