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Hi guys just some computer building questions

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Vapourizer

I will probably start building a new computer when school is over. I have a budget of $1000, but I currently have a question about the graphics card and case. So I found on neweggs a Sapphire ATI Radeon 7870 XT that costs $259.99 alone w/o the rebate. Here is the MSI GeForce GTX 660 TI and costs $300.99 w/o the rebate. I have read some mixed reviews for both of the products, like some people said the GTX is better, but some said the ATI Radeon one is. I need one that can run better than the other but if there's no difference then I will get the ATI Radeon. This is the computer case I found Corsair Carbide the price looks reasonable with great reviews too. If you guys know a better build please tell me.

11 years ago*

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12 Comments
esq393

They offer nearly the same performance. The 660 ti might have the edge if you overclock the memory, not sure how good of an overclocker the 7870 XT is. Just go with the 7870 XT or a 7950 if you are willing to spend $300.

11 years ago
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Vapourizer

I heard that AMD's overclocking is good :P

11 years ago
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Onomatopesha

As esq393 said, if you want to spend 300$ on a GPU, go for the 7950 and overclock it, you can look up some benchmarks and comparisons between the 7950 and the 660ti just to make sure, or you could go for a 7870 XT (or the OC versions).

In the end, if you're ranging from those models (660ti, 7870 and 7950, in terms of price) the difference should not be that prominent. I suggest you do more research, look for variations in the 7870 and 7950 from AMD, as well as the 660ti, then make proper comparisons (look for reviews, benchmarks). The more you research, the more precise and best bang for the buck your choice will be.

In a forum like this, you'll probably end up having more decisions based on experience, with opinions like "PHYSX SUCKS" or "AMD DRIVERS ARE SHIT", so yeah, my suggestion for you is: Indulge, get more info, and take every opinion with a grain of salt, including mine.

Good luck!

11 years ago
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esq393

This a good website that compares and has reviews for most of the GPU models: 7870 XT performance

As you can see from that performance chart: The 660 ti, 7870 XT and 7950 are very close performance wise. Overclocking is the real game changer, the 7950 is a great overclocker. I have a gtx 660 ti but I wouldn't recommend paying more than $250 for one. I was lucky enough to get one for $240 and was very happy after I overclocked the memory by 18%.

11 years ago
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Onomatopesha

Great site, places like TechPowerUp, Hexus, TomsHardware forum (sometimes), and pretty much any of the first few sites that come up from Google search when looking for reviews are good alternatives. You don't need to be a tech saavy, just pay attention to the charts and the final conclusions if all the numbers are confusing.

11 years ago
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CatEatingBroccoli

I actually prefer this site for benchmarks. Relative statistics to the GPU though, not brand or make specific.

11 years ago
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Vapourizer

Oh but I thought overclocking might mess up ur graphics card and can make its life shorter?

11 years ago
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Onomatopesha

It all depends on the temperatures the GPU reaches when in full load, as well as the voltage inputs (the same applies to CPUs). However if a GPU has a good ventilation and the structure of the gpu is good enough, overclocking will not cause such a big impact over its life span. (i have an old 4850HD which i overclocked like a mother, and had it running on my old system for over 6 years, as of now it's still working)

11 years ago
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Vapourizer

Thank you :]

11 years ago
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sublime2k

Both AMD and NVIDIA are great GPU manufacturers, that's a fact. You won't go wrong with either.

My vote goes to 7950. I personally have 7850 and it's a beast in that price range. I can only imagine how overclocked 7950 performs.

11 years ago
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Vapourizer

Ya checking out 7950 right now xD ty

11 years ago
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Crash777

I have used 7870XT and the 7950 and it all depends on you. Are you going to overclock it and what resolution do you play on? You cant go wrong with both AMD or NVIDIA although personally I prefer that AMD price/preformance more.

Lets say you dont plan on overclocking etc. and you use a 1680x1050 or a 1920x1080 res. Take the 7870 XT if you will. You could spend the extra money on a nice SSD etc. This card is basicly a cut down 7950, although there is barely space for overclocking.

The preformance is somewhat in the middle between the 7870XT and the 7950 if I recall correctly. Although I really have no exp. with Nivdia cards my friends etc. are really positive about it. Also note that the idle power usage on the 660ti is lower than the amd cards so if electricity is really expensive where you live you might want to consider this one.

If you plan on overclocking etc. and play on 1920x1080 just take the 7950 you can always overclock it to a 7970.
Although be aware that this can sometimes eat power so be sure to take a 600 watt 80plus rated psu and you should be fine.

Hope I somewhat helped you :b

11 years ago
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Closed 11 years ago by Vapourizer.