GPU Buying Guide - (Read first post)

The GPU is always the biggest wildcard when you're building a new rig.
In my experience, if you want a decent gaming experience, you can usually get by with a card in the $0.53 range..
So, I’m looking for some advice: which graphics card is currently the absolute best value for $0.53 at any major US retailer?

Thanks a lot..

Grab yourself a 7850 from $533, maybe this one or this one. If you can stretch your budget up to $1700, go for the 7870 instead. As far as Nvidia goes, you've got the GTX 660 non ti, but honestly, I don't think it's much of a best buy. In my opinion, your best bet would be aiming for the 7870 or the 7850TF. 😉

Or maybe you could go even $33 bigger:

How does the gtx 660 non-Ti stack up? Is it significantly better than the 7850?

The hierarchy seems to be HD 7850 > GTX 660 > HD 7870, with maybe a 10% gap between each step

Actually, I think it’d be best to stretch the budget and aim for the 7870 if possible. Personally, I much prefer the 7XXX series over the 6XX lineup, especially at this level. I usually save Nvidia for builds north of $6,000.

It comes with a 3-year warranty and boasts some of the best cooling on the market.

I told him, though honestly, he might be better off grabbing the GTX660—it’s definitely got more punch.

Adam Moore3 said:I told him, though maybe he’d be better off just grabbing a GTX660 since it's got more punch.

If he goes for a high-end 660, I wouldn't expect it to cost less than $1,700 plus tax.

The absolute best option is the MSI Twin Frozr III version of the gtx 660 non, though you'll be shelling out upwards of $1,900 for it.$667

http://www.nabava.net/trazilica.php?tp=0&q=gtx+660 What’s the deal with Palit, Gainward, and MSI? They just aren't hitting the mark.

Adam Moore3 said:http://www.amazon.com/s?k=gtx+660 What’s wrong with Palit, Gainward, or MSI?

Those are wholesale prices. Retail prices at Best Buy are always going to be $20 or more higher.

urbanowl5 said:Those are wholesale costs. Retail prices at a grocery store will always be $10 or even $20 higher.

These are online retailers, so the prices look fine.
The issue with brands like Palit and the others is that they tend to have weaker cooling systems and shorter warranties.

Alexander Moore67 said:these are online retailers, so the prices are reasonable.
The issue with brands like Palit is the mediocre cooling and shorter warranties.

My bad, I meant online stores. Obviously, walking into a Best Buy in person is always going to cost you more... standard practice.

urbanowl5 said:If you are searching for the absolute peak of quality, the gtx 660 non from MSI featuring the Twin Frozr III cooler is your best bet, though finding one for under $40 would be a miracle.$667.

Running an HD 7770 OC in CrossFire allows CUDA to function perfectly; I’ve even clocked a 3DMark score of 7200 at medium resolution!

Titles such as Far Cry 3 or Hitman run smoothly at 90 FPS on ultra settings.🙏

Am I satisfied with this CrossFire setup? Absolutely. Despite my initial skepticism regarding potential blue screens or thermal issues, I have encountered neither so far.

Intel Core i3-3220
4GB DDR3 1333 MHz RAM
Chieftec CTG-500-80P PSU

Alright, here’s what I’m working with.
I need some advice on which GPU to pick up, along with a matching motherboard. I want this build for gaming, so I'm looking for the best graphics card that won't be completely bottlenecked by that processor. Also, I'm assuming this power supply isn't going to cut it if I try to run anything serious? Thanks.

Ryan Allen32 said:The power supply unit is a Chieftec CTG-500-80P.

Does anyone actually know what the wattage rating is on that specific unit?

It’s got 500 watts.

Ryan Allen32 said:Intel Core i3-3220 processor
4GB DDR3 RAM at 1333 MHz
Chieftec CTG-500-80P power supply

So, this is what I'm working with.
I was hoping you guys could recommend a graphics card and a matching motherboard. I want to use this setup for gaming, so I'm looking for a GPU that won't be too bottlenecked by that specific processor. Also, I'm assuming this power supply won't handle anything too high-end? Thanks.

That power supply will handle any GPU you throw at it.

Ryan Allen32 said:Intel Core i3-3220 processor
4GB DDR3 RAM at 1333 MHz
Chieftec power supply: CTG-500-80P

Alright, here’s my current setup.
I’m looking for some recommendations on which GPU to pair with this, along with a suitable motherboard. I want this build to be for gaming. Specifically, what graphics card would get the most out of this processor without being wasted? Also, I’m guessing this power supply won't cut it for anything high-end? Thanks.

What motherboard are you currently using?
this one or this one
It supports SATA III and USB 3.0...

That power supply is perfectly fine and can actually handle a decent graphics card. What's your budget look like?