Your thoughts on GPU upgrade

Discussion in 'PC Hardware' started by alextheg, Dec 19, 2016.

  1. alextheg

    alextheg MDL Expert

    Jan 7, 2009
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    Hi.
    I'm looking at upgrading my GPU. Currently I gave 2 GTS 450 in SLI. However I don't game a lot and would like to get one card that cuts the mustard.

    What I'm really after is a fairly quiet card for High definition video. I use MPC-HC with Madvr and I'm looking into really pushing the processing power of Madvr.

    GPU upgrades I'm considering could be new or second hand ;
    Gtx 960 / 970
    Amd rx460 / 470

    I'd welcome your thoughts or experience in this. By the way I'm using a 500w psu which I'm not upgrading right now.
    Thanks. ;)
     
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  2. vanelle

    vanelle MDL Expert

    Sep 22, 2014
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    #2 vanelle, Dec 19, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2016
    From my experience
    for a stable PC you must upgrade your 500w psu -> ~700w if you upgrade the GPU

    500w is really limited and can lead to HD hadkrash (eg Peak load - when a usb is plugged in)
    spetial if the psu is old

    my best experience i got wit NVIDA GPU's

    edit:
    if you dont want upgrade your psu too - let it be
    never touch a running system ;)
     
  3. zen45

    zen45 MDL Addicted

    Feb 25, 2010
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    when I built my old unit I installed an 850w psu so I'm going to upgrade my gpu from a gtx 960 to a radon rx 480 strxrx480-o8g gaming gpu , I have an1200w psu sitting in the closet incase I need it . when ever you upgrade and you need a better psu always get the biggest you can afford that way you don't have to worry about having enough power for upgrades later on . come to think about it its time for me to get rid of all the 450w psu's I have in the closet ! I go to swap meets and buy computer parts for future use at a good price for me its a hobby.
     
  4. alextheg

    alextheg MDL Expert

    Jan 7, 2009
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    Thanks for the replies. I'm well aware Of the power consumption issues and need for stable power supply. I've done my research and know that plenty of gpus run on a 500w psi. As I've said I'm not a big gamer, not will I be overclocking. What I'm interested in really is which card is going to perform well in a primarily htpc setup but at the same time pushing the settings of Madvr .
     
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  5. Tiger-1

    Tiger-1 MDL Guru

    Oct 18, 2014
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    @alextheg
    well I'm suspect to tell but RX480 and PWU 1000W is fine for your desire; I think only testing to see only my 2 cents :)
     
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  6. alextheg

    alextheg MDL Expert

    Jan 7, 2009
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    I7 2600k on a Z68 G/byte G1 sniper2 rev1.0 mobo clocked to 4.6ghz. 16gb ddr3 ram, liquid cooled.

    I've done some reading over at Doom9 forums and what I can tell is that to push madvr settings like rendering / upscaling and image doubling one needs a fast somewhat higher end GPU.

    Question is deciding which to go for when budget is a constraint. Hence I'm considering second hand purchase.
     
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  7. Joe C

    Joe C MDL Guru

    Jan 12, 2012
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    #7 Joe C, Dec 19, 2016
    Last edited: Dec 19, 2016
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  8. alextheg

    alextheg MDL Expert

    Jan 7, 2009
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    That's another GPU I've been looking at , so much choice available right now it's just deciding between them :D

    I've got a Define R4 case so space is no issue.
     
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  9. Joe C

    Joe C MDL Guru

    Jan 12, 2012
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    If your budget allows, the 1080 card is the latest/greatest out there currently, and that only requires a 500w PSU
    The 9X cards are older and might be on sale
     
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  10. alextheg

    alextheg MDL Expert

    Jan 7, 2009
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    I wish...... I think the boss ( :D wife :D ) might spit feathers if I buy that at this time of year .....
     
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  11. Hadron-Curious

    Hadron-Curious MDL Guru

    Jul 4, 2014
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    Additional 350W is a power sucker!