Should I upgrade my GPU, or should I get a G-Sync monitor instead?

[trav346]

I currently have an ASUS DirectCU II 780 and a BenQ XL2420TE, both are about 2 years old. I've been trying to weigh a decision for a while, do I upgrade to a 980ti, or do I get a g-sync monitor, like the ROG Swift PG279Q? I know that going up to 1440p is going to be more taxing overall, but would g-sync counter most of that overhead? I could go the 980ti route, but that's gonna be so overkill on a 1080p screen imo. Should I get the monitor and wait for the next lineup of card to drop? What do you guys think?

 

System specs:

 

i7 4790k @ 4.4GHz

16gb @ 1600MHz

Card stated above

Asus Maximus VI Hero

Corsair RM850

OCZ Vertex 4 256GB

Samsung 850 EVO 500GB

WD 2TB Black

[PlayStation 2]

I'd personally go for a 980 Ti, as the 780 < 970

[trav346]

I was leaning that way a bit. Heck, the card is a fair bit less expensive than the monitor is even. Still curious to see what others think.

[arnavvr]

G-Sync Monitor Two 780's edge a 980Ti by a hair in games.

[Morgan MLGman]

Don't go that route. Get R9 290X/390X/Fury and get a Freesync monitor. Freesync is much cheaper, just as good and you get a better GPU as well.

[trav346]

Don't go that route. Get R9 290X/390X/Fury

 

I'm stuck team green for a good while. I'm invested in the tech and getting an amd card would nullify using my shield abroad. If I had nothing to start with, that would be an extremely tempting option, though. Thanks for sharing!

[Morgan MLGman]

I'm stuck team green for a good while. I'm invested in the tech and getting an amd card would nullify using my shield abroad. If I had nothing to start with, that would be an extremely tempting option, though. Thanks for sharing!

Oh, that's a pity. Well, unless you're getting 980Ti, I wouldn't upgrade the GPU if I were you. Wait for Pascal. 970 is only a little better, 980 isn't really worth its price, and there's no other options...

You should ask @i_build_nanosuits, he went from 1080p 60hz GTX 780, to 1440p G-Sync IPS 144hz panel and recently a 980Ti, he can tell you everything he needs to know about that particular setup since he was in the exact same situation

[trav346]

G-Sync Monitor Two 780's edge a 980Ti by a hair in games.

 

I should have also mentioned that I'm a single card kind of guy. I've tried SLI in the past, even SLI 780's and while it was pretty cool, I had more issues with SLI than I cared to deal with. I hear it's much better with Maxwell, though.

[i_build_nanosuits]

You should ask @i_build_nanosuits, he went from 1080p 60hz GTX 780, to 1440p G-Sync IPS 144hz panel and recently a 980Ti, he can tell you everything he needs to know about that particular setup since he was in the exact same situation

Monitor first, HANDS DOWN...GTX 780 can play ANY game at 1440p some of them on medium settings, most of them on high and many of them on full ultra.

980ti is icing on the cake it's a beastly GPU that can max out every games but the truth is most of the time tweaking the settings a little bit will give you 95% of the fidelity with 155% the framerate.

 

I should have also mentioned that I'm a single card kind of guy. I've tried SLI in the past, even SLI 780's and while it was pretty cool, I had more issues with SLI than I cared to deal with. I hear it's much better with Maxwell, though.

i don't like SLI either and 780 with 3GB was not an option and NO it's not better with maxwell it's the same SLI is trashy at best and so is crossfire.

Get a good screen, i suggest IPS...27'' 1440p Gsync. (XB270HU best option if you have a budget)

I was able to get decent framerates at decent settings in EVERY games including the most demanding (Arkham knight, Crysis 3, Witcher 3, dying light...name it) yes in some of these games you'll drop in the 50FPS at times but with Gsync it's really not that bad and gaming at 1440p Gsync is simply gorgeous.

You must be willing to lower some settings though obviously, as i said.

 

(Or sell your GPU and buy a 390X and a freesync monitor if you're cheap ) ---> i explored this idea for a while but decided i wanted the best experience in the end.

i had not planned to buy the 980ti right away...i planned to wait for pascal for a while...i play mostly battlefield 4 and rocket league so i don't even need the performance and to be honest i was very happy gaming with my 780.. but i figured after paying that much for an amazing gaming monitor might as well go the extra mile and buy the most powerful single GPU card possible.

[Morgan MLGman]

Monitor first, HANDS DOWN...GTX 780 can play ANY game at 1440p some of them on medium settings, most of them on high and many of them on full ultra.

980ti is icing on the cake it's a beastly GPU that can max out every games but the truth is most of the time tweaking the settings a little bit will give you 95% of the fidelity with 155% the framerate.

 

i don't like SLI either and 780 with 3GB was not an option and NO it's not better with maxwell it's the same SLI is trashy at best and so is crossfire.

Get a good screen, i suggest IPS...27'' 1440p Gsync. (XB270HU best option if you have a budget)

See, I told you he'll help ^^

[i_build_nanosuits]

See, I told you he'll help ^^

always glad to help!

I was editing my post as you were answering though

[trav346]

Thanks guys! I'll definitely get the monitor first then. The PG279Q is pretty elusive right now. I've been tempted to get the Acer, but my gut feeling is to hold out for the Asus until stock is available again...

[i_build_nanosuits]

Thanks guys! I'll definitely get the monitor first then. The PG279Q is pretty elusive right now. I've been tempted to get the Acer, but my gut feeling is to hold out for the Asus until stock is available again...

they are the same except the Asus one come in a more premium chassis.

But the Acer really ain't bad i have one and it's actually pretty good, the stand is functional and sturdy enough, it does not feel cheap, but the Asus is more premium...but i don't think it's worth spending more and an already very expensive display just for better quality plastics on the case. my honest opinion...