Why am I struggling with purchasing a video card?

[Damerae]

Hello!

Some of you know that I have been searching for a video card for a while now...

I want to begin by thanking, once again, those of you that have given me advice and input. With all the great advice I have received, I should have purchased a video card by now, but for some reason, I have not been able to follow through with buying one. I usually purchase something when I have a feeling of peace about it, which I still don't have when it comes to deciding what video card to purchase.

I've recently read through all the threads I have posted about what video card I should purchase to only play Diablo 3 on ultra graphics/max everything at 1080p (1920 x 1080 Res.) at 60 fps, but I still have a lot of confusion.

- I'm not sure which brand I should go with to purchase a Radeon 6870. There are many different brands like PNY, XFX, Gigabyte etc... Some of the cards have better reviews than others while other cards are just too expensive.

- I'm concerned with the rumor that Radeon drivers are a little troublesome. I've read that Geforce video cards work better with Blizzard games. In now way am I trying to start a Radeon versus Geforce bash; I'd just like some clarification in regards to what I've read.

- I still have a concern with the Radeon 6870 not being able to play Diablo 3 at max settings (this is mentioned in the first bullet).

- All in all, since the game is not out yet, it makes it so difficult to know just how well different video cards are going to benchmark in regards to D3. If I wasn't trying to play the game when it first comes out, it wouldn't be a big issue. But since I am trying to make a purchase to play the game when if first comes out, I have to make a blind buy to some extent.

- Is it necessary to spend a little more money to purchase a 560 Ti? I'd really like to spend the least amount of money I can on a video card since I will be using it for D3 only. If the 560 Ti will make a huge difference, I may just spend the extra dough.

I promise this is the last post I will make regarding video cards, but it's been so difficult for me to make up my mind.

Once last time... My system specs are -
Case: HAF 922
CPU: I5-2500K
Memory: 8gb
P. Supply: 650w Corsair
Mother Board: Gigabyte GA-Z68X-UD3H-B3
H. Drive: 500gb 7200...
SSD: Corsair M4 128gb
Heatsync: Hyper 212+

Thank you again.

[Deleted]

In terms of brands, XFX offer free lifetime warranty cover if you're based in the US, which is certainly worth it even if it may come at a price premium over the other brands.

If you want to spend the least amount of money then there a number of posts pointing to the 6850 being the sweet spot for this game, all in all there have been a number of G3D benchmark scores that include the 6850, 6870 and 560ti and the differences between the cards is minimal considering the recommended GPU scores to run Diablo. Source can be found here.

I'd take those scores with a pinch of salt and as is always the case with any game not officially released, if you genuinely want to invest in only a single game, then its probably best to wait for the game to come out before you make your purchase, since I assume you'll not be playing anything else in the meantime.

[Raphtheone]

Even without the clues in your post, it's obvious you're hessitant for a purchase because of the what-ifs. Since the game hasn't launched yet, what if something comes up between your purchase and the release, making you regret your purchase? While I can't provide any information that can be considered set in stone (I don't work on the D3 team, so I'm not privy to any inside information), let me at the very least shed some light.

1) Between now and the release of D3, the game won't receive any major graphical overhauls. By major I mean, a card that can provide 60fps now, and won't be able to at release. They might do some slight recoloring of the mist or whatever, but you can be certain that they'll use the GE (Game Engine) they have now in the beta. The product is a bit cartoony, which is a clear mark of not focusing on wtf-taxing graphics. It's two completely different, and conflicting roads. If you ask me, the cartoony way is a great way to mask not so great graphics, and making it look more appealing.

2) Check the minimum and recommended system requirements. Compare it with demanding titles in other genres, and with similar games in the same, or similar genres. D3 is not a demanding game. Blizzard hasn't officially released the system requirements yet. They do so shortly before releasing a title, since before that time, they simply don't know. The reason is because they do final stage optimizations to their products prior to release. It makes sense if you think about it. Releasing system requirements now, do some optimizations which lowers it, and they loose potential customers in the lower end market that think their computer can't handle the title, when in fact they can. The fan-made guesses of today puts the recommended system in the ballpark of what I had at the start of TBC. That was five years ago.

What you can be (99%) certain on, the game won't get more demanding (not counting changes that affect the FPS in percentage in the single digit), and you can be similarly certain that the system requirements will be in the general ballpark at release as it is today. A system that achieves fluent 60fps today WILL do so at launch.

3) History. Blizzard's that is. They don't produce Crysis type games. They never have. Look back at their history, and you'll see that they have always tried to find a middle ground between a visually attractive game, while allowing a large spectrum of systems play it. They focus as much on getting low system requirements as they do on pumping the graphics. It's a central part of their identity. Besides a few tweaks here and there, trying a new rune system or whatever, the game is done. WYSIWYG.

