New videocard for first gaming rig

[boboftw]

Hi guys,

I just bought the parts for my new gaming rig a couple days ago:
i5-4670k
Asus Z87-A
8 Gigs G.Skill Sniper
XFX Pro 550 Watts

and I was still deciding on a video card. My budget is around $250ish and I will be gaming in 1080p.

1. I've been looking up prices on the internet and the best deal seem to be AMD cards, specifically the 7950, 7970. Are there any Nvidia cards that can compete at their current price points?

2. Prices of 7950s and 7970s. On newegg the 7950s are $220+. The cheapest 7970 I could find is the Sapphire 7970 OC It is $309.99 but there is a $20 rebate and a $30 coupon code so it becomes $260ish AR. Buy this over a 7950?

3. My PSU should be able to handle a 7970 correct?

Thanks!!

 

[raghu78]

yeah your psu should be fine. the sapphire HD 7970 OC for USD 260 after promo code and rebate is a steal. :thumbsup:

sapphire HD 7950 for USD 220 AR is also a good option

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814202026

 

[Stuka87]

Either is a good choice. An OC'ed 7950 (Assuming it cools well. Do NOT get an XFX card) will easily match or slightly beat a 7970.

The Sapphire cards are a great choice. And your PSU will be fine.

 

[Shmee]

I would go with the 7970 deal, and OC it! Your PSU should be just fine for a single card.

 

[tweakboy]

The 7950 would be great with your rig. gl

 

[TY-1]

Get the Sapphire 7970 OC is a great card. Even though it comes with a factory Overclock you can still bump up the core clocks a bit more (about 20%). Your PSU is cutting it a little close if you want to try bumping the overclock up, but overall you should be fine.

 

[Essence_of_War]

1. I've been looking up prices on the internet and the best deal seem to be AMD cards, specifically the 7950, 7970. Are there any Nvidia cards that can compete at their current price points?

The GTX 760 trades blows with the HD7950 in benches and edges it out a bit, but the 7950 should be about $30 cheaper (~$250 vs. ~$220)

Similarly, the GTX 770 and HD7970 are pretty close in the benches...but while the 7970 can be had for around ~$300 AR etc, the 770 is consistently closer to $400 right now.

You might check to see if there has been a price drop on the GTX 680 or the 670...but they're usually ~$360-370 or ~$290-300 so they still don't line up super well with AMD'd cards in performance/$ right now.