GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)

Either new or used.

What kind of specs are you running?

wiredotter14 said:Or used.

What's your build look like?

Used gear isn't really my thing—I need that warranty protection. My current setup is an AMD A8 5600K, an A55ML2 motherboard, and 4GB of RAM. My GPU kicked the bucket, so I'm stuck using the integrated graphics on the CPU right now. Thinking about grabbing a new card, another 4GB of RAM, and a decent power supply. I've got enough juice currently, but better safe than sorry, so I'll probably grab a 600W unit.

What kind of PSU are you running right now? Brand and model, if you don't mind

fadedorca66 said:What kind of power supply are you running right now? Like, brand and model?

Ugh, I honestly can't remember off the top of my head... but yeah, I'm swapping it out soon.

Take a look and let me know; maybe one of them is actually decent and worth keeping. Besides, a 600W unit is total overkill for that build, unless you're talking about those sketchy "$67" power supplies—in which case, just don't buy 😁

Hey guys, I really need some help picking out a new GPU based on what I'm running right now:

https://www.craigslist.com/vi/graphics-card...listing-1
https://www.craigslist.com/vi/graphics-card...listing-2
https://www.craigslist.com/vi/graphics-card...listing-3
https://www.craigslist.com/vi/graphics-card...listing-4

Basically, I'm looking at used cards, maybe up to $267 (or maybe $900 if I have to). I just want to play The Witcher 3 and GTA 5.

Mobo: MSI B75MA-E31 s1155
CPU: Intel i5-3350P 3,1 GHz/1155 Ivy
HDD: Samsung 500 GB SATA2 16 MB F3
GPU: MSI R9 270 2 GB GAMING ---------- IT'S DEAD!!!
RAM: DDR3 8 GB (1x8) Kingston 1600 HX
PSU: XFX 450W
Case: Zalman Z3 Plus mid tower case
Optical: DVDRW Samsung SH-224DB sat

https://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing

This seems like a solid deal, and honestly, it's quite a bit more powerful than what you're running right now.

Honestly, that CPU is a massive bottleneck. I wouldn't bother stepping up past 1000-$367, so maybe look at something like https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gtx1050

Thanks for the help!

That second one you linked is just some cheap knockoff from overseas. It’s definitely not the GPU it claims to be in the description.

Hey everyone!
I know, I know, it’s probably not the best timing to be swapping out a GPU, but mine is basically on its deathbed so... what else can I do? haha
My current setup has been getting pretty boring lately
Operating system Windows 7 home
CPU AMD FX-8300 Vishera 32
RAM 8,00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 937MHz (10-11-10-30)
Motherboard Gigabyte Technology . 970A-DS3P (CPU 1)
Graphics ATI AMD Radeon R9 200 Series
Storage 931GB TOSHIBA DT01ACA100 SATA Disk Device (SATA )
223GB OCZ-ARC1 00 SATA Disk Device (SATA (SSD))
Optical Drives HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NSC0 SATA CdRom Device
Power supply 550W
I really don't want to touch anything else besides the graphics card unless I absolutely have to
Budget-wise, I'm looking at maybe $200 max
I'll check out Best Buy or just grab something online if the deal is actually good
If you guys need any more details from me, just holler!
Thanks a bunch, people!

It’s $667 a bit of an upgrade over the GTX1060 3GB.

Futur is online and they have a local branch, plus you can find them on Amazon.

They list a 35-month warranty—probably just a typo for 36. 😁

David Williams89 said:Hey everyone
I get that it might be the wrong time to swap out my GPU, but mine is basically dead, so here we are...
My current setup is getting old:
Operating system Windows 7 home
CPU AMD FX-8300 Vishera 32
RAM 8,00GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 937MHz (10-11-10-30)
Motherboard Gigabyte Technology . 970A-DS3P (CPU 1)
Graphics ATI AMD Radeon R9 200 Series
Storage 931GB TOSHIBA DT01ACA100 SATA Disk Device (SATA )
223GB OCZ-ARC1 00 SATA Disk Device (SATA (SSD))
Optical Drives HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GH24NSC0 SATA CdRom Device
Power supply 550W
Don't want to touch anything else unless I absolutely have to.
Budget is about $200 max.
Looking at local shops in NYC or just ordering online if the price makes sense.
Let me know if you need more specs.
Thanks guys.

