New GPU hunt - Please assist

[CeePeeBee]

Hi all,

Brief background here...I've been running an HD7850 for a year or so with no problems. I've just grabbed 2 new monitors to use with a desk mount and thought I'd treat myself to a new GPU.

In the black Friday deals I managed to get hold of a Powercolor R9 290x for just £200. However as the more savvy of you will no doubt have guessed already, I'm not happy with it at all. Idle temps of 70 and a fan noise that is frankly akin to a Boeing taking off means I'm sending it back and in the lookout for something else.

Budget is £300 at most and my requirements are low noise and low temps. I'm happy to accept that at the cost of performance, as long as the card recommended gives a decent improvement over the HD7850 I have.

I've got a Seasonic 650w 80+ Gold PSU which seemed to deal with the 290x well enough for all of the 20mins I used it so I'm not expecting that to be an issue.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[mickyflinn]

GTX 970 is the way to go

 

[CeePeeBee]

That's exactly what I've done - awaiting response.

 

[r7slayer]

^ as above! Im guessing you got a reference 290x and yea they tend to be loud and run hot though they are designed to run that way. But if your not happy with the noise and the temps tho they are perfectly fine

970 is the best option. Its near enough on par with a 290x with a 290x being slightly faster however in real world terms not noticeable in games they are same performance.

So in short lol 970!

 

[Woodsta888]

I think nearly all 970's overclock very well too. All within an inch of a stock 980 some slightly more. It will be a very noticable upgrade from your 7850. There is no sacrifice of performance for coo and quiet with an OC'd 970. Whilst some 3rd aprty 290x's are cooler I'd only reccommend them to headphone gamers or water cooled setups.

 

[CeePeeBee]

Looks like as soon as I get my RMA endorsed, I'll be shipping cash for a 970.

 

[Neil79]

970 GTX! Oh yes