4) A 560Ti is sheer overkill for D3. It's like buying a chopper because you need a vehicle to get to work. Of course it's nice to have that kind of horsepower, but unless you want to dish out the money for it without a seconds thought, a car; or even a light motor cycle does the job in a timely fashion.

My previous GPU recommendation still stands. But if you want to dish out more money "just to be safe", go for it. But if you've read this post in its entirety and you're still not convinced to make a purchase, I highly recommend that you simply wait until system requirements are released, at which point there should be no doubt left for you.

And regarding manufacturers, I've tried many over the years, and I have yet to condemn one for lousy quality. XFX and MSI are my two top-favorite GPU manufacturers though. But as with everything, it's a matter of opinion and personal experience, not empirical facts. What works for me might not work for you. Life is about exploration, so find out which manufacturer you like.

[Trigg]

tbh i'd go with a top of the range card. Possibly the GTX 590 if you have the cash. No point in buying a card that's already out of date as when the next big game comes out and it requires a decent card, you might find yourself buying another before you have to. I have a GTX570, but i will probablty upgrade to the one they release next or possibly the one after.

[Damerae]

Thank you for the responses. I really appreciate it.

I'm tempted to wait to purchase a video card till the game comes out, but at the same time, I'd like to play the game on its release date.

I'm enlightened by your post RaphtheOne. Those are some very interesting points you've raised. Should I be concerned with something coming up between my purchase and the game? From the points you've mentioned, it sounds like purchasing a video card now is in favor over waiting. The points you raised have definitely answered some of my questions I've been having. I'm convinced now. Not thoroughly convinced, but I am convinced. I no longer have any doubts.

I checked Newegg.com (Not trying to promote a company or anything), and I noticed they are selling a XFX Radeon 6870 for $149.99 with Eyefinity or 6870 w/out Eyefinity for $145.00 today. It's an April 1st special I'm assuming. I'm going to purchase the card. I just have a couple a questions: Should I purchase the one with Eyefinity? And, is XFX reliable with there rebates?

[Deleted]

Yeah it'll max out diablo 3 with ease, hell even a ati radeon 5770 runs it pretty decent.

However do not expect to run bf3 well or any other insane graphical intense games but it'll run most mainstream to the max such as skyrim, Tribes: Ascend and such.

[Brewski]

Lol just get the GTX 680 and call it a day.

Please read the original post fully prior to giving your not so helpful advice. -Cula

[Erous]

The rumor that AMD drivers are horrible with Blizzard games is a fallacy. Not sure where you got that information. You'll also see browsing the battle.net forums that nvidia drivers crash constantly and some have to rollback several generations to g one that fits. However newly released catalyst is hit or miss with some functionality albeit I personally haven't encounterd the same issues.

Personally I use XFX AMD cards. Thy typically have reference models at competitive prices and theyve never let me down.

[Damerae]

The rumor that AMD drivers are horrible with Blizzard games is a fallacy. Not sure where you got that information. You'll also see browsing the battle.net forums that nvidia drivers crash constantly and some have to rollback several generations to g one that fits. However newly released catalyst is hit or miss with some functionality albeit I personally haven't encounterd the same issues.

Personally I use XFX AMD cards. Thy typically have reference models at competitive prices and theyve never let me down.

Thank you for clarifying that up for me Erous. I was getting that information from forum boards. I know the information may not have been the most reliable, but there were quite a few people comparing and talking about drivers between Geforce and Radeon. I'm glad you were able to straighten that up for me.

I know I talked about it in my previous post, but should I go with the XFX Radeon 6870 with Eyefinity or without Eyefinity? Also, is $144.99 - $149.99 a good deal for the 6870? I know they usually run around $160 - $170.

[Wries]

As far as we know, any mid-end card should do for playing D3 on near-highest settings. May be more GPU-intensive parts that are not part of the beta coming up later, though. Nvidia or amd, it's all good.

You'll also see browsing the battle.net forums that nvidia drivers crash constantly and some have to rollback several generations to g one that fits.

The nvidia driver crashing is in my theory normal since lots of factory overclocked cards are running on clocks and voltage settings that simply don't work for them. Thus they crash and windows mentions the driver and more people than usual goes "oh noes it's a driver issue" instead of re-doing the overclock.

[Drunkenvalley]

The nvidia driver crashing is in my theory normal since lots of factory overclocked cards are running on clocks and voltage settings that simply don't work for them. Thus they crash and windows mentions the driver and more people than usual goes "oh noes it's a driver issue" instead of re-doing the overclock.