Look, you gotta pinpoint the exact model of that R9 200. Is it a 270, 280, or 290? Because honestly, if it isn't a 270, upgrading to a GTX 1060 3GB or an RX 570 might not even be worth the cash...

analogtiger19 said:Man, you gotta tell me exactly which R9 200 model you're rocking, like is it a 270, 280, or a 290? Because honestly, if it's anything other than a 270, I'm really questioning if swapping it out for a 1060 3gb or an RX 570 is even worth the hassle...

It's a 290
The Asus Radeon R9 290 Direct ii OC 4 is what I've got—specifically the Asus Radeon R9 290 Direct ii OC 4GB Graphic Card - R9290-DC2OC-4GD5

Oh, and hey, I'm totally down for a used card in a trade, as long as my power supply can actually handle it!
If I'm reading the specs right, it needs a 6+ 8 pin connector
I just have this feeling that dropping $300 just because a card is brand new wouldn't be much of an upgrade, you know? It feels like a total downgrade for that kind of cash

Seriously though, someone please find me something I can just plug in and start playing immediately because my kid is driving me absolutely insane (especially with all those Ferries and stuff...)

What kind of card is that? An RX 570 is about the same speed. Maybe try looking at this:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/graphic-cards-listing-example

It’s got a year of warranty left, too. I guess it might be a bit punchier than your old one. Just make sure you totally wipe out all the old drivers and software from your current card first.

David Williams89 said:290
Asus Radeon R9 290 Direct II OC 4GB Graphic Card - R9290-DC2OC-4GD5

Anyway, a used one works too if it fits my power supply
If I'm reading this right, it needs 6+ 8 pins
Seems like a waste of 300 bucks just to downgrade because it's brand new

Just find me something I can plug in fast so he can play—kid's losing his mind here (it's getting crazy...)

I have no clue what the kid is playing or at what resolution that the R9 290 is somehow too bad to actually play games🤷

crimsonstag84 said:That's a solid card, roughly the same speed as an RX 570. Check this out:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/graphics-card-listing

Chicago based, still has a year of warranty left. A bit stronger than your old one. Just make sure you wipe every single driver/software from the current card first.

If he's running at 1080p, he might get maybe 10% more FPS for that money$0.50 (and only in certain games), plus the R9 290 should hit 60+ FPS almost everywhere at that resolution anyway (not on Ultra settings, obviously). Not sure if it's worth it, but hey, to each their own...☕

From what I can tell, the GPU finally kicked the bucket.

David Williams89 said:Hey everyone, I guess it might be a bit too early to be thinking about upgrading my graphics card. Well, I guess everything of mine is finished now...

Yeah. 😁

crimsonstag84 said:Yeah 😁

In case I wasn't crystal clear before
My GPU is totally toasted... and I don't mean it's acting up, I mean it is straight-up dead as a doornail!
I have absolutely no clue what happened because it was running like a dream just a second ago, but then boom, it just crapped out on me
So, this RX570 I'm looking at for my next build is actually a pretty solid choice for a budget rig, provided I don't run into any power supply headaches and you guys agree that it's about as much bang for my buck as I can get right now, so if we're on the same page, then we've got a plan!
Thanks a ton for all the help, everyone
I'm heading out to grab parts tomorrow, so if anyone has some last-minute wisdom or tips to throw my way, now is the time to speak up!

Look, there isn't much else to say here. Realistically, you aren't looking at a massive leap in performance, but if you’re dead set on buying something brand new from a retail store, then the GTX 1060 3GB is really your only play. Otherwise, you might be better off grabbing a more efficient card that comes with a solid 3-year warranty.