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Should I upgrade my GPU + Monitor?

dt97583

dt97583

dt97583

Associate
Joined
26 Nov 2012
Posts
937
Hello,

Just a simple question really, I'm not one for upgrading parts all the time and the kit I've got has lasted me great. I'm not particularly unhappy with my setup but then again I've never seen what I could have. So just a simple question, is it worth me upgrading my GPU and monitor, and if so what to?

Current setup:

MSI 7950 @ 960 MHz
Dell UltraSharp U2312HM

i5 3570K @ 4.40GHz
Gigabyte Z77-D3H
Alpenfohn K2 CPU Cooler
8GB DDR3 1600MHz 11-11-28 Samsung Green
Intel 335 180GB
Seagate 500GB
Corsair RM650
Antec 300

My basic understanding of GPUs and what's around at the moment suggests a RX 480 or 1070, what monitor might go with these - assuming my current monitor isn't good enough or wouldn't show off what these cards could do? The only thing I'd add is my current setup is very quiet and I'd be looking to try and keep it that way if possible.

Main gaming use is FPS, Counter Strike etc

Is it worth waiting for Vega? Would you wait for a range of monitors up and coming assuming something great is on the horizon?

I've not got a fixed budget so I suppose I'm looking for the best bang for buck and nothing that's silly money.

Cheers
 
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In your situation, I would probably aim for a 1440p 27" (or greater) FreeSync or G-Sync monitor, coupled with the appropriate card.

I'm not sure when Vega is due out, though I don't think it's meant to be too terribly far off. In the meantime, I think the RX 500 cards are due out very soon so it may be worth waiting a short time to see how things shape up.

Since the GTX1080Ti has come out, the odd GTX1080 price has adjusted somewhat making it a worthwhile consideration if you can get one that isn't too much more over the cost of a GTX1070.

So, to sum up, either pick up an RX 480 and FreeSync monitor, but be prepared to turn some settings down or grab a well priced 1070/1080 along with a G-Sync screen (dearer of the two options). Alternatively, wait a bit longer and check out the RX 500 range and/or Vega - when it materializes.
 
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I went with 480 + LG 29'' (um68-p). Felt it was the best choice outside of crazy money territory (but still far from a "wow omg i cant believe this" experience from basic 1080p 60hz monitor, or otherwise). Had a 24'' 144hz before, and honestly even in CS:GO I couldn't tell you the difference outside of maybe a slight placebo; and in anything else - not at all. YMMV I think both Gsync&Freesync 144hz 1440p monitors are mostly OK priced, not TOO crazy, so those are worth a look at too. Ultimately though the only way to make a choice is to test both setups out, and that's what I'd recommend (and what I did). Outside of making sure you go for an IPS/VA panel, there's not much I can recommend too strongly tbh, but then maybe that's just me.
 
arc@css said:
I'm not sure when Vega is due out, though I don't think it's meant to be too terribly far off. In the meantime, I think the RX 500 cards are due out very soon so it may be worth waiting a short time to see how things shape up.
Click to expand...
Thanks arc@css - shows my lack of knowledge, I thought Vega meant RX 500 series, I'm just revisiting hardware after years of not paying attention.

arc@css said:
In your situation, I would probably aim for a 1440p 27" (or greater) FreeSync or G-Sync monitor
Click to expand...

Do any particular monitors stand out at the moment? Hold off for something great and upcoming?

arc@css said:
So, to sum up, either pick up an RX 480 and FreeSync monitor, but be prepared to turn some settings down or grab a well priced 1070/1080 along with a G-Sync screen (dearer of the two options). Alternatively, wait a bit longer and check out the RX 500 range and/or Vega - when it materializes.
Click to expand...
I'm happy to wait, I'm in no rush - it just feels like the right time to consider something, maybe a 'special deal' card with new ones coming out, or a new one which will last for another 5 years.
 
davidmt83 said:
Do any particular monitors stand out at the moment? Hold off for something great and upcoming?
Click to expand...

I'm not especially aware of anything on the horizon, though having said that I haven't really been keeping an eye on things either.

Very roughly, what is the upper end of what you'd be looking to spend on a screen?


