So yeah, lately I been buying a lot of games from Steam on the cheap , but most of them I can only play at 720p to get around 40fps. Only the low end 2D games I can play 60fps at 1080p.

In any case, my current GPU is a GT620. My budget is roughly RM600, and I would like something that should last me a few years (3 years at least). What I mean is, it should be able to play 1080p games at 60fps, at the lowest graphics settings. I don't play action-FPS games and generally those demanding ones. Mine are more "experience" games, or those like Dishonored, Deus Ex HR and Xcom. And lots of 2D platformers.

My current specs:

3GHz 3rd Gen Core i5
8GB RAM
21'' Samsung Syncmaster monitor

Cheers,

I appreciate your help! Never bought a GPU before for gaming purposes, but I figured since I already have a capable enough PC, and the fact games on Steam go on the cheap so often, I rather just get a better GPU than spend on a console.

PS: I have been looking at the GTX 650 and 660 cards. Would appreciate if you can talk about the different types of those GPUs there are, like clock speed, VRAM etc.

This post has been edited by contestchris: Jan 8 2014, 08:04 PM

600 eh?
GPU:Gigabyte GTX650Ti Boost OC 2GB DDR5 RM599
From viewnet.
Or you can top up RM79,and get Sapphire R9 270 2GB DDR5 RM679 from Viewnet,it's upto you since your budget is 600
But there's difference between this 2 cards.

This post has been edited by Minecrafter: Jan 8 2014, 08:17 PM


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The GTX 650ti boost should fit the bill. Its bandwidth is all the same with the gtx 660 , have the same memory. Its only downside is that it has a bit less shader and cuda core. The latter is not that important if you're not doing any rendering stuff.

At 1080P is better to have a 2GB card , suggestion for model. Leadtek gtx 650ti 2GB or Gigabyte gtx 650ti 2GB both are priced rm599(taken from viewnet) though you can find a better deal if you search through the garage sales section.

I was reading some other similar threads on the sub-forum, and I see people mentioning additional power sources. Do I need any of that?

Also, can I confirm if my CPU and RAM is decent enough? I'm not really all that wise in that regards.

Please open the casing and check your power supply rating.

yup, your cpu is still quite new (ivy bridge) and it should run games well without bottleneck. Your memory is also sufficient. For psu, any 500W psu is good enough.

Mine is a stock Dell PC. I think model is 660Tower. I'm afraid to unscrew it cause well...I'm not smart in those things (yet).

Which 660? The original 660 or the 660s? Check if you have a slim casing, or otherwise.

Mine is 660. The fatter one.

Can you open up the case and look at the PSU label?

You may need a PSU upgrade... Since yours is a non-slim variant, you can fit most standard ATX units in the market.
The Hexa 500W for RM149 may do the trick..

Though I'm afraid that Dell may use mini power connectors to the board, making PSU upgrades impossible.

GTX650 Ti Boost RM559 at Czone

650TI Boost the best you can get within your budget for the green camp. Cheapest price quoted is by Idealtech, Leadtek GTX650 TI Boost 2GB at RM539.

Alternatively, there are R9 270 (non X) with BF4 at cost to RM700. Consider that BF4 itself worth around RM80, you basically just pay RM600++ for it. Quite worth it.

But then, since you may need to upgrade your PSU also (most probably gonna cost at least RM150), so keep at the GTX650TI Boost 2GB is fine.

Between GTX660 and the 650TI, which do you recommend? I was looking at benchmarks, and the 660 has a G3D score of 4500, and the 650TI 2600. Does it make much difference in real world gaming though?

I think 660 is out of your budget already. Also, the marginal performance gain not really worth the extra price to top up. Generally, 650TI boost can do (play) what 660 can do also, so the upgrade isn't exactly essential. Besides, not much brands still carrying 660, as it is succeeded by 760 already.

Like I suggested, if you do have extra budget to top up, then consider R9 270 (if with BF4 is even sweeter). It is a better choice if you having a budget of around RM700. If you having a budget of RM850+, then you can consider the GTX760 (non-reference).


This post has been edited by Human10: Jan 9 2014, 02:56 AM

Thanks!

Ok guys, I have one more question. I looked and did some searches, and I think a TI Boost GTX 650 it will be. But...what's the difference between the brands? Like Asus, Leadtek etc? Doesn't have any direct from nVidia? Why different prices? I see all are two GB.

