Opinion on midrange GPU choice

[August0110]

Hello everyone!
I am currently looking at a new graphics card, and and pretty stuck on which to choose! I currently have 4 GPU models; the Radeon R9-290 and the 290X and from Nvidia either the GTX 770 and the 780. 

It will mostly be used for gaming games like Skyrim and Theif, and alot of graphic-heavy games, and my goal performance is around 60+ FPS. I was mainly looking at the R9-290, but according to LinusTT video, it gets pretty hot and goes really loud under pressure, and since I am going for a silent build, would that be a bad choice? I wanted to get the most value for money, but should I save a bit more for either the 290X or the 780? Or will the 770 be enough for running games like skyrim and Theif in 1080p in ultra with AA enabled? 

Thanks in advance! 

[ShadowCaptain]

Personally I think get the 780, its a beast of a card

[Enderman]

GTX780 with aftermarket cooler overclocked to the max

[DoubleY]

I'd get a GTX 780. The R9 290(X) have a higher TDP than that 780 which means they need better cooling. So yes, it will run hotter and/or louder. 

I have played thief with my 780 and I used the Normal preset. Didn't really dip below 80FPS, so I'm guessing you could get away with High settings. 

[wng_kingsley7]

It will mostly be used for gaming games like Skyrim and Theif, and alot of graphic-heavy games, and my goal performance is around 60+ FPS. I was mainly looking at the R9-290, but according to LinusTT video, it gets pretty hot and goes really loud under pressure, and since I am going for a silent build, would that be a bad choice? I wanted to get the most value for money, but should I save a bit more for either the 290X or the 780? Or will the 770 be enough for running games like skyrim and Theif in 1080p in ultra with AA enabled? 

So how..though it's just my own opinion but you want a high end gpu (not what your title speaks to me but I'm just being picky...)

780 or R9 290 will suffice your needs. I would definitely suggest and aftermarket cooler however I think the recent 780-770 stock coolers are brilliant, R9 290 ain't bad but if only the shroud was constructed using a material with metal properties

[hardware_guy]

using a gtx 770 will be fine for Skyrim on ultra with AA, but if u have some extra money i would recommend getting a GTX 780, better performance and higher FPS on those setting u are wanting to play on. You could also go with AMD if u want to, but they do get pretty hot therefore running the fans at a higher speed and creating more noise. So i wouldn't recommend getting a R9 290/X with your build as you are trying to get a silence build. 

[Lord Pantaloons]

none of those are midrange GPU's.....

[AMD Lover]

none of those are midrange GPU's.....

Exactly what i was thinking. BTW, OP, a 770 and 760 are both good cards

[Tacitus]

Only the reference 290(x) runs loud/hot. A decent model like the Sapphire Tri-X or PowerColour PCS+ will run cool and quiet, perform neck-and-neck with a 780 and cost less.

[Vrbas]

Since when are 290s and 780s midrange? lol