Planning next upgrade; graphics card

[Deleted]

While my 560ti is not an old card, I think it's time for a new GPU.

In a couple of games ( Skyrim, for example ) playing on ultra settings ( I know, I could lower the settings. I'm just a guy who wants to run everything on max ) doesn't really look smooth, and in certain areas or fights things would just get choppy.

So I've been looking around and ended up with two options.

- The ASUS GTX670-DC2 ( 2 GB ) for € 430,- at the moment. The Direct CUII TOP version is nowhere to be found. No shop has it in stock.
- The ASUS HD7970 DC2 ( 3 GB ) for € 420,- at the moment. Could get the TOP version for 40€ more, but really? 40 euros for a 75 Mhz overclock?

Why ASUS? Well, it seems to have the most quiet aftermarket coolers for these cards, and it's just a brand I'm familiar with.
If anyone wants to recommend a different brand, go ahead

The 7970 TOP seems to do a little worse in some games ( just a couple, and it's a 5-7 fps difference ).
It still managed to get 60+ fps in every game they tested on very high / ultra settings ( 1920x1080 ), which should be enough right?

The 670 TOP seems to be a tad better in some games, and seems to draw a little less power and is a LOT quieter than the 7970.

I have had a positive experience with NVIDIA drivers in the past, yet I had some issues with ATI drivers back when I had my 4890.

I play on a 24" 1920x1080 screen, rest of my rig is in my signature.
Only one screen at the moment. Might add another one for browsing the web or using other programs on a second screen, but a 3 screen setup is not on the agenda

Question time;
- Are there still issues with ATI/AMD drivers with the 7970?
- Why do you think I should go with the 670 or the 7970 ( And explain why please )

Please share your experiences with these cards if you have them.

All answers are much appreciated!

[Butler to Baby Sloths]

I'd get the Gigabyte windforce 7970.

Cool, quiet, only two slots.

As for drivers, nVidia has had a lot of problems with drivers since the 680 released, as opposed to the rock solid AMD drivers.

[n0cturnal]

Go for the 7970 when they are that close in price.

I'd get the Gigabyte windforce 7970.

Cool, quiet, only two slots.

As for drivers, nVidia has had a lot of problems with drivers since the 680 released, as opposed to the rock solid AMD drivers.

I haven't heard anything about bad Nvidia drivers for this generation, perhaps I have missed something, got any links?
Also while perhaps not an issue per say but AMDs latest driver had some pretty big performance increase for the 7970 at least, kind of makes me wonder what they were doing before that ^^.

[Butler to Baby Sloths]

I haven't heard anything about bad Nvidia drivers for this generation, perhaps I have missed something, got any links?
Also while perhaps not an issue per say but AMDs latest driver had some pretty big performance increase for the 7970 at least, kind of makes me wonder what they were doing before that ^^.

As the 7970 was equal to the 680 previous to 12.6, can't have been doing much wrong ^.^

Google 301.42 driver issues, lots of people having to roll back to 295 or 296 for their stuff to work again.

[DeltrusDisc]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125423

Hard to beat a 670 chip on a 680 PCB cooled by one of the best GPU coolers out there.

[BicycleMafioso]

Gigabyte HD7970 Windforce 3x.

[Deleted]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125423

Hard to beat a 670 chip on a 680 PCB cooled by one of the best GPU coolers out there.

Hmm looks good, and I could get one for about €390,-

---------- Post added 2012-08-15 at 07:16 AM ----------

Gigabyte HD7970 Windforce 3x.

Not in stock in any of my local shops

[Drakoes]

It is on this website, right? http://www.alternate.nl/html/product.../?event=search (gotta love knowing so many EU shops!)

[Deleted]

It is on this website, right? http://www.alternate.nl/html/product.../?event=search (gotta love knowing so many EU shops!)

Yeah it is

I think I'll be going for the Gigabyte 670.

Got one question though; review website says it has the same connectors as the other 670's ( which means 2x 6 PIN PCI ), yet in some video reviews I see that it's one 6 PIN and one 8 PIN.

Different model? Or is the review website wrong?

[Drakoes]

The GTX 670 Windforce requires a 6pin+8pin connection. I've just double checked some of the reputed hardware review sites here:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/G...ndforce/4.html
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum...oc-review.html
http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/graphi...-windforce-3x/

[Deleted]

The GTX 670 Windforce requires a 6pin+8pin connection. I've just double checked some of the reputed hardware review sites here:

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/G...ndforce/4.html
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum...oc-review.html
http://hexus.net/tech/reviews/graphi...-windforce-3x/

Hmm odd.

Other 670 models that are clocked higher only need 2x6 PIN. Ah well. Guess I'll also need to order a new 8 PIN Bitfenix extension cable then xD

[Drakoes]

That's not necessarily a bad thing though, don't be put off by it, imo. I personally 'welcome' 8pin connections as they can allow more headroom for power draw, which is great when you're heavily overclocking. Remember, non-ref designs are from the vendor, so it's not like you cannot overclock the card.

For example, the GTX 670's run extremely efficient anyway and you could get away with a good quality 500W easily - an 8pin connection doesn't entirely mean it'll instantly be drawing more power than the ones that use a 6pin.

[DeltrusDisc]

Well.... the 670 WindForce IS a 670 chip on a 680's PCB.... so....

[Gliff]

Yeah it is

I think I'll be going for the Gigabyte 670.

Got one question though; review website says it has the same connectors as the other 670's ( which means 2x 6 PIN PCI ), yet in some video reviews I see that it's one 6 PIN and one 8 PIN.

Different model? Or is the review website wrong?

I own that exact 670 and it has 1 6 pin and 1 8 pin.

Great card. I highly recommend it.