Graphics noob..need some help with GPU/PSU choice

[Dudleyboy123]

Hi there,

I'm looking to upgrade my old GPU for a new generation one and to get into some good quality PC gaming. These are the specs of my PC:

Video Card - Asus GeForce GTX 460 TOP 768MB
Hard Drive - Samsung SpinPoint F4 EcoGreen 2TB SATA-II 32MB Cache
SSD - Samsung SSD 840 EVO 250G
DVD Drive - Samsung SH-S223L/RSMN 22x DVD±RW SATA Lightscribe ReWriter x2
Case - Xigmatek Asgard Midi Tower Case
Motherboard - Asus P8P67 Intel P67 Mainboard
Processor - Intel CPU Core i5 2500K - 4.5 Ghz Unlocked Sandy Bridge
Memory - GeIL 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C9 1600MHz
Power Supply - BeQuiet Pure Power L7 530W Power Supply BN106

3 years old now..still runs fantastic but I want to upgrade the GPU, I've been looking at some and the R9 290 4GB seems like a great choice for a mid range card, especially at the £200 bracket.

The problem is, will it fit in the case I have now?

And will my PSU be able to cope with the load? Bear in mind it's only a 530W PSU so I'm not sure if it will cope with a R9 290 or other similiar cards?

I am currently using my 37 inch LG 3D LED TV as a monitor (I also have a Benq W1070 hooked up in my room to the PC for gaming and a basic 24 inch 1080p monitor as a backup). But will the R9 290 will be good for 1440p gaming in the future if I decide to get a 1440p monitor?

Thanks for looking, hopefully you guys can help a noob out!

 

[ChrisD.]

You may bottleneck a 290X with a 2500k.

 

[Dudleyboy123]

You may bottleneck a 290X with a 2500k.

What about the regular 290? I have a ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro Rev 2 so I can overclock if needed.

Didn't realise the 2500k was so out of date already!

 

[Marine-RX179]

You may bottleneck a 290X with a 2500k.

What about the regular 290? I have a ARCTIC Freezer 7 Pro Rev 2 so I can overclock if needed.

Didn't realise the 2500k was so out of date already!

Only in poorly threaded CPU intensive games (i.e. mmos, RTS)...otherwise nope.

However, your PSU (BeQuiet Pure Power L7 530W) is not good enough for the 290/290x.

I recall from Custom PC (bit-tech)'s review of the BeQuiet Pure Power L7 530W, of the 420W max output on the 12v rail, the unit that they tested was only able to deliver around 360~370W max stably on the 12v rail under stress.

 

[Dudleyboy123]

Only in poorly threaded CPU intensive games (i.e. mmos, RTS)...otherwise nope.

However, you PSU is not good enough for the 290/290x.

Ah right thanks for that.

Saw your edit, what PSU would be recommended?

 

[ChrisD.]

Only in poorly threaded CPU intensive games (i.e. mmos, RTS)...otherwise nope.

Depends on res as well. I was getting bottlenecks using a 2600K and two 290X's.

 

[Dudleyboy123]

Depends on res as well. I was getting bottlenecks using a 2600K and two 290X's.

Currently have 1080p projector, tv, monitor, so not a massive resolution lol

Although the new 1440p monitors look great, so it's tempting to upgrade to one of those too

 

[Marine-RX179]

Ah right thanks for that.

Saw your edit, what PSU would be recommended?

SuperFlower is the favourite around this forum in terms of bang for bucks and reliability. Have a look at the SuperFlower range here:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=123&subid=2057

EVGA is worth considering as well, as their OEM is SuperFlower as well, but you might like EVGA's awesome customer service and warranty:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?catid=123&groupid=701&sortby=priceAsc&subid=2390

Look for one around 600-750W if you have no plan on going crossfire in the future.

 

[Marine-RX179]

Depends on res as well. I was getting bottlenecks using a 2600K and two 290X's.

OP is only getting one 290/290x though

If we were talking about crossfire, then yea I would say the i5 2500K would definitely bottleneck at 1920 res.

 

[ChrisD.]

OP is only getting one 290/290x though

If we were talking about crossfire, then yea I would say the i5 2500K would definitely bottleneck at 1920 res.

Hence I said may. It's certainly worth being aware that there could be an issue with some games, and maybe ones in the future.

 

[Dudleyboy123]

SuperFlower is the favourite around this forum in terms of bang for bucks and reliability. Have a look at the SuperFlower range here:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=123&subid=2057

EVGA is worth considering as well, as their OEM is SuperFlower as well, but you might like EVGA's awesome customer service and warranty:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?catid=123&groupid=701&sortby=priceAsc&subid=2390

Look for one around 600-750W if you have no plan on going crossfire in the future.

Awesome thanks for that. I'm not a huge PC gamer so I doubt I'll be doing crossfire. Single card GPU is enough for me.

Another thing, the case I have isn't massive, would it fit the R9 290 card?
Is it much bigger than the GTX 460 I have now?

 

[Quartz]

The first thing you should do is upgrade your memory to 8 GB (adding 2x 2 GB) or 12 GB (adding 2x 4 GB) RAM and switch to 64 bit Windows if you're not already using it - you can use the same license key.

Don't waste your money on 1440p unless you're thinking of going for the 21:9 monitors. Stick at HD and upgrade to 4K when you can afford it.

The maximum GPU length for that case is 32 cm or 12.5 inches, which should be plenty, but if you're concerned, you can get GTX 970 cards which are short.

Do note that AMD are widely rumoured to be releasing their new GPU sometime soon which will drive Nvidia prices down.