Choosing a Graphics Card

[Caffeine0verd0se]

I am looking to upgrade my graphics card after getting my rig prebuilt (I'm from Australia, yes I'm kicking myself for prebuilt). After a year and a half of dutiful service, I'm looking to upgrade my Zotac GeForce GTX 760 as it feels like it is falling behind in performance, and for some reason its heat output has been tremendous recently, even though I clean out my rig every 2 weeks (30 degrees celsius idle with fans at 60%, 90+ degrees celsius on load with fans at 60%). I don't think that the card should get that hot, not even playing Battlefield 4 maxed. So I need help choosing a new graphics card that will help me with 1080p gaming.

 

Specs:

CPU: Intel i5 4670k 3.4GHz

Motherboard: MSI Z87-G41 PC MATE

RAM: 16Gb (2x8GB) G.Skill Aegis

GPU: Zotac GeForce GTX 760

PSU: KingWin 750W ATB Power Supply

HDD: Toshiba 2TB 7200RPM

Case: NZXT Phantom 410

Monitor: Acer 21.5" Monitor 1920x1080p

 

Since I live in Australia, prices might be a little jacked up compared to the US. The cards I am considering from PC Case Gear are:

 

EVGA GeForce GTX 960 SuperSC ACX 2.0 + 4GB : $359

ASUS GeForce GTX 960 Strix DirectCU II OC 4GB : $359

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 960 G1 Gaming 4GB: $369

 

MSI GeForce GTX 970 OC Armor2X 4GB : $479

Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 G1 Gaming 4GB : $519

EVGA GeForce GTX 970 FTW + ACX 2.0 + 4GB : $529

 

I know that AMD Radeon has very competitive pricing around this price point, but I just prefer Nvidia general, no offence. Is the 960 much of an upgrade from the 760? Is the 960 4GB worth it, and if so what does it do better than the 2GB version? How long will the 970 last me if it is the better choice? How bad is the 970's coil whine? Lastly, my PSU has 2 6 pin connectors and 1 2 pin. Will that be fine to use in a 1 6 pin and 1 8 pin card? Cheer for the help.

 

[Aytex]

 

I know that AMD Radeon has very competitive pricing around this price point, but I just prefer Nvidia general, no offence. 

fanboying= wasted money

consider a amd for their price/preformance

[zlolslavez]

A 960 will definitely be a performance and heat upgrade, but in my opinion not worth $273 (US Dollars, or $359 AUD).

[Aytex]

A 960 will definitely be a performance and heat upgrade, but in my opinion not worth $273 (US Dollars, or $359 AUD).

its another country..............

shipping and msrp and all that jazz

[Virtual01]

960 isn't a worthy upgrade. Get a 970 or 390.

[Caffeine0verd0se]

fanboying= wasted money

consider a amd for their price/preformance

Not really fanboying. Preference is preference, I don't mind losing a few frames to get a manufacturer I prefer. 

[Caffeine0verd0se]

A 960 will definitely be a performance and heat upgrade, but in my opinion not worth $273 (US Dollars, or $359 AUD).

Should I save more for a GTX 970 then? Which vendor should I get it from?

[zlolslavez]

its another country..............

shipping and msrp and all that jazz

 

yes, exactly

if 960s were $273 in USD in the US, then there would be an issue.

 

But that is the price in Australia. around 300 sum.

http://www.mwave.com.au/product/msi-geforce-gtx-960-gaming-2gb-video-card-ab59522

[Aytex]

yes, exactly

if 960s were $273 in USD in the US, then there would be an issue.

 

But that is the price in Australia. around 300 sum.

http://www.mwave.com.au/product/msi-geforce-gtx-960-gaming-2gb-video-card-ab59522

den y r u complaining about the price in AUD..............................................................

[Aytex]

Should I save more for a GTX 970 then? Which vendor should I get it from?

if money is an issue go for the msi. if its not then gigabyte or evga. spec wise their both pretty great so jsut choose which one fits your personality

[VagabondWraith]

Get the 970 if you can. Much much bigger jump than the 960. Great performance and nice card. You'll be happy if you did.

[Caffeine0verd0se]

Get the 970 if you can. Much much bigger jump than the 960. Great performance and nice card. You'll be happy if you did.

Cheers for the help, looks like I'm saving up a bit more for a 970. Do you reckon the price will drop in the coming months? I'm eyeing the G1 Gigabyte Gaming version, which is one of the more expensive 970s on PCCG, but with great clock speeds to boot. Will a 6 pin and 2 pin fill in the 8 pin connector it needs to power on? (With another 6 pin of course)

[Fluxx]

I have a Gigabyte 970 G1 and I have no problems running games at 1080p, it's hard to say how long it will last i'm guessing it will still give you decent performance for around 3 years. I have no coil whine issues on my card, although which 970 you get is up to you.

 

Yes the connectors on your power supply will work.

[DarkBlade2117]

Get a 970 but just saying an r9 390 is way better. You gotta overclock a stock 970 to reach the performance of it. I suggest EVGA or gigabyte if you decide a GTX 970

[VagabondWraith]

Cheers for the help, looks like I'm saving up a bit more for a 970. Do you reckon the price will drop in the coming months? I'm eyeing the G1 Gigabyte Gaming version, which is one of the more expensive 970s on PCCG, but with great clock speeds to boot. Will a 6 pin and 2 pin fill in the 8 pin connector it needs to power on? (With another 6 pin of course)

I doubt the prices will come down but you might be able to find deals like rebates and such. The G1 is a fantastic card that's binned specifically for overclocking. Great performance and all if that's what you seek. I had the MSI 980 and it was fantastic. Dead silent at all times. That may be an option too (MSI that is). Really you can't go wrong with any of them.

If it's an 8+6 pin yeah if you have a 6+2 connector just plug that into the 8-pin and the separate 6-pin into the other.

Oh, another thing, you get a card soon you get Metal Gear Solid: Phantom Pain free.