Don't be silly. It's a problem plaguing anyone at seeming random. The card I have in this machine (Gainward GTX 560 ti) was absolutely ablaze with the driver crashes just yesterday, and it's not even the slightest overclocked.

[glo]

tbh i'd go with a top of the range card. Possibly the GTX 590 if you have the cash. No point in buying a card that's already out of date as when the next big game comes out and it requires a decent card, you might find yourself buying another before you have to. I have a GTX570, but i will probablty upgrade to the one they release next or possibly the one after.

Yes, suggest to replace his out of date choice with another... out of date card.

[Seldirion]

My suggestion would be to gather as much info as you feel you need to have a fair picture of alternatives, then wait until the end of April and buy a GPU then. The prices may get even lower, as the nVIDIA GeForce 600 series has been released. I've seen several price drops already, at least here in Norway. If you are certain that you will only play Diablo III for a long time and not get other GPU intense games, I would advice you to buy the cheapest card that can run it at maximum settings. There's no point in spending money on power you won't use. Both AMD and nVIDIA will release several new cards within the end of this year and more will come. Within the time you will need a new upgrade, you'll have a wider choice and new and improved technology to choose from. I think it would be stupid to buy an outdated high-end card. The new single card from nVIDIA, the 680, is about as powerful as their older dual card 590, and that's with the first set of official drivers!

So to sum it up: get what you need for Diablo III, then wait until you want to play a more demanding game before you upgrade again.

[Ghul]

im running just fine with my 2 gtx 460 in sli mode wich are now one year and a half old. i guess i wont upgrade until sometimes 2013. they are some very good cards imo. ofc today id probably go with 2 560's in sli, if i were to buy new graphics cards that is.

[Ratyrel]

I have a Radeon 6870 and am playing the D3 beta at max details with absolutely 0 problems.

[vindicatorx]

In terms of brands, XFX offer free lifetime warranty cover if you're based in the US, which is certainly worth it even if it may come at a price premium over the other brands.

If you want to spend the least amount of money then there a number of posts pointing to the 6850 being the sweet spot for this game, all in all there have been a number of G3D benchmark scores that include the 6850, 6870 and 560ti and the differences between the cards is minimal considering the recommended GPU scores to run Diablo. Source can be found here.

I'd take those scores with a pinch of salt and as is always the case with any game not officially released, if you genuinely want to invest in only a single game, then its probably best to wait for the game to come out before you make your purchase, since I assume you'll not be playing anything else in the meantime.

the warranty for XFX requires that you register it on their website to get the lifetime warranty deal I have had 3 of them over the last 10 years and all 3 are still running strong.

[glo]

im running just fine with my 2 gtx 460 in sli mode wich are now one year and a half old. i guess i wont upgrade until sometimes 2013. they are some very good cards imo. ofc today id probably go with 2 560's in sli, if i were to buy new graphics cards that is.

Yeah you should be fine for a while since the 4xx line has DX11. Hell, GTX 28x in SLI would probably be viable right now if they had DX11.

[Damerae]

My suggestion would be to gather as much info as you feel you need to have a fair picture of alternatives, then wait until the end of April and buy a GPU then. The prices may get even lower, as the nVIDIA GeForce 600 series has been released. I've seen several price drops already, at least here in Norway. If you are certain that you will only play Diablo III for a long time and not get other GPU intense games, I would advice you to buy the cheapest card that can run it at maximum settings. There's no point in spending money on power you won't use. Both AMD and nVIDIA will release several new cards within the end of this year and more will come. Within the time you will need a new upgrade, you'll have a wider choice and new and improved technology to choose from. I think it would be stupid to buy an outdated high-end card. The new single card from nVIDIA, the 680, is about as powerful as their older dual card 590, and that's with the first set of official drivers!

So to sum it up: get what you need for Diablo III, then wait until you want to play a more demanding game before you upgrade again.

So... I should go ahead and purchase the XFX Radeon 6870 for $144.99? I'm not quite following you. I am only using the card for Diablo 3. Nothing else.

I really appreciate all the advice. It's been difficult trying to make my mind up on which video card to purchase since I will only be using it for D3.

I am still confused on whether to purchase the 6870 with eyefinity or not. Anyone know? I haven't purchased the card yet, because I am not sure which one to buy.

[Uggorthaholy]

Hey there -

I've been in the D3 beta for quite some time now, and my 460 handles everything ultra with absolutely no issues. A 6870 beats a 460, and should be able to chew up D3 and spit it out.

If This card Is the one you are asking for, it's a great deal at that price.

[vindicatorx]

also I think you are worrying a little too much about the graphic quality of D3 I just logged on it for about 10 minutes on my Mac Book Pro with everything on maxed out and it played fine so you should be ok on any decent mid range card