Spec-Me: Capable, but not extreme. Affordable, but not budget. Casual gaming.

[dangermouse425]

I'm looking to upgrade my monitor to a large 4k, or near-4k Ultrawide, for some impressive gaming visuals. My current GPU limits me to 2560x1600.

I've not bought a GPU since 2011/12 or so, hence the age of my current GPU. I think the rest of my system will be fine, so just looking at upgrading my GPU to cope with a new display. There is a confusing amount of choice and I don't really know what I need to spend.

I want something that will comfortably play at high, if not extreme, settings on a 4k screen. I play games like Skyrim, Fallout, Witcher 3. I know they're not new games with crazy demands, but I also want to be able to play newer games as and when they come out.

What kind of budget should I be looking at? Any recommendations on specific cards that you think may be suitable?

For reference, monitor spec-me thread: here

UPDATE: I have purchased an Acer 34" XR341CK. It's a 3440x1440 monitor at 75Hz with Freesync. Just need to buy a GPU that'll run it now!

 

[dangermouse425]

Ok totally patronising answer incoming.


TLDR
Don't go 4K

You're querying 4k but being mindful of a 'budget' these are currently mutuallly exclusive if talking about 60fps on ultra/high on AAA titles.

Consider that resolution takes a back bench compared to ultrawide which is far more immersive. You'll have less pixels to push too so either get more FPS or be able to do so with a less powerful or less expensive GPU.

A great resolution is 3440 x 1440

Not patronising at all, mate. I appreciate the response.

I think I'd be happy with a non-4k UW, because I like the idea of a large impressive screen for the immersive experience and spectacle of it, rather than the highest resolution one I can get. I suppose that means I can get a less expensive GPU. What would you recommend if I were to go with that? Both in terms of GPU and monitor?

Probably should have done this on a certain sale day they had on a rainforest themed site recently because I saw a few UWs at a decent price. Oh well!

 

[dangermouse425]

UPDATE: I have purchased an Acer 34" XR341CK. It's a 3440x1440 monitor at 75Hz with Freesync. Just need to buy a GPU that'll run it now!

I'm thinking a Radeon 5700 XT based on several suggestions in this thread.

 

[dangermouse425]

Samsung C49RG90, if you're going then go balls deep into UW man




5700XT is a good choice, I make it work with 5120x1440 so 3440 shouldn't be much of an issue most of the time

Briefly considered it, but thought it was a bit too extreme! I was moments away though...