Hi all,

 

I am looking to get a single GPU as an upgrade for my computer at the end of the year.  Currently I have a 3x120 fan'd radiator watercooling my CPU only.  So I was wondering a few things:

 

Criteria

• Capable to take on modern simulation products/games like P3D V2.0, ArmA III, BF4, DCS, GTA5 for PC (when it comes out) etc. at max or near max settings with ease (assuming that's doable)
• Not looking to OC the GPU if possible, or if I do OC, it must be able to run daily without needing to OC and reset everytime I want to run something
• I won't be doing much if any development work with 3D rendering (3DMax, Maya, CAD etc.) or CUDA programming, but I will be using PS, LR etc. (assuming that is more a CPU/RAM problem?)

Based on these criteria, which GPU would you suggest?  And given I'm a genuine NVidia user, I've thought about GTX770, 780, and Titan.  I'm leaning towards the 780 at the moment, as based on my research, it's the best out yet, and Titan is overkill as it provides superior capabilities for CUDA use which I don't really need (I think)?

 

I understand FSX is known to be CPU intensive, which is why I have a good CPU set up.  But now I would like to get a GPU that can follow the trend as well.

 

One final thing.  Would you suggest that I get a waterblock for my GPU so I run the WC loop through it?  Currently my radiator is only running single pull config.  I have enough good fans to make it PushPull if required.

 

Thanks in advance.

You've answered your own questions.

So what I've found was indeed valid?  Basically the reason I'm putting it on here is to hear some different opinions to summarise the validity of my researching.  And also want to ask about whether or not I should run my WC lines through the GPU as well.

Get a pre-overclocked GTX 780 like the EVGA GTX 780 ACX Superclocked if you can

 

No need to add the GPU to your loop unless you really want to.

Right.  Does anyone else like Gigabyte or Asus do pre-oc'd GPUs?  I'm getting mine from computer markets in China which they don't do EVGA unfortunately.

Both Gigabyte and Asus have overclocked 780's, so you're all set there.

 

Have a look on pccasegear.com.au to get an idea of their range.

I'd pair a 4770K + GTX780 (and throw in another if you can afford it).
I have the 780 right now and it's an utter beast.

Well only about 6 months ago I upgraded to a machine to run at 4.8GHz stable.  I'm not that keen to upgrade the CPU any time soon, maybe the generation after Haswell and proven money worthwhile I'll upgrade.  Currently I'm running GTX580. It's ok, I don't REALLY need upgrade.  Except if I don't upgrade it at the end of the year, not sure when the next chance will be.

 

So did some more reading/youtubing, it seems that for an extra 5 times the price of the 780 you can get a Titan.  But in general games, there are no high CI evidence to support it's worth the money.  And given some user reports here, 780 seems like the best option yet.

 

And as it said about the P3D v2, it will use DX11 and will give the GPU a run for the money, that's my main motivator.  Based on the fact that it will benefit future games AND won't reduce the performance of FSX as well.

Well, if you've got a 3770K running @ 4.8GHz stable (which I see you have), you should be peachy
I have the same chip as you do, but I'm running @ 4.6GHz. I've chucked in a 780, and it runs well for FSX.

Now, for modern games (mind you, I have a 1080p screen), I've got everything pretty much maxed out. Looking at the direction P3D V2 is headed in, I'll probably just pick up another 780 when it can take advantage of SLI'd cards.

That being said, I'm a hardware enthusiast and I'll probably end up overhauling the system with a custom WC loop and a new processor (4930K?) soon enough. It'll probably be just for kicks, but I'm also taking into account the fact that P3D V2 is going to support multi-threading (better than FSX).

 

It remains to be seen how V2 actually performs, so before dropping $$$, wait and see what the initial reaction is. It may just be hype, or it could be a revolution.

Is there any reason to get the pre-overclocked GPU?  If you can find a deal on a brand name GPU at regular speed, why not buy it and then overclock yourself using one of the many guides on the internet.

As for getting a "pre-overclocked" card, consider this: A few years ago I got an MSI 560ti with a factory OC, and the thing was a beast for what it was. So I had to post in overclock.net to gloat about my good fortune and there I read posts from other 560ti owners that boiled my blood: vendors were boosting voltages in the bios to hit stable factory OCs! So they were cheating IMO; rather than using only the best cherry picked GPUs they were also using the second tier with a bios voltage bump. Surprisingly evga was the primary culprit. Unfortunately these cards ran hot (read noisy fans) and sometimes failed to be stable only after a few days/weeks. Now I'm not saying all factory GPU OCs are like this, but this stuff at least DID happen and evga lost themselves a customer in the process.

 

 

 Except if I don't upgrade it at the end of the year, not sure when the next chance will be.

 

Nvidia's Maxwell architecture is expected around mid next year, so if you're not upgrading until the end of the year that may be something to consider as well. 

Ah ok.  If I was to upgrade, it would be this xmas.  Otherwise probably not going to upgrade for another 4 years (long story as to why the restriction)

770 or 780 is what I'd buy today, depending on the resolution you plan to run. If you're still on a 1920x1080/1200 setup, the 770 is going to run everything fine. If you'd doing 1440p or a surround setup, the 780 is going to be better for that.

That was my thought.  I currently running dual screen sidebyside, but looking to expand one more just below the two.  Ie two (as the configuration now) just about the 3rd so the 3rd is main.