Help me decide between two gfx cards...

D.B.Cooper

D.B.Cooper

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These two cards are currently on sale at Wootware:

http://www.wootware.co.za/powercolo...it-pