[Vadigor]

I'm in the process of replacing my desktop and I'm currently looking into GPUs. The build guide seems to feature mostly Nvidia cards while the ATI cards listed on it have all been discontinued.

I'm rather partial to ATI myself so here's an overview of the range I've been looking at. Prices are for XFX DD/OC editions.

• 7750 - 70£ - 2GB, 800 MHz, 512 streams
• 7850 - 140£ - 2GB, 860 MHz, 1024 streams
• 7870 - 200£ - 2GB, 1050MHz, 1280 streams
• 7950 - 220£ - 3GB, 800 Mhz, 1792 streams
• 7970 - 300£ - 3GB, 1000MHz, 2048 streams

My current build lasted me for over 3 years and probably would have reached 4 years if I hadn't gotten this build into my head. It still houses a 4830 so I suppose I'm not the most demanding sort. As such, I feel like the more expensive cards here may simply not be worth it, but I'd welcome other opinions. I'm looking at getting the most bang for my buck and going for a build that's somewhat futureproof. My 4830 can still run nearly all current games, even though jog might be a better word so the 7850 might simply be enough for me.
EDIT: Found the 7750 and added it to the list but this seems a bit too budget-oriented for me.

If you think I'm better off with Nvidia I'd like to hear why. I'm out of touch with the hardware scene so if prices will be going down soon, if a new model is nearing release or if there's anything else I should consider before buying I'd like to hear it.

 

[Tyree]

Re: Best GPU Value/Money

The choice would depend on your budget and the PSU you use.
Nvidia or AMD is a personal choice and either will be compatible with newer Mobo's.
Sapphire or Asus are the better brand choice for AMD chipped GPU's.
EVGA or Asus for Nvidia chipped.

 

[toothman]

Re: Best GPU Value/Money

Most video cards occupy a good cost/performance point, so the most important information should be your budget and your specific games. Individual games will often favor certain cards. Look up benchmarks for the games most important to you to get an idea of which card is best for your budget.

 

[Vadigor]

Re: Best GPU Value/Money

The choice would depend on your budget and the PSU you use.

My issue is that my budget is flexible: I'm looking for the best long-term choice. Still, I suppose that the extra 1GB memory in the 7950 may not be worth the extra 80 pounds compared to the 7850. I'll look at some more benchmarks and report back.

Sapphire or Asus are the better brand choice for AMD chipped GPU's.

Hmm, I'm somewhat partial to XFX. That brand was recommended to me before and it's what I've been running for over 3 years. Where would Sapphire or Asus outperform them? Price, quality, performance, service?

Most video cards occupy a good cost/performance point, so the most important information should be your budget and your specific games. Individual games will often favor certain cards. Look up benchmarks for the games most important to you to get an idea of which card is best for your budget.

Good advice, but I'm not a dedicated MW3, BF3 or WoW gamer, I'll play whatever I can get my hands on so game-specific benchmarks aren't really relevant to me.

 

[Tyree]

Re: Best GPU Value/Money

It's not a question of one brand out performing another. Any brands with the same chipset/specs will perform pretty much equal. We recommend Sapphire & Asus because of their quality, reliability and support.
If you want to go with another XFX, your money-your choice.
Benchmarks are fine for general evaluation but bear in mind they are just numbers.

 

[Vadigor]

Re: Best GPU Value/Money

I understand. I've read about some horrible experiences people have had with XFX lately and I must say it gives me pause. At the same time, isolated experiences are just that and I suppose any company can drop the ball on its RMA at times.

With that in mind, I took another look at my options (see attachment). While my budget is flexible and I can easily afford a Sapphire 7970, it just doesn't seem worth it over the very competitively priced XFX 7850. The math comes out to a 240% price level for a theoretical performance increase of less than 200%. Real world performance will likely be a great deal less. For that money, I can simply buy another budget card in a year's time if performance becomes an issue. Considering I lasted over 3 years with an even cheaper card (4830), this should save me more than 150 pounds.

Now that I've likely settled on the 7850, I believe I'll stick with the XFX. I simply can't justify the extra 25 to 30 pounds for an Asus or Sapphire model. As I've said, I'm not restricted to a certain budget, but I don't have money to burn.

 

[Tyree]

Re: Best GPU Value/Money

Best of luck.

 

[toothman]

My roommate uses that same card and my 6950 is just below identical. We're both more than satisfied.

 

[Vadigor]

My roommate uses that same card and my 6950 is just below identical. We're both more than satisfied.

Good to know. Thanks for the input everyone.