[OsirisX]

So I've finally decided to buy a new graphics card but I'm having trouble deciding between a few. I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to hardware so I'm looking for some sage advice. First, here are my system specs...

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium x64 SP1
Monitor: 23" Acer S231HL
Monitor Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Motherboard: EVGA Intel X58 SLI3
Processor: Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield Quad-Core
Memory: 24GB (6 x 4GB) Patriot G Series 'Sector 5" Edition

I previously had a EVGA GeForce GTX 460 SuperClocked, so I'm looking for something that is better/faster than that (and around $200-300 if possible). Here are four cards I found on Newegg that I've been going between but if you know of/find one that is better please don't hesitate to post it!

1.) EVGA 012-P3-2078-KR
2.) EVGA 012-P3-1572-AR
3.) EVGA 02G-P3-1568-KR
4.) MSI N560GTX-Ti Twin Frozr II 2GD5/OC

I appreciate any and all assistance greatly! Thank you in advance!

Edited by OsirisX, 06 May 2012 - 11:03 AM.

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Hi OsirisX

Couple of questions for you, what power supply unit (PSU) do you have and what is the main use of the computer gaming, 3D work, video editing/rendering etc?

Performance to price ratio the GTX570 is the best card that your budget allows but the performance of the GTX480 is not much different but is almost $100 less expensive, see the attached benchmarks for guidance;

http://www.videocard...GeForce GTX 480
http://www.videocard...GeForce GTX 570

[phillpower2]

Hi OsirisX

Couple of questions for you, what power supply unit (PSU) do you have and what is the main use of the computer gaming, 3D work, video editing/rendering etc?

Performance to price ratio the GTX570 is the best card that your budget allows but the performance of the GTX480 is not much different but is almost $100 less expensive, see the attached benchmarks for guidance;

http://www.videocard...GeForce GTX 480
http://www.videocard...GeForce GTX 570

[OsirisX]

Hey phillpower2! Thanks for responding!

This is the PSU I bought from Newegg: Raidmax RX-730SS.

The main use for my computer would definitely be gaming. I'd like to be able to run any of the new 2011-2013 games at their highest settings, or at least come close. With the card I have now I'm able to run Battlefield 3 on high and get about 30-40 FPS but any higher and my FPS drops dramatically, between 5-20 FPS. So I'd like to bump up to that ultra setting (and hopefully not just for Battlefield, but for the up-and-coming games for a year or two as well).

Also, from the look of it the 480 and 570 seem like far better choices than what I was looking at. I'll contemplate these a little bit and wait for your input.

Edited by OsirisX, 06 May 2012 - 10:34 AM.

[phillpower2]

Hey OsirisX

Thanks for the additional info

Couple of guidance points for you regarding choosing a PSU;
1: You are investing a lot of cash in your new rig so do not risk it blowing up by using a poor quality PSU, choose a proven good brand such as Antec, Corsair or Seasonic.
2: Decide on all other hardware components before choosing a PSU.
3: Use a PSU calculator like the example @ http://www2.corsair.com/psufinder/ Newegg also have one you can use.

Check the attached links to help you choose a good quality brand PSU http://www.10stripe....d/psu/brand.php
http://forum.pcmech....ide-inside.html
http://www.realhardt...vos/Page541.htm

[OsirisX]

Thanks! I'll take that into consideration when purchasing a new PSU! That website will definitely come in handy later on!

I actually already ran through it a couple times and without overclocking anything it was deeming I needed a PSU with a maximum of 650W. The one I purchased has a maximum of 730W, and even if it's an off-brand, it's been working like a charm for over a year and a half I'd say. Anyway, when I have extra cash to spare I'll take your advice and get an on-brand that I can better rely on in the long run.

In the mean time I'm going to save my cash for one of the graphic cards you mentioned. I think I'll probably wind up going for the 480 since, like you said, it doesn't differ in specs all that much and is $100 cheaper.

One last question -- do you think the 480 will allow me to play the higher-end PC games (Battlefield 3, Diablo III, Starcraft II, Crysis 3, etc...) at their maximum settings and still give me around 30 FPS? If so, it will be the one!

[iammykyl]

Some benchmarks, take into account the resolution of your monitor.
http://www.overclock...0_review/12.htm
http://www.techpower...GTX_570/10.html
http://www.anandtech...-in-the-gaps/10

GTX480 Ref card info, http://www.geforce.c.../specifications

[OsirisX]

Thank you iammykyl! That should help solving my question! I appreciate the assistance!

Edited by OsirisX, 07 May 2012 - 05:03 PM.