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Macknetic
2012-11-22, 12:03
I'm thinking about upgrading my grapics card. The sheer amount of different types of graphic card brands and specs out there is dazzling. Also, I actually don't know a thing about hardware. Â*:wink:

I think I have a pretty decent system except for the graphics card which is a bit older. These are the specs:

CPU
Intel Core i7 2600K @ 3.40GHz
Sandy Bridge 32nm Technology

RAM
8,00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 665MHz (9-9-9-24)

Motherboard
MSI P67A-C43 (MS-7673) (SOCKET 0)

Graphics
1023MB GeForce GTS 450 (ASUStek Computer Inc)


Right now I'm playing Battlefield 3 in 1920x1080 at medium settings and my FPS fluctuates between 40-60. I don't really need to be able to play all games in FullHD on Ultra settings with 100+ FPS. But I am wondering if investing in a better graphics card will allow me to improve FPS performance for games like Battlefield 3 and Planetside 2.

I'm thinking about investing 200-250 euro in a new card. Right now I'm looking at something like a GTX 660 but I have no idea if that is actually a significant upgrade from what I have now. Maybe I have to invest 300-400 euro in a GTX 670 or something? Or go for an AMD card which will give me more power for less money? And which one then?

Think there are a couple of guys in the clan that know a lot about hardware and it won't require much effort for them give me some quick advice on this. Any help will be greatly appreciated as it will cost me many many many hours of research to figure this out for myself.

Thanks in advance!
L00_Cyph3r
2012-11-22, 17:22
I'm using a AMD HD6950, which gives me descent graphics... (BF3:Medium 60+ FPS) (Planetside:High 60+ FPS)

Link:
HD6950 ASUS DirectCU II 2GB (http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/AMD_Series/EAH6950_DCII2DI4S2GD5/)

But to be honest, it's really confusing what you should choose...
I chose mine because I can connect up to 6 displays on 1 card, and because of EyeFinity (which I don't use that often)
If you want your system to be cool and quiet, I'd suggest looking for a dual-fan card.
If mine is running at 100% usage, the fans are below 25% of their capacity.
And yes, ASUS also has the DirectCU for Nvidia cards.

So just compare benchmarks with personal preferences ;)

Good Luck!
Burning
2012-11-23, 14:04
Put some more money, wait till january ,then you can buy a a 670 for 320 , they will drop it in prices.
I will do this aswell, swap my 6950 2gb for a 660 TI or 670.

Best off you wait a bit, there will be info on 700 series near christmas.
Macknetic
2012-11-23, 18:27
I bought an Asus Radeon HD7850. It has a double fan and 2GB and fits my budget. And now BF3 is running as smooth as a baby's butt! ÂÂ*:wink:

Thanks for the help guys.
Hangover
2012-11-23, 21:47
Put some more money, wait till january ,then you can buy a a 670 for 320 , they will drop it in prices.
I will do this aswell, swap my 6950 2gb for a 660 TI or 670.

Best off you wait a bit, there will be info on 700 series near christmas.

Thanks for the advice. I think i will leave the Radeon family and buy med a 670 when the price is right.