Need GPU halp!

[Daunt_Flockula]

I am stuck between the choices of GTX 970 and R9 290X.

By far, I have read quite a bit about both choices and the 970 is heavier on one hand of the scale. It will consume half the power needed by 290X, although I have a very powerful PSU and that won't even be a problem. I know at 300W, the 290X is going to work like a room heater as well and it is the better choice for a resolution over 1080p. The 290X also comes with double the bus width of 970, yet Nvidia cards seem to perform great even with 256 bit.
(Note: For those who are curious, my current card is a Radeon HD 6950, a good old trusty GPU that has served me well so far but needs to retire and rest.)

I mean I have already kind of decided. Still I want some input on this.


Also, my processor is an AMD Phenom II x6 1100 BE. I think the processor is going to be fine for a very longer while. I would like to gather your opinions on this too nevertheless. Does any of you believe this one requires an upgrade?

Also be informed that my primary concern is probably to play Witcher 3 comfortably once it comes out and be ready for any other big title I might be interested in later.

[Xant]

Turkey will probably ban computers before Witcher 3 comes out.

[Daunt_Flockula]

There are numerous threads to run that rant in, Xant. Be gone now and leave this one alone. I need halp!

[Molly]

Well, I have a R9 270X and can't say anything bad about.

Currently playing GTA V with most high or even very high at 1680x1050 and fixed 60fps (v-sync on).

[Daunt_Flockula]

Sounds nice. What is your processor, Molly?

[darmaster]

i'm an amd supporter and i have an r9 290, but i'd choose the gtx 970 erryday, especially if you're going to play on 1080p (with higher resolutions the gap is much reduced apparently); better drivers, lower consumptions, newer card too, + you'll get witcher 3 and will be extremely optymized for it. but what i'd do honestly is wait for new r9 to come out, that would be your best choice, lower prices, better drivers shit like that you know.

[Mr_Oujamaflip]

I have an EVGA 970 which has been perfect so far. Running at 1080p I'm playing every game I own at maximum except Atilla: Total War which has a few things turned down. Went with Nvidia because of better drivers. Don't want to mess about with that crap.

[Molly]

Sounds nice. What is your processor, Molly?

E3 1231V3 with 8GB Ram

One advice tho: go for a card with 4GB Vram. Seems that's the new standard.

I mean, I am over the 2GB mine has in GTA V and I don't see any performance drop, so...
Still, 4GB Vram.

[Nehvar]

I am solidly anti-nVidia due to past experiences with their sleaziness so I'd never voluntarily purchase a nVidia card myself.   That said, I can't recommend the 290X unless you either live in a cool region of the world or have air-conditioning.  The reason for this being that the 290-series produce a lot of heat yet do not come with a cooling solution that is adequate for most user environments.  In your neck of the world, running a game as resource-intensive as Witcher 3, you will likely experience heat-related throttling issues; unless you're running an AC in your computer room that is.  So if you must have your GPU upgrade now and those are two only two cards you are considering...go with the not-290X one.

[lombardsoup]

I am solidly anti-nVidia due to past experiences with their sleaziness so I'd never voluntarily purchase a nVidia card myself.   That said, I can't recommend the 290X unless you either live in a cool region of the world or have air-conditioning.  The reason for this being that the 290-series produce a lot of heat yet do not come with a cooling solution that is adequate for most user environments.  In your neck of the world, running a game as resource-intensive as Witcher 3, you will likely experience heat-related throttling issues; unless you're running an AC in your computer room that is.  So if you must have your GPU upgrade now and those are two only two cards you are considering...go with the not-290X one.

Ended up dumping my 290x on ebay for that reason.  Was plenty fast but ran 70c-75c at full load, and this was on one of the aftermarket models (MSI R9 290x LIGHTNING).

[Daunt_Flockula]

I already have its ancestor. The HD 6950 does the same and turns the entire place into a furnace. Good thing in winter, total pain in the ass in summer. Last time I checked, its rubber fan had its wings partially molten

Also, what do you people think about my CPU mentioned in the OP? Will it be a fine match with a GTX 970 or does anybody think it requires an upgrade too?

[darmaster]

don't buy reference models for amd that's a sure thing, don't even THINK about it; had to buy an arctic cooler IV (should have bought the III one, this one doesn't allow me to cool vram well enough) but now it stays under 50 degrees in full OC

[Molly]

German Hardware Site
...if you scroll down, you'll find a customizable benchmark for GTA V.
Should help to decide or maybe find alternatives.

[Daunt_Flockula]

That is a nice benchmark summary Molly. Thanks. It also helped me spark up my rusted German a bit. Too bad the test system has a fineass i7 in it though. Still leaves me with questions about CPU.

Also, point taken darmaster. I already regret having picked a reference design the last time. Nvidia or AMD, this time I am determined to get one with 2-3 efficient fans.

[Prpavi]

Always buy a card with aftermarket coolers. Imo get 970, Amd always had problems with drivers/heat/power consumption, nVidia cards seem to be allot more stable in my experience, they are also always bit more expensive.