Difference in 4GB GPUs

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Ronsoak

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#171714 28-Apr-2015 21:37

I've got a 2GB 760 which has been defeated by GTA V , but when looking for a 4GB card I'm stumped by the $600 4GB 970 and the $900 4GB 970 (made up example)

What's the main difference and will I not benefit from the cheapest 4GB GPU?

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#1293154 28-Apr-2015 21:40

You need to look closely at what is special about the $900 card to make it worth the extra $300 - it probably isn't, but if say it has much better cooling (and will overclock more/generally run faster) or is quieter or is just better looking, it may be worth it for you.

nakedmolerat

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#1293158 28-Apr-2015 21:42

Are you talking about the memory size in the graphic card?

It is the GPU and not the memory size that matters for a graphic card.

Try give us the exact examples which cards are you interested in...

Ronsoak

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#1293178 28-Apr-2015 22:15

So what number , besides the price, indicates that the GPU is of a higher calibre, my 760 has a max 1315 clock, so should I be looking for a higher clock over memory?

Lias

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#1293186 28-Apr-2015 22:27

nakedmolerat: Are you talking about the memory size in the graphic card?

It is the GPU and not the memory size that matters for a graphic card.

Depending on what your doing, the ram can very much matter. Higher end gaming is very much one of those times.
If your wanting to play modern games on high quality settings, you can chew through huge amounts of graphics RAM.
Quite apart from the raw GPU processing power, if you want high MSAA etc at 1440p or 2160p you need lots of RAM to go with your GPU.
See http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/graphics-card-myths,3694-6.html

For the OP, for GTA v with max settings if 1080p is fine then the 970 will suffice. If you want 1440p go up to the 980. If you want 2160p (4k), bend over and get a second mortgage because you'll be wanting several grand worth of cards, really want 3x 980 (~$2700) or 2x Titan X ($~3400+)

Check out
http://www.hardocp.com/article/2015/04/27/grand_theft_auto_v_single_gpu_performance_review_part_1/3#.VT9eUiGqrg8
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2015/04/16/heres-what-youll-need-to-play-grand-theft-auto-v-in-4k/

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Lias

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#1293188 28-Apr-2015 22:28

M00S3: So what number , besides the price, indicates that the GPU is of a higher calibre, my 760 has a max 1315 clock, so should I be looking for a higher clock over memory?

Benchmarks and real world performance reviews.

ubergeeknz

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#1293189 28-Apr-2015 22:31

Go and have a look at: http://www.logicalincrements.com/ a handy guide to PC components / price point.

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#1293210 28-Apr-2015 23:18

it's not the GB, it's not the clock speed, it's not the memory speed ... it's the GPU that makes most of the difference.

suggest you read the above GPU comparison table

Ronsoak

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#1293929 29-Apr-2015 22:29

ubergeeknz: Go and have a look at: http://www.logicalincrements.com/ a handy guide to PC components / price point.

Cheers for that link, ive bookmarked that as its definately going to be useful in the future.

So I guess the best example of my confusion is below

EVGA GTX970 4GB CUDA 1664 1778Mhz $574

VS

EVGA GTX980 4GB CUDA 2048, 1216Mhz $919

Why does +384 CUDA, +562Mhz = + $344! (nearly a dollar a CUDA)

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#1293957 29-Apr-2015 23:22

bcos Ferrari

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#1293962 29-Apr-2015 23:48

M00S3:
ubergeeknz: Go and have a look at: http://www.logicalincrements.com/ a handy guide to PC components / price point.

Cheers for that link, ive bookmarked that as its definately going to be useful in the future.

So I guess the best example of my confusion is below

EVGA GTX970 4GB CUDA 1664 1778Mhz $574

VS

EVGA GTX980 4GB CUDA 2048, 1216Mhz $919

Why does +384 CUDA, +562Mhz = + $344! (nearly a dollar a CUDA)

+562 mhz I don't think is correct im seeing 1178 mhz vs 1216 mhz
+384 CUDA cores is well the graphics card has an extra 384 cores to process with which gives a decent performance boost
More performance = more cost, honestly the 970 has much better price/performance ratio then the 980 so for most people the extra $344 isn't worth it.

nakedmolerat

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#1293988 30-Apr-2015 07:32

M00S3:
ubergeeknz: Go and have a look at: http://www.logicalincrements.com/ a handy guide to PC components / price point.

Cheers for that link, ive bookmarked that as its definately going to be useful in the future.

So I guess the best example of my confusion is below

EVGA GTX970 4GB CUDA 1664 1778Mhz $574

VS

EVGA GTX980 4GB CUDA 2048, 1216Mhz $919

Why does +384 CUDA, +562Mhz = + $344! (nearly a dollar a CUDA)

You got it wrong there.

970 graphic is only 1178mhz.

As you can see 980 has faster processor and more cores (cuda) to process graphics.

If money is not an objection you'll go with 980. If money is limited, find out price/performance ratio and see if it's worth it for you.

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#1293990 30-Apr-2015 07:38

in terms of the "best" one ... there is never the "best". as soon as you buy it a newer better pricier one comes out and your ex-best suddenly is worth less than half the value.

of course if you have bottomless pockets, then go for it. just don't expect to see your money again.

Ronsoak

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#1294128 30-Apr-2015 11:32

Dear Awesome People who help me with these things

Would this be a good upgrade : EVGA GeForce GTX970 4GB ACX Dual Fan PCI-E 3.0 Video card , CUDA 1664 , 1178Mhz

Brumfondl

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#1294212 30-Apr-2015 12:05

Should do the trick. I know I love my 970 :)

wasabi2k

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#1294218 30-Apr-2015 12:12

Yes. The 970 is a bloody good card for the money.

The 980 is a monster, but you are paying for a better gpu + tax for buying top of the line.

edit: All assuming your bottleneck is in fact GPU and not CPU/memory.

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