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GTX 960 vs R9-280x

ker2015
By ker2015
in Graphics Cards
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My friend wants to upgrade his graphics card (he currently has a GTX 750). His current PC has a 500W power supply, so the R9-280x is probably not the perfect option. But, the 280x has around 15% more performance than the 960. Although the 960 is less powerful, it is cooler and requires less wattage. He isn't planning on overclocking. What do you think I should recommend? Do you have any other recommendations for the $200 price point?

Thanks in advance,

Chickenpuffball

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What 500W is he running specifically? 960 uses double the power of 750/Ti and can be the dividing line between crappy generic 500W and a decent quality one.

"Rawr XD"

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A good 500w power supply is enough for a 280X.

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What 500W is he running specifically? 960 uses double the power of 750/Ti and can be the dividing line between crappy generic 500W and a decent quality one.

He doesn't know, he can't find his specs.

(He has a partly modified pre-built work computer)

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He doesn't know, he can't find his specs.

(He has a partly modified pre-built work computer)

You'll need to find out lol, cause if it's a crappy generic 500W then even a 960 is not a good idea

"Rawr XD"

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He doesn't know, he can't find his specs.

(He has a partly modified pre-built work computer)

That's not a good sign in terms of the power supply.
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That's not a good sign in terms of the power supply.

Yep, true that.
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Maybe your friend would consider getting this and saving for a little longer on the GPU, I wouldn't want to run my PC off of an unknown power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028&cm_re=600_watt_power_supply-_-17-139-028-_-Product

I tried suggesting a 600W PSU to him, he didn't approve. Well, now back to trying to convince him.
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Maybe your friend would consider getting this and saving for a little longer on the GPU, I wouldn't want to run my PC off of an unknown power supply. 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028&cm_re=600_watt_power_supply-_-17-139-028-_-Product

These are way better options for the money tbh

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-220gs0550v1

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-power-supply-110b20750vr

"Rawr XD"

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I tried suggesting a 600W PSU to him, he didn't approve. Well, now back to trying to convince him.

It's less about the wattage and more about having a PSU from a good brand. A bad PSU can kill components.

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750W?! How would either of those cards use that?

They won't but then he can get another if he wants with overclocking room

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They won't but then he can get another if he wants with overclocked room

He has a $200 budget, and besides he doesn't want to overclock (for some reason).
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He has a $200 budget, and besides he doesn't want to overclock (for some reason).

He might get into it one day always plan ahead

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He might get into it one day always plan ahead

True, but anyway 750W is too much. More like 650W for one of these cards OC'd.
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True, but anyway 750W is too much. More like 650W for one of these cards OC'd.

You can't just look at wattage. Even if they were the same 600W, the B2 is a much higher quality and better performing Super Flower unit then the CWT CX. Better EVGA warranty too. Not considering wattage, the B2 is already worth the $5 more then the CX.

 

Add on that 150W for upgrades or CrossFire in the future and it's a no brainer that it's a better deal then the CX600M.

 

The 550GS was also suggested for $5 more you get 80+ gold, full modularity and hybrid fan mode, if you really feel like you aren't going to need the extra wattage.

"Rawr XD"

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400watt psu will work fine for the GTX 960.

 

The 960 also overclocks really well without raising the room temperature by much at all.

 

He can buy a 960 from Fry's Electronics for $170 after rebate.  It also comes with a free copy of The Witcher 3.  Fantastic deal IMO.

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