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Graphics card updgrade

davejh666

davejh666

davejh666

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Joined
17 Nov 2011
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1,511
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Timbucktoo
Hi all. A week ago I made a post in the general hardware about upgrading my complete system. This has changed now. Basically I was going to have to downsize my case due to me having to move my PC. I still have to move the PC, but I can keep my current case (CM Storm Stryker), so don't see the need to change everything. I still feel that my processor, motherboard and RAM are good for at least another year or so.

My full specs:

i5 3570k overclocked to 4.6ghz
TeamGroup Extreme 8gb DDR3 2133ghz
Asus Z77 Maximus V Gene
Corsair H100i watercooling kit
Intel SSD
Patriot SSD
Seagate 500gb HD
NZXT Hale 550W

And my graphics card is an Asus 7950 DCUII Top

So, I thought the obvious thing to upgrade is my graphics card. However, I am a little out of touch in the last few years with what to get, and would it really be worth it?

Been looking at the http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-259-EA&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1010

I would ideally like to get 2 to put them in SLI, but that would mean changing my PSU, and I could not afford to do that until about March/April next year, so would be one card now and then one at that time next year.

Is the 980 worth the extra over the 970. Would 2 x 980's be total overkill? Or am I worth holding on with what I have now?

Thanks for any advice!
 
Ah yeah forgot that. At the moment I only have an LG Flatron E2742 which is a 1080p 27" monitor.

However, I do want to get a new monitor for Christmas, but at the moment, until I can get the graphics card(s) sorted, am not sure what to get. Budget for a monitor will be £400, if that helps?
 
as 2 x 970 is overkill at 1080p just get a single 970 for now and another when you can afford it/get a larger res monitor.
 
As above, single 970 would suite you fine.

Take your pick of 970, they are all pretty much good cards.

Favourites tend to be Gigabyte, MSI and ASUS. The Galaxy card - http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-002-GX&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1010 - is also getting good comments.

The Inno3D looks amazing http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-041-IN&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1010

Decent cards will easily do 8000 on the memory and boost in the 1500 range while keeping quiet and temps around 60-63 degrees when gaming in a decent case with good airflow.
 
Cheers guys.

Monitor will definitely be got at Christmas time (present from the wife). I will get one 970 now then and another in March with a new PSU.

So, what monitor resolution should I be looking to get to run 2 x 970's? Any suggestions on an actual monitor? This is the one I have had my eye on: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MO-070-AC&tool=3

Thanks both for your help.
 
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tbh a single 970 will cope with 1440

It all depends how high the settings you want to run are really and what you consider to be acceptable levels of FPS.

People thing 60 fps on a 60Hz is fine where as I prefer playing with lower settings for higher fps.

Pick a monitor that best suits your needs, 120Hz for FPS gaming or higher resolution for everything else.
 
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