Help with GPU and Monitor Selection!

[Buck47]

Guys - I'm at a loss here. I've been looking for a GPU for my new rig and keep changing my mind. I've read reviews, threads, searched, and RE-searched.

I want the best value, and there seems to be a lot of value these days.

I have the following components:

3770K
ASUS P8Z77-V Pro
16 GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600
Samsung 830 128GB (OS)
WD Black 1TB (Games)
Seagate Barracuda 3TB (Storage)
SeaSonic X750
Corsair H80

Budget - $300-$400 for GPU (maybe a little more)

I've always been an EVGA fan, but it seems that their lifetime warranty expired with the 600 series cards.

I like the 7950/7970 and the GTX 670 parts. Best value - not a brand loyalist.

Also looking for a 27-28" monitor.

Help!

 

[eidairaman1]

which ever is cheaper is all i can say.

 

[Frag_Maniac]

EVGA didn't "expire" their lifetime warranty so much as switch (based on customer feedback) to a transferable 3 yr warranty. You have to understand EVGA has a massive following of upgradeaholics. Get on their forums and that becomes obvious.

A lot of their customers wanted their used GPUs to have better resale value come time to upgrade, which for a lot of them is 1-2 years into ownership. Being able to say there's stil 1-2 yrs warranty left on the card to anyone considering buying it from you is a huge incentive to buy EVGA GPUs used.

That said, one thing that really baffles me is why EVGA didn't come out with any non reference air cooled cards in the 670 line, when every other 600 model line got at least one such card. It appears to be the most troublesome model line in the 600s for them, yet they left them all with reference cooling and only offer non ref PCBs, backplates and higher VRAM options.

On the GPU decision, $400 is enough to get you a 670 or 7970, with better deals going on 7970s right now, esp since they have 3GB of VRAM. Much of it is going to depend on what you budget for a display, and what res you'll be playing at. There are also some pretty decent deals on 1440p IPS monitors.

There does seem to be frequent problems specifically with the 670 series. Results are much more hit and miss than with other model lines. The 570 lacked the cooling and quality of VRMs the 580 had, perhaps something similar, don't know. Could just be the 680 chips that don't pass and end up getting used as 670s aren't as good QC wise as the consistency you get with 660 Ti chips.

With AMD though, it's always issues with drivers and software in general. Despite what some say, for ever person that claims no such problems, there are always others getting fed up and wanting to switch over.

 

[Buck47]

Where can I find a 7970 for 300-$400? And what do you consider a deal on a 2560x1440 monitor?

which ever is cheaper is all i can say.

That's just it. I 'want' a 7970 but can't find one in the budget I set for this build.

 

[Frag_Maniac]

Where can I find a 7970 for 300-$400? And what do you consider a deal on a 2560x1440 monitor?

Apparently you didn't look very far. The most commonly used and talked about vendor in the US, Newegg, has several models of 7970 under $400, starting as low as $370 w/ rebate.

Yamakasi Catleap is just one example of a 1440p monitor that can be had for under $350. Most sell direct from Seoul via eBay. There's also Overlord monitors that use the same 1440p IPS panel sold in So Cal for under $350.

Nixeus is another brand that uses a 1440p IPS panel, but they run around $500. I've also heard of at least one other brand called Auris or something, but I can't seem to find them.

 

[Buck47]

Apparently you didn't look very far. The most commonly used and talked about vendor in the US, Newegg, has several models of 7970 under $400, starting as low as $370 w/ rebate.

Thanks for that...

At the time rebates were not listed. I'm quite familiar with the Egg, and their automated pricing. With that, I'll most likely pick up the MSI or Sapphire version of the 7970 unless convinced otherwise. I'm not quite sure I understand the condescending attitude, however.

I appreciate the info on Korean resellers.

 

[manofthem]

I bought an Achieva Shimian QH270 lite, a 2560.1440 display on eBay from "green-sum" and I have no complaints (beside 1 stick pixel), paid $290 shipped. They are now $320 and are still a good deal. Shipped from Korea to here in like 3 days

As far as 7970s, there are several under $400, 5 I just saw quickly.
Hd radeon 7970 3gb

You'll love the 7970 + 1440p display!