GPU value to performance

[Kalmado]

I would like to open a discussion about gpu value to performance. I recently have been building computers for people requesting them and when shopping parts the graphics card is one thing that seems tricky to get the most bang for your buck. As an example, yesterday newegg had on a shellshocker sale the EVGA 750 1gb for $72 after promo code and rebate. Seems like a great deal right?! But is it really worth it to spend the extra money for say a R7 260?

 

One thing many people refer to is tom's gpu chart for reference. How much stock should we take from this chart?

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

 

If I am strictly following the chart, the 7850 2gb I picked up a few months ago for $79 after rebate is a MASSIVE value over the gtx 660 which after rebate and promo right now can be found for $126.

 

I currently have in my gaming rig a MSI TF 770 2gb with a 3570k and 8gb 1866. I play games at 1080p and have zero issue maxing anything. I asked myself what the point would be to "upgrade" unless I would be moving to a 1440 monitor or 4k tv.

 

Please share your thoughts on how you determine the value of a gpu justifies the cost and any other things that we could benefit from when purchasing a gpu!

 

[I/O]

I would like to open a discussion about gpu value to performance. I recently have been building computers for people requesting them and when shopping parts the graphics card is one thing that seems tricky to get the most bang for your buck. As an example, yesterday newegg had on a shellshocker sale the EVGA 750 1gb for $72 after promo code and rebate. Seems like a great deal right?! But is it really worth it to spend the extra money for say a R7 260?

Stay away for the 750 is a slug.

If I am strictly following the chart, the 7850 2gb I picked up a few months ago for $79 after rebate is a MASSIVE value over the gtx 660 which after rebate and promo right now can be found for $126.

 

A 7850 for 80 bucks is a hell of a value.

 

[ForsakenLive]

Benchmarks have a lot going on, test system, OC and settings, game settings, game runs (the way you benchmark). They will vary over different systems and situations, take them as a reference point, not a fact that you will get that or near that amount of performance. Also you have to learn how to read them, who cares if the max fps is 80 if that GPU will drop on several occasions to 20fps (min fps).

Regarding that chart, Tom's Hardware is an ok site for checking numbers, as they go through a massive amount of hardware, but I wouldn't trust them to decide where I spend my money; they are just not that reliable.

 

IMO the cost of the GPU depends on how much do you care about the graphics performance and what your system is, if you are on 1080p (60hz) and don't really plan to move to something better for the next 2+ years, then picking up a GPU over $350 seems pretty silly tbh.

[Kalmado]

Stay away for the 750 is a slug.

A 7850 for 80 bucks is a hell of a value.

Thanks for the reply. I'm running the 7850 with a G3258 oc'd to 4.2 and running fraps with Crysis 2 maxed I usually stay around the high 40s to 50s. I'm very impressed with it. Right now I have one G3258, a bunch of 1600 ram, a MSI Z87-G41 and G45 as well as a MSI Z97 PC Mate board to play with. Debating what card I should pair with it. The 660 I mentioned is a MSI, but that price compared to a 270 for $15 more (with 2 free games) makes it a hard decision.

 

I was debating on getting the MSI R7 260 at only $72 just to play with it, but it's only 1gb.

[I/O]

Benchmarks have a lot going on, test system, OC and settings, game settings, game runs (the way you benchmark). They will vary over different systems and situations, take them as a reference point, not a fact that you will get that or near that amount of performance. Also you have to learn how to read them, who cares if the max fps is 80 if that GPU will drop on several occasions to 20fps (min fps).

 

IMO the cost of the GPU depends on how much do you care about the graphics performance and what your system is, if you are on 1080p (60hz) and don't really plan to move to something better for the next 2+ years, then picking up a GPU over $350 seems pretty silly tbh.

If you want 60fps min in as many games as possible with the asserance that you will have the GPU power to play any game you want at that level of performance then yes a high end GPU is absolutely necessary @ 1080P.

Thanks for the reply. I'm running the 7850 with a G3258 oc'd to 4.2 and running fraps with Crysis 2 maxed I usually stay around the high 40s to 50s. I'm very impressed with it. Right now I have one G3258, a bunch of 1600 ram, a MSI Z87-G41 and G45 as well as a MSI Z97 PC Mate board to play with. Debating what card I should pair with it. The 660 I mentioned is a MSI, but that price compared to a 270 for $15 more (with 2 free games) makes it a hard decision.

 

I was debating on getting the MSI R7 260 at only $72 just to play with it, but it's only 1gb.

That 7850 is faster than the 260 plus it has more Vram.

[Kalmado]

That 7850 is faster than the 260 plus it has more Vram.

Absolutely, but it will be gone soon! If/when I see the deal on the 7850 again I will be getting as many as the rebate allows. I was actually a little disappointed with my personal gaming rig after messing with the one housing the G3258/7850 as it performed really well and was a fraction of what I paid for mine.

 

I really enjoy actually testing the parts and systems. It's fun to me and nothing beats a first hand experience. I'm very curious on just how far one could push that 260. To me, that would determine the true value.

[a_block_of_wood]

Personally I would try to calculate the "total cost of ownership" of the card, if you can call it that. I realize a lot of people do not care about their electric bill, either they do not pay for it themselves, or just happen to forgot that it's a factor.

 

For example, let say I am an avid gamer that games 30 hours a week where my gpu runs at full power. An older, less efficient gpu that used an extra 100 watt power (remember to add in the efficiency of the psu as well) would cost me RM243 (US$76) extra in bills 3 years down the road. If I build the computer from scratch, I would have to fork out extra money for a higher wattage PSU as well, not to mention extra room cooling cost.

 

I know everyone's situation is different, but power consumption should not be forgotten.

 

I still remember years ago when I tried running folding@home 24/7 but I forgot that it actually uses power, and that look on my dad's face when he received the electric bill.