Considering buying a new GPU

[Lupus]

Hello everyone,

 

I am currently considering buying a new graphic card for my gaming computer.

 

However, I was wondering if it is more interesting to have one expensive graphic card or a SLI for the same price : I have found this thread (http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/254416-200-gaming-graphics-card/), and I was thinking about spending about $400. Should I rather buy two "cheap" ones, or one big ?

 

Thanks a lot

[-TesseracT-]

One big. You don't have to worry about bad scaling, extra power consumption, extra heat and noise, etc.

[Fate]

One big card is almost always better than two cards in SLI.

Less heat, less power, less compatibility issues, etc.

[Quiet_One]

One big card at $400 is better then two smaller cards. At that price range you are looking at R9 290x or GTX 970, both are good cards.

[Lupus]

Thanks for your fast answers.

I have seen Linus' Youtube video about "How to chose a GPU", and it seems so hard ! 

I don't really get why the specs aren't reliable. 

 

As far as NvIdia GPUs are concerned, are the biggest number the better (completly randomly, would a GTX760 be better than a GTX590 ?) Also, are "Ti" always better than the normal ones ?

 

[off-topic]I can't upload a profile picture, I have a "Failed to set a new photo" error. Who can contact for help ?[/off-topic]

 

Sorry for being that newbish, and thanks for your answers

[mapegl]

One big card. ;-)

Get a 970 or 290x. They are cheaper than 400$, but probably the best bang for the buck there is.

 

The 970 is more power-efficient, the 290X can be had for less money. Thinking about crossfire much? Then that would be a good option. Just get good coolers, whatever card you get.

[Lupus]

Thinking about crossfire much? Then that would be a good option. Just get good coolers, whatever card you get.

 

Actually by SLI, I mean't "two cards". Thing is, I don't know much about it as you can see, and I currently have an Nvidia so I know a bit more -tiny !- about these. I don't know anything about AMD

[spenser_l]

I agree with mapegl, the 970 is a great card that fits in your price range.

[mapegl]

Actually by SLI, I mean't "two cards". Thing is, I don't know much about it as you can see, and I currently have an Nvidia so I know a bit more -tiny !- about these. I don't know anything about AMD

I know. Well SLI is the same as crossfire ( i may get butchered for this here, but essentially it is ;-)  ) . You pair up two or more cards in one PC.

 

So either get a 970 or a 290/290X and roll with that for now. The advantage of the 290/290X is that it is failry easy to add a second card, because basically all mainboards support crossfire. SLI is a different story, because it requires boards that specifically support that and those are usually higher in price. Usually.

The advantage of the 970 though is that you get a cooler and maybe therefore quieter card than the 290/290X.

 

I would probably get a 970 now, just because I love quiet PCs and my 290 is "quietish" but it could definitely be better.

[TwOne]

Yeah, a GTX 970 is a better choice than the R9 290X. It's also cheaper, which means you can save about 30-50$ on your GPU

[Lupus]

Thanks everyone for your answers. I currently have a GTX470, buying a 970 would be a good investment ?

[Quiet_One]

Yes a 970 would be a great investment.

[Lupus]

Wich ones would you recommand me ?

I see it goes from 300€ up to 400, tho I can't really tell the differences..