The answer may be obvious to you guys, but not to me. So please help me out in understanding the differences.

Difference between the GPU from each brands?The difference is clock speed,amount if GDDR ram(sometimes),memory clock(iinm that its called),warranty,cooler and version(Example Gigabyte has Windforce version iinm,Asus has DC2 version) etc.
There's none for NVidia since it's the reference one in which MSI,Asus,Leadtek,Zotac,Gigabyte can relase reference one's at the start.,i prefer Getting from brands like Asus,Leadtek etc instead of AMD/NVidia BECAUSE 1.Sometimes longer warranty2.specs a bit better3.better cooler.
The GDDR RAM doesn't decides the price of it.i'd recommend you the Gigabyte GTX650Ti Boost OC 2GB DDr5 RM599 since it's the best below 600 price range.

This post has been edited by Minecrafter: Jan 10 2014, 03:22 PM

If possible, top up to 650 TI Boost, the price different isn't much afaik, but the performance is quite different. p/s: Didn't saw your "TI Boost" in front of the GTX650...

Different brands had different cooler and clock/memory speed (factory overclock).

Generally, Asus's products (mobo, GPU and so on) are significantly overpriced compared to other brands in Malaysia. But they somehow compensated it with their really decent cooler and above average customer services.

Back to the price different part, yeah, different brands will had different prices (depend on how much RRP the distro set it). Most of the time, you don't need to care too much on the brands. Just get the one that is cheapest or had the longest warranty period. No reason to pay a premium for some marginal overclock or fancy cooler.

For the direct from nVidia card, it is called reference card. A reference card is using stock reference cooler and having stock clock rate (some manufacturers may also selling reference card with their own branding, which is essentially the same thing as nVidia card). There is no reason to get a reference card as it is normally the weakest and the hottest as compared to non-reference card, unless it is significantly cheaper.

TL;DR: Just get the Leadtek GTX650 TI Boost, it is the cheapest one available locally.

This post has been edited by Human10: Jan 10 2014, 03:26 PM

I prefer the 7850 over the 650ti boost. Both are about the same price I think. The 7850 runs cooler and is slightly faster.

HD 7850 is a bit hard to locate these days, I'm using the R9 270 and it's solid stuff.

So just to confirm, do I need to install additional fan systems to my PC? I see that these GPUs come with coolers...is that enough, or do I need to do something additional as well to cool down the overall system? If yes, how necessary is that?

The GPU fan is enough but you can just add a fan or two if you want it to run a bit cooler.

Minimumly use at least an intake fan and an exhaust fan.

If not those hot air not gonna ventilate well and trapped for a long time in your case.

This post has been edited by Human10: Jan 11 2014, 11:44 PM

a little cable management goes a long way.


source : goldfries.com

you wouldn't need to worry about GPU though. even in my test above, the GPU was on burn in test, run it for a few minutes with high RPM fan on casing and such.

a typical user wouldn't even have to worry about the casing fan RPM and GPU temperature.

Hey guys sorry for bumping this again. Do I have any option of a GPU if I do not want to buy a new power source for it?

What's your old PSU?

We recommend at least a reliable PSU as those cheapo bundled PSU may not be reliable, and worst, may fail or even spoilt other components.

As for GPU recommendation that is low on power requirement, it sounds like the new GTX750/TI line, they are designe to be very efficient, and having a real low TDP or don't even need pcie 6pins connector. So by right, virtually all PSU should be enough to power it up.
http://www.lowyat.net/2014/02/nvidia-offic...-in-the-market/

This post has been edited by Human10: Feb 21 2014, 08:10 PM

Ok guys. My PSU is 300 watts.

To put in a GTX in there, do I need to upgrade or not?

Assuming I want a GTX650 TI Boost, what's my best course of action?

A quick look at the costs for the PSU will be good too.

Finally, do I need to take my desktop to the shops to get it fixed, or is a GPU/PSU easy to fix by myself?

I am also open to other cheaper GPUs even from AMD or anything else for a 300psu unit.

Ok guys I did my own research. It seems the best I can get is a GT640. Found a guy selling it cheap here on Lowyat. I play mostly 2D games so it should suffice for now.

According to Dell site, the PC supports GT640 with no additional PSU. Has been tested.

However, that version is 900mHz non-OC. The one I am getting is slightly OC to 940mHz. Is this effect on the power output minimal, or noticeable? Do you think I shouldn't get it as a result?

