$900 7900XTX vs 1.5k 4090

[Phoenix864]

Looking for a little advice on which card to choose - both cards are on the local used market and would be purchased in-person. I haven't head back from the seller of the $1500 USD 4090 (messaged yesterday), but have heard back from multiple sellers with 4090s listed between $1650-1750 USD (all AIBs selling for just under MSRP). A reference 7900XTX has also just popped up for $900, and the seller included pictures to verify no thermal problems. This has me very tempted, but I'm really on the fence about pulling the trigger on something before hearing back about the $1500 4090. Any recommendations on what's the best value would be much appreciated.

[Applefreak]

15 minutes ago, Phoenix864 said:

Looking for a little advice on which card to choose - both cards are on the local used market and would be purchased in-person. I haven't head back from the seller of the $1500 USD 4090 (messaged yesterday), but have heard back from multiple sellers with 4090s listed between $1650-1750 USD (all AIBs selling for just under MSRP). A reference 7900XTX has also just popped up for $900, and the seller included pictures to verify no thermal problems. This has me very tempted, but I'm really on the fence about pulling the trigger on something before hearing back about the $1500 4090. Any recommendations on what's the best value would be much appreciated.

I wouldn't trust any of them. Why would someone sell a card that is practically new for well below it's value? If they were low in cash, they could just have returned it. I assume it is some sort of a SCAM. If you want one of those cards, buy new ones or get one that is in your price range. In many cases, buying used means buying out of warranty. Even if the seller can provide a receipt, the shop or the manufacturer may refuse your claim.

[SassyPants]

What Applefreak said but also. 

 

What is your workload? ltt (TQ Should You Buy A Radeon RX 7900?) practically did a head to head for you depends on what you need, and what you will use it for? 

[WereCat]

I was and still am constantly checking 2nd hand market and I can say that at least 50% of the listings in the last 2-3y are just a scam. I suggest only either shopping somewhere where you are well protected as a buyer or just looking at local listings where you can go check the stuff and test it personally before purchasing it.

[Phoenix864]

Thanks all for the advice - just to reiterate, all these cards are local and I will have the opportunity to inspect them in-person before buying.

 

The sellers all listed plausible reasons for selling their cards. The 7900XTX seller jumped on a 4090 after the return window ended for the 7900XTX. The $1650 4090 seller said they didn't like the look of the card, but were only able to get another 4090 after the original return window ended. The $1500 4090 seller is the most suspicious, not proving any photos of the card and just saying that they need cash quickly. Maybe I'm just naive, but at least the first two sellers seem to be legit.

 

I'd be using the card pretty much exclusively for gaming, at least for the moment (no plans for productivity use). SassyPants - unfortunately I can't access the video as I'm not a Floatplane member. The incredible all-around performance of the 4090 has been a big draw for me, but the price is still terrible, even 2nd hand. At $900, a 7900XTX isn't too much of a bump compared to inflation-adjusted 1080TI pricing.

[Phoenix864]

As a follow-up, the Microcenter near me just got a $1650 4090 back in stock (1750 with tax). I could either jump on that right away, grab the 2nd hand 4090 and save $100, or stick with the used 7900XTX for $900. I'm currently leaning toward the used 7900XTX (will likely drive out today to pick it up). However, it being a reference card has given me some pause. Based on a photo from the seller, the junction temps look fine, but it is still a reference cooler. It also lacks the 3x8 power connectors offered by AIBs, which seem to be somewhat impactful in providing additional OC headroom for the 7900XTX.

 

I can make the cost of the 4090 work, but have been asking myself if it's worth the $750+ cost over the 7900XTX. On the plus side, you get incredible performance, Nvidia software, and no issues with coolers/power delivery. Any recommendations/advice would be appreciated.

[xg32]

100dollars is not savings if it's used, ur taking a huge risk, just buy from mc, 4090 is a better deal than the xtx

[Phoenix864]

17 minutes ago, xg32 said:

100dollars is not savings if it's used, ur taking a huge risk, just buy from mc, 4090 is a better deal than the xtx

The 4090 at Microcenter is going to be $~850 more than the used 7900XTX. I can make that work (though not crazy about the price) - I love the performance of the 4090, but am on the fence if it's worth almost 2x more. Just to be clear, you'd say the new 4090 is definitely worth the price jump?

 

I'll be using the card pretty much just for gaming, hopefully 200+ fps 1440p or 144hz 4k. I don't have huge plans for ray tracing (never used before as I'm currently on a GTX1080), but would like to get into it. Control and the Witcher 3 are the only titles I have that I know have ray tracing, but that's likely to expand in the future.

[xg32]

21 minutes ago, Phoenix864 said:

The 4090 at Microcenter is going to be $~850 more than the used 7900XTX. I can make that work (though not crazy about the price) - I love the performance of the 4090, but am on the fence if it's worth almost 2x more. Just to be clear, you'd say the new 4090 is definitely worth the price jump?

 

I'll be using the card pretty much just for gaming, hopefully 200+ fps 1440p or 144hz 4k. I don't have huge plans for ray tracing (never used before as I'm currently on a GTX1080), but would like to get into it. Control and the Witcher 3 are the only titles I have that I know have ray tracing, but that's likely to expand in the future.

we haven't had a top card that's linear in price/performance compared to the other cards since the 1080ti, and the 4090 is just that, if the xtx and drivers wasn't so buggy i'd say it's a tie (amd uses the old 8pin connectors and thats a positive)

 

As it is you are getting your money's worth with either card, but i'd only buy the AIB models which starts at 1100usd,  downside for amd is troubleshooting on a brand new xtx (i'm still on april 2022 drivers for the 6950xt cause the new drivers were trying to brick my card)