Getting my first video card, need help choosing.

[JohnnyVlie89]

I'm building my first gaming PC, I am looking at four video cards, and I just need opinions on all of them from people who know what they're talking about. Just looking for the best bang for for the buck.

1) http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127784

2) http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487115

3) http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500349

4) http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487114

 

[Tidekilla115]

Why are you so set on the gtx750? If you have the power supply to run it this is much better card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= right now you can get a 20$ newegg gift card if you get this card so that brings it down to 160$

 

[Tidekilla115]

The three 750's that are avaible above all cost more after shipping the issue with the 380 is it needs at least a 430w power supply and two 6 pin power connectors.

 

[CuriousMike]

I'd look at the refurb GTX 950
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487204&cm_re=gtx_950-_-14-487-204-_-Product

 

[JohnnyVlie89]

I'd look at the refurb GTX 950
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487204&cm_re=gtx_950-_-14-487-204-_-Product

I know this will probably sound really dumb, but what are the key differences?

 

[Elixer]

I'm building my first gaming PC, I am looking at four video cards, and I just need opinions on all of them from people who know what they're talking about. Just looking for the best bang for for the buck.

What games you play the most?
What are your full system specs?
What is your price range?
What resolution are you going to be playing?
What resolution is your monitor?

Without that info, it is impossible to tell you what to get.

 

[JohnnyVlie89]

What games you play the most?
What are your full system specs?
What is your price range?
What resolution are you going to be playing?
What resolution is your monitor?

Without that info, it is impossible to tell you what to get.

I'll be playing lots of games, everything from the classic old stuff, to new releases.
I don't have the system yet, but I'm matching it all to this video card more or less.
My price range for the card is under $200.
At least 1080p.
The monitor will be at least 1080p.

 

[topmounter]

GTX 960 or R9 380 or sit tight and wait for the new generation of cards.

 

[Elixer]

I'll be playing lots of games, everything from the classic old stuff, to new releases.
I don't have the system yet, but I'm matching it all to this video card more or less.
My price range for the card is under $200.
At least 1080p.
The monitor will be at least 1080p.

That is kinda backwards.
You should pick CPU & RAM & MOBO along with a quality PSU first, then, you can better match the GPU.

 

[JohnnyVlie89]

Why are you so set on the gtx750? If you have the power supply to run it this is much better card <a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202166&amp;nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&amp;cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&amp;cm_sp=&amp;AID=10446076&amp;PID=3938566&amp;SID=" target="_blank">http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202166&amp;nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&amp;cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&amp;cm_sp=&amp;AID=10446076&amp;PID=3938566&amp;SID=</a> right now you can get a 20$ newegg gift card if you get this card so that brings it down to 160$

<br />
That one is $300 Canadian.. way out of my price range.

 

[MrTeal]

If you're trying to stay at or under $200 Canadian, your best bet is a 950. It'll end up being over with shipping and taxes, but it should be pretty close including the rebate.
http://www.vuugo.com/computer-hardw...VGA-GTX950-M-2GD5.html?tracking=5108053939762

 

[Tidekilla115]

<br />
That one is $300 Canadian.. way out of my price range.

Ok sorry I was thinking us dollars lol I was wondering why the gtx750s were so high.

 

[Tidekilla115]

If you're trying to stay at or under $200 Canadian, your best bet is a 950. It'll end up being over with shipping and taxes, but it should be pretty close including the rebate.
http://www.vuugo.com/computer-hardw...VGA-GTX950-M-2GD5.html?tracking=5108053939762

And for that money he is right gtx950 is your best bet.

 

[JohnnyVlie89]

Ok sorry I was thinking us dollars lol I was wondering why the gtx750s were so high.

Haha yeah, a bit of a difference right now in our dollar sadly.

 

[digitaldurandal]

Haha yeah, a bit of a difference right now in our dollar sadly.

I think you are better off giving your budget for the entire rig and how often you think you will be upgrading. If you will be able to upgrade in a 12 to 24 months it may be better to spend a higher portion on the CPU MOBO RAM, get a livable GPU to last until you can upgrade it.

If that is not a real option I would recommend spending a higher portion on the GPU, avoid spending a large portion of your budget on an i7 unless you will have it as your system base for a long time and plan to upgrade the GPU in your system throughout that time.

Balancing your build is important in order to maximize the enjoyment you will get from the PC.

Happy building!

 

[JohnnyVlie89]

I think you are better off giving your budget for the entire rig and how often you think you will be upgrading. If you will be able to upgrade in a 12 to 24 months it may be better to spend a higher portion on the CPU MOBO RAM, get a livable GPU to last until you can upgrade it.

If that is not a real option I would recommend spending a higher portion on the GPU, avoid spending a large portion of your budget on an i7 unless you will have it as your system base for a long time and plan to upgrade the GPU in your system throughout that time.

Balancing your build is important in order to maximize the enjoyment you will get from the PC.

Happy building!

Thanks for the advice! I'll do the best I can to follow it.

 

[redzo]

GTX 960 or R9 380 or sit tight and wait for the new generation of cards.

He is already at bottom of the food chain budget wise. I'm pretty sure that it is going to take a while before this low end "puppies" are going to get replaced.

 

[beginner99]

He is already at bottom of the food chain budget wise. I'm pretty sure that it is going to take a while before this low end "puppies" are going to get replaced.