Depending on your budget, there's the GTX 750 now that uses very low power.

I just need answer to this: If you OC your GPU will it increase the TDP and watts required? By how much?

According to nVidia website, max TDP for the normal 900Mhz version is 65watts. But I see that the OC version by MSI also states 65watts for the TDP. Is this possible? The OC is 940Mhz.

As long as you overclock the power consumption is sure to increase. You won't feel any performance difference from 900 to 940 though.

Ok I understand. I know the performance increase is negligible.

But what about power consumption increase? Do you think it will also be negligible? Or still 65 watts TDP? Or maybe goes to 75 or 80 watts?

No, I don't think it goes that far.

No, as in it has no effect OR it has effect?

Sorry, more like YES it does increase.

NO as in it doesn't go that far in power consumption (eg reaching 75 - 80w)

You should wait and try and find the GT 750 / GTX 750 Ti, the reference design without external power connector. Nvidia made these cards so people with limited PSU power can use it.

GTX750 / 750 Ti is miles ahead from GT640. GT640 can be considered as outdated already.

I know, but it is around 3 times better than my GT620 in two separate benchmark scores I have seen. My GT620 is also actually fine enough for now for 2D games, and I rarely if ever play 3D games. Just want something that bit better.

I see. Do you experience lagging while playing 2D games? Because if I'm not mistaken upgrading the graphics card won't improve 2D games that much... It's mostly depends on CPU for 2D games.

If you are buying from Lowyat, GTX 650 Ti Boost is your best option. However NVIDIA are discontinuing the GTX 650 Ti Boost and replace with GTX 750 Ti. If you are not, you can consider Gainward GTX 660 2GB GS @ RM595 (Lingloong Garage Sales). Much more powerful, and also still being produced unlike the GTX 650 Ti Boost

Depends, in the very simple 2D games, zero lag. In the more intense 2D games with bloom effects for example, or in 2.5d games (sidescrolling but with 3D-ish backgrounds), I do have lag and sometimes need to even go down to 1366x768 to play at decent framerate.

In any case, my CPU should not be a problem for the foreseeable future as I have a 3rd gen Core i5 and also 8GB ram.

I decided not to get a new PSU. Also the Dell Inspiron 660 (mini tower) has a very closed design so heat flow would be a problem. So it's either I stick with my GT620 or get a cheap GT640 that is in benchmark terms around 3 times better than what I have now.

Yupp your CPU is very capable. If your 2.5d games do have 3D banckground, then the graphics card upgrade would really help.

Actually I just saw the GTX 750/750 TI. They just need 55 and 60 watts respectively. Which is amazing. And the cost is RM380 and RM500 respectively (rough US conversion).

So, basically, this should mean I can now have a high end GPU w/o needing a new PSU!

Also, does this signify that all new nVidia cards will be low-powered ones? Man, it's exciting!

This post has been edited by contestchris: Feb 24 2014, 01:07 AM

Hold your horses. Most 750 Ti I see today in our market hover in around RM600 price range. If you're considering one, go with Palit's StormX Dual, which is the fastest factory overclocked 750 Ti available in our market right now. And best of all, it does not even require a 6-pin power connector.

That is supposedly the highlight on the new Maxwell architecture, which Nvidia claims is designed with mobile in mind, so we're hoping to see more energy efficient GPUs coming from them, especially the performance to enthusiast class GPUs (e.g GM104 / GM110).

If I get, I'll get the GTX 750 only (perhaps the super-clocked version by EVGA).

Speaking of that, what are the negative side effects of choosing the super-clocked version (factory make) over the reference design model?

Super-clocked: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IDG3LUO/
Reference: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IDG3NDY

Will it greatly affect temperatures, fan noise levels etc? Also, does the TDP increase in such cases? The reference model has a TDP of 55 watts....will the SC version have more? Like I said, I only have a 300 watts PSU but I have heard from many people GPUs up to 75 watts TDP rating should be able to run on my PC with no issues.

On the EVGA website, it simply says the versions with the ACX cooler have 25 watts more power, but nothing about the normal super-clocked version is mentioned. http://www.evga.com/articles/00821/#2757

Please do advice me on this.

PS: Alse, when I tried to buy from Amazon, the shipping is quite costly and they are using a RM3.49 = 1 USD conversion rate instead of RM3.34 = 1 USD. Why?

This post has been edited by contestchris: Feb 24 2014, 11:30 AM