I need a GPU

[Bones4]

I ordered the i5 2500k barebones, now I need a video card.

I'm torn between the NVdia GTX 560 TI and the Ati 6950.

The 6950 can be flashed (BIOS) to the specs of a 6970 at the cost of the warranty. A 6970 is considerably faster than the 560 TI. Also, I've never had luck with ATI drivers in the past.

I really don't know what to do. I know that EVGA has a lifetime warranty that supports overclocking, so the 560 looks nice in that aspect, but it won't give me the performance of the 6950/70.

Also, if someone can figure out how to get a GTX 570 for under $300, I'll do that.

Here's a performance comparison example:

[Ad Bot]

[keonesan]

Honestly I have a 460GTX and I have yet to see a game that maxes out its performance except with stuff like Arma II Demo and Shogun 2.

[Bones4]

That's the thing. I want to be as future proof as possible. Edit: And no, SLI is not currently an option.

[Robo Dude]

Do you really have to ave the GTX 570 why not this maybe: http://www.frys.com/product/6540583

[keonesan]

That's the thing. I want to be as future proof as possible. Edit: And no, SLI is not currently an option.

Eh. I prefer Nvidia over Radeon but that's just my opinion. I haven't had good experiences with Radeons.

Radeons do have some pretty powerful cards though and I have one in my laptop but honestly I don't think you'll have to worry about graphics advancing.

As long as if the XBox and PS3 stay alive, games will be nerfed to handle consoles.

[Bones4]

As far as the 570, it would need to be an eVGA superclocked. I have a $50 rebate for that particular model.

[keonesan]

As far as the 570, it would need to be an eVGA superlocked. I have a $50 rebate for that particular model.

My card is EVGA superclocked as well. It was like an additional 20 bucks.

I've been thinking about throwing in another 460GTX once I have some spare change.

[Righteous One]

Good luck finding a super-clocked under $350... I would never recommend buying a pre-overclocked card.

The 6970 would be fine assuming that your power supply has enough wattage. Ati hasn't had a driver problem since like the 4 series so I wouldn't make that a factor in your purchase.

[Bones4]

I figured about the 570. Also, my PSU is 550watts.

[Nickelob Ultra]

As far as the 570, it would need to be an eVGA superclocked. I have a $50 rebate for that particular model.

Here's a $350~ GTX570 EVGA Superclocked.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130622

Free shipping + $50 rebate + variable price.

I figured about the 570. Also, my PSU is 550watts.

That's the minimum of the GTX570.  How many amps does the 12V rail have?  You can check on the large sticker on its side or on its product page if you know it, it should be under "12V+".

[keonesan]

Here's a $350~ GTX570 EVGA Superclocked.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130622

I was surprised to see that it got some bad ratings.

Upon reading those negative reviews my final verdict is that they're illiterate morons who don't know how to install drivers or properly build a computer.

[Nickelob Ultra]

I personally prefer to not use AMD/ATI video cards or chips.  I don't really have anything against them, but the driver problems from what I hear.

They can be great GPUs, believe me, but they suck at making drivers.  My friend was unable to play Minecraft until he reverted to his HP-provided ATI drivers because the ATI drivers would not be detected as an OpenGL device (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5830).

[keonesan]

I personally prefer to not use AMD/ATI video cards or chips.  I don't really have anything against them, but the driver problems from what I hear.

They can be great GPUs, believe me, but they suck at making drivers.  My friend was unable to play Minecraft until he reverted to his HP-provided ATI drivers because the ATI drivers would not be detected as an OpenGL device (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5830).

Haven't had issues with drivers on my laptop honestly but it probably has to do with the fact that I'm using the stock, outdated drivers it came with.

[Monocle]

I personally prefer to not use AMD/ATI video cards or chips.  I don't really have anything against them, but the driver problems from what I hear.

They can be great GPUs, believe me, but they suck at making drivers.  My friend was unable to play Minecraft until he reverted to his HP-provided ATI drivers because the ATI drivers would not be detected as an OpenGL device (ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5830).

I've never had problems with ATi drivers.

[otto-san]

Ever since my GPUs started failing there has been a plethora of graphics card topics.

:c


It's been since March 3.


They're finally getting replaced Tuesday.

Praise the Lord.