Polaris 11 will be first to market and it's the bottom end of new generation. Remaining question is price...I would wait. Worst case is that 960 and 380 will get cheaper best case is one polaris 11 variant is sub $200.

 

[Mercennarius]

Smartest thing you can do is delay purchasing a video card for a few weeks/months to save up for a better card. Your budget is really not high enough to get any card worth playing newer games at 1080P, and for just a little more you could get a significantly "faster" card. Also this summer new cards are expected to come out lowering the price of the current generation cards. Sit back, save up a bit more cash and then buy something you won't regret.

 

[tential]

I'll be playing lots of games, everything from the classic old stuff, to new releases.
I don't have the system yet, but I'm matching it all to this video card more or less.
My price range for the card is under $200.
At least 1080p.
The monitor will be at least 1080p.

I'm sorry OP that you've gotten so many terrible responses in this thread to your question.
The problem is, you are getting suggestions based on your GPU, and not on your actual situation, and I care more about you personally, than just recommending you a $200 GPU.

First off, you don't have the system, that means you have a LOT of flexibility.

Not a single person has talked to you about Freesync/Gsync.
Here is a QUICK explanation of Freesync as quick as humanly possible over Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ey-KObDABI
Essentially my one line explanation: It makes low FPS feel higher. As long as your FPS is above 40, it feels like 60 FPS.

Now, why do I pick Freesync+AMD for you over Nvidia+Gsync? Because you're a budget gamer, and in your price range, you can't afford a Gsync monitor.

Now we can help dial this in but for example you could get:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824160275&cm_re=freesync-_-24-160-275-_-Product
Then get an appropriate AMD GPU for $200.

I personally don't know the best places to shop for AMD GPUs in Canada, but this is your best option by far.

A Nvidia GPU with a basic no feature monitor will provide an unequivocally worse gaming experience. There is absolutely NO reason to go for an Nvidia GPU + nonGsync monitor over an AMD GPU +Freesync monitor. It's an epic mistake.

Now for which AMD card to get exactly or whether you should get one? Well, there are new cards coming out, but that's the future. I personally would suggest waiting but if you want to game now, I'd suggest buying a GPU with the intention of selling it. Kind of like a rental. You'll lose $20-30, but you'll be able to game.

It's really up to you and whether you can wait a couple of months to start PC gaming. The only bonus side is this will allow you to save money and get a better PC. In general, I suggest getting the beefiest core system you can surrounding your GPU, and then upgrade the GPU as you please. But I also don't know how much money you can put away or whether you're earning money, or if you're a student or what not, so more information = better recommendation.

 

[Headfoot]

Wait for the new cards in June/July. Just use the integrated graphics until then.

 

[kawi6rr]

I'm sorry OP that you've gotten so many terrible responses in this thread to your question.
The problem is, you are getting suggestions based on your GPU, and not on your actual situation, and I care more about you personally, than just recommending you a $200 GPU.

First off, you don't have the system, that means you have a LOT of flexibility.

Not a single person has talked to you about Freesync/Gsync.
Here is a QUICK explanation of Freesync as quick as humanly possible over Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ey-KObDABI
Essentially my one line explanation: It makes low FPS feel higher. As long as your FPS is above 40, it feels like 60 FPS.

Now, why do I pick Freesync+AMD for you over Nvidia+Gsync? Because you're a budget gamer, and in your price range, you can't afford a Gsync monitor.

Now we can help dial this in but for example you could get:
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824160275&cm_re=freesync-_-24-160-275-_-Product
Then get an appropriate AMD GPU for $200.

I personally don't know the best places to shop for AMD GPUs in Canada, but this is your best option by far.

A Nvidia GPU with a basic no feature monitor will provide an unequivocally worse gaming experience. There is absolutely NO reason to go for an Nvidia GPU + nonGsync monitor over an AMD GPU +Freesync monitor. It's an epic mistake.

Now for which AMD card to get exactly or whether you should get one? Well, there are new cards coming out, but that's the future. I personally would suggest waiting but if you want to game now, I'd suggest buying a GPU with the intention of selling it. Kind of like a rental. You'll lose $20-30, but you'll be able to game.

It's really up to you and whether you can wait a couple of months to start PC gaming. The only bonus side is this will allow you to save money and get a better PC. In general, I suggest getting the beefiest core system you can surrounding your GPU, and then upgrade the GPU as you please. But I also don't know how much money you can put away or whether you're earning money, or if you're a student or what not, so more information = better recommendation.

This here, well said sir!

 

[frozentundra123456]

That freesync monitor is 220.00. You could buy a 100 to 120 dollar normal monitor and put the money saved towards a more powerful gpu.

 

[digitaldurandal]

That freesync monitor is 220.00. You could buy a 100 to 120 dollar normal monitor and put the money saved towards a more powerful gpu.

Let's examine the facts
Tential - "I care more about you personally"
Everyone else - "so many terrible responses in this thread to your question"

Obviously he Tential has won this debate with facts and logic. How dare you point out that for the price of a freesync monitor vs a non freesync monitor he could get a GPU that actually drives 60fps. You should have argued that you love OP and therefor he should listen to you.

 

[kommisar]

Bang for buck I would recommend a used radeon 7970. They seem to sell for ~$120. They will smoke a gtx 950 and even a r9 380 in most games. No free sync but you can't afford that in the budget leagues anyway. In addition, you can get windows XP drivers for them in case you need to go retro dual boot for your older games. Be warned that these cards are big and take two pcie power connectors.