What GPU do I need?

[Reds Duty]

Hello

 

This summer I am going to build my very first pc!

I am very excited and doing a lot of research online.

The thing that I couldn't find though, is what GPU would fit best for my use.

 

I would buy 2 60Hz 1080p monitors now, and add a 4k monitor later, when they become another bit more standard and affordable.

I won't be gaming in 4k! That one would just be for web browsing and everyday tasks

Also, I don't play the latest AAA titles, I just play Minecraft, Dota 2, Team Fortress or Leage of Legend once in a while. (Only 1080p)

 

What GPU do I need to run these monitors?

Should I buy a bit a cheaper GPU now, and add another one when I buy my 4k display?

Or do I really need a 970 or 290x for that setup?

 

Please help!

Greetings RD!

[Viper9]

I would take a GTX 970, don't waste your money on a cheaper GPU if you don't need to, just go with the best option right now. 

[Sorfex0]

I think 970 and 290x are the best price/performance ratio atm. But u can take 280x if you want to go cheaper.

[pomaranc]

Get 970, multi GPU is worth it only with high end cards anyway.

[Nup]

I hate to be "that guy" but perhaps a 970 at 4k may bring about some of its short comings. 

[Reds Duty]

Thanks for the VERY fast answers!

I will post my pc in the description when I find out how to fit it i my $1000 budget...

Also, does a cpu have any performance impact or not? (I mean like a noticeable difference irl between 6-core 3.5GHz or 6-core 4.0 GHz)

[pomaranc]

I hate to be "that guy" but perhaps a 970 at 4k may bring about some of its short comings. 

He won't be gaming at 4K although 970 can easily handle games he play at 4K

[Reds Duty]

I hate to be "that guy" but perhaps a 970 at 4k may bring about some of its short comings. 

@Nup

That isn't bad, but I'm not really getting what you mean...

[Arc_Jester]

@Reds Duty, please follow your topics. If your only going to be gaming at 1080p an considering the games you play a 280 or 280x should work fine for you.

[pomaranc]

With 970 you will be able to play those games at 4K

[typographie]

Or do I really need a 970 or 290x for that setup?

 

It would give you some growing room, and a 970 can probably handle most of those games you listed at 4K.

 

That being said, the ones you listed will run very nicely at 1080p with a simple overclocked R9 270/280/285. If that's all you need and all you're likely to want, a GTX 970 is absurd.

 

Edit: Are you planning to game across multiple monitors? That would give a little more justification to the GTX 970 or R9 290X, but then I believe all three monitors need to be the same resolution. If you're only gaming on a single monitor, the other monitors do not affect your performance in any meaningful way.

[ICantThinkOfAnyGoodName]

A 970 would be overkill. For those games at 1080p a gtx 750 ti or a 270x will suffice to run them at max settings. Because you will be running triple monitor, I think that a 280(x) or 960 would be a good choice.

[Reds Duty]

I get it, but would a 280 or 280x would be able to run 1 4k display and 2 1080p (without gaming?)

That is in fact my only question...

[Reds Duty]

Edit: Are you planning to game across multiple monitors? That would give a little more justification to the GTX 970 or R9 290X, but then I believe all three monitors need to be the same resolution. If you're only gaming on a single monitor, the other monitors do not affect your performance in any meaningful way.

Listen,

I am only going to game on 1 1080p monitor, but for productivity purposes I want 2 1080p monitors and 1 4k monitor.

I am just asking what video card would be able to run it on daily basis.

I didn't mean to say that I would be buying a 970 or 290x, I just wanted to ask what can run my setup.

SO... What video card can run this setup without being overkill?

[Arc_Jester]

I get it, but would a 280 or 280x would be able to run 1 4k display and 2 1080p (without gaming?)

That is in fact my only question...

The gpu doesn't do much work outside of rendering( Gaming, development etc.), if your not using anything that needs to render then it should be no problem.

[typographie]

Listen,

I am only going to game on 1 1080p monitor, but for productivity purposes I want 2 1080p monitors and 1 4k monitor.

I am just asking what video card would be able to run it on daily basis.

I didn't mean to say that I would be buying a 970 or 290x, I just wanted to ask what can run my setup.

SO... What video card can run this setup without being overkill?

 

What I said applies. If you're gaming at only 1920x1080 in the games you listed, something like an R9 270 or R9 280 would do pretty well. The GTX 970 or 290X might be justified if you wanted to make sure you'll be able to play those games at 4K, or if you plan on playing more intensive games in the near future.

 

The other monitors aren't relevant to GPU performance if you aren't gaming on them. Just make sure the card you buy has the outputs you need to run them, or that you can find the necessary adapters.

[Reds Duty]

The gpu doesn't do much work outside of rendering( Gaming, development etc.), if your not using anything that needs to render then it should be no problem.

Okay I understand! Thank you

 

What I said applies. If you're gaming at only 1920x1080 in the games you listed, something like an R9 270 or R9 280 would do pretty well. The GTX 970 or 290X might be justified if you wanted to make sure you'll be able to play those games at 4K, or if you plan on playing more intensive games in the near future.

 

The other monitors aren't relevant to GPU performance if you aren't gaming on them. Just make sure the card you buy has the outputs you need to run them, or that you can find the necessary adapters.

Okay! Thanks for your help!

I guess I'll just be going with a 270x or a 280x then!

[typographie]

Okay I understand! Thank you

 

Okay! Thanks for your help!

I guess I'll just be going with a 270x or a 280x then!

 

Just a tip: The R9 270X is just an R9 270 clocked about 100 MHz faster. The full, uncut silicon is present in both products. If you're comfortable with that much, you can just overclock a 270 and possibly save some money.

 

The same is not true for the R9 280/285/280X or the R9 290/290X. The chips are physically slightly different in those cases.

[Reds Duty]

Okay Thanks!

I'm thinking to get a 280x so i'll have a bit more breathing room for when I actually start playing some more demanding games on 1080p.

I really appreciate the quick help I always get on this forum!

Thanks to you all!

You solved my problem!