You may find this site of use; it helped me when I was selecting a new screen. I think one of the chaps on there is a member of this forum.

https://pcmonitors.info/
 
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Poneros said:
I went with 480 + LG 29'' (um68-p). Felt it was the best choice outside of crazy money territory (but still far from a "wow omg i cant believe this" experience from basic 1080p 60hz monitor, or otherwise). Had a 24'' 144hz before, and honestly even in CS:GO I couldn't tell you the difference outside of maybe a slight placebo; and in anything else - not at all. YMMV I think both Gsync&Freesync 144hz 1440p monitors are mostly OK priced, not TOO crazy, so those are worth a look at too.
Click to expand...
Cheers Poneros

arc@css said:
Very roughly, what is the upper end of what you'd be looking to spend on a screen?
Click to expand...
Cheers, I don't really have a figure in mind, just something relative to my setup and potential GPU choice. I'm not a massive gamer (mainly work gets in the way) but equally I've played FPS for half my life so I don't mind chucking a bit of cash to it.
 
davidmt83 said:
Cheers, I don't really have a figure in mind, just something relative to my setup and potential GPU choice. I'm not a massive gamer (mainly work gets in the way) but equally I've played FPS for half my life so I don't mind chucking a bit of cash to it.
Click to expand...

This is just an example of what caught my eye and which seems to tick most boxes:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/acer...descreen-led-monitor-black-red-mo-095-ac.html


If you wanted, you could spend less and still get a good monitor for the money by opting for a TN panel. I can't really comment much on 21:9 screens or 4K because I have no experience of them, though I tend to hear more often than not that people have found 1440p to be their preferred choice. Your mileage might vary, of course.
 
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High refresh rate gets more important with more powerful gpu's 1070 or above look for 144hz

i got a dell s2716dg gsync and my 1070 now seems a lot better it was cripled at 60hz

night and day difference expensive but necesseray
 
Wait for Vega, then choose. 27" 1440p IPS Freesync is very nice. Money no object then go for a ultra wide Freesync 2 display.

The 1070 is around the same performance as the older 980Ti, both perform well upto 1440p/60Hz.
 
davidmt83 said:
Hello,

Just a simple question really, I'm not one for upgrading parts all the time and the kit I've got has lasted me great. I'm not particularly unhappy with my setup but then again I've never seen what I could have. So just a simple question, is it worth me upgrading my GPU and monitor, and if so what to?

Current setup:

MSI 7950 @ 960 MHz
Dell UltraSharp U2312HM

i5 3570K @ 4.40GHz
Gigabyte Z77-D3H
Alpenfohn K2 CPU Cooler
8GB DDR3 1600MHz 11-11-28 Samsung Green
Intel 335 180GB
Seagate 500GB
Corsair RM650
Antec 300

My basic understanding of GPUs and what's around at the moment suggests a RX 480 or 1070, what monitor might go with these - assuming my current monitor isn't good enough or wouldn't show off what these cards could do? The only thing I'd add is my current setup is very quiet and I'd be looking to try and keep it that way if possible.

Main gaming use is FPS, Counter Strike etc

Is it worth waiting for Vega? Would you wait for a range of monitors up and coming assuming something great is on the horizon?

I've not got a fixed budget so I suppose I'm looking for the best bang for buck and nothing that's silly money.

Cheers
Click to expand...
if your not one for upgrading often you got to choices

Get a 1440p monitor + GPU: run on High now & settle for Medium settings later, your upgrade cycle might need to be increased depending on how often you current upgrade.

Get a 1080P monitor + GPU: Cheaper,less upgrading & could get even higher refresh rate for same price.

id be doing this:
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/powe...ddr5-pci-express-graphics-card-gx-18c-pc.html
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/aoc-...descreen-led-monitor-black-red-mo-030-ao.html

or
https://www.overclockers.co.uk/lg-2...e-widescreen-led-monitor-black-mo-143-lg.html

Dont get me Wrong 1440p is Amazing, but if your still rocking a 7950. you dont upgrade too often, which depending on your Graphics wants you might need to do more often
 
Though one as Easter sale on some cracking monitors , specially Freesync which is far site cheaper then green team options . could wait till after for 580 and see how it does, currently sale on with the 480s but again, could drop after 580 but miners will get it all in one go.

If you don't mind a bit of cash, 1070 and G-sync :)

Also as others said worth going 1440p and 144hz as it should last you a while and creep up to mainstream in a few years .

Since you do a lot of work, most aftermarket's going with stop/start fans so should be off when your doing work based stuff :)
 
So I've narrowed it down to these sub £500, 27", 1440p, 144Hz monitors:

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £1,435.27
(includes shipping: £15.30)



​
I'll wait for the 500 series, and Vega too, although I guess this will be out of my price range.

Looks like eBay'ing my old monitor will get me about £100 back so not bad!

Thanks for all your help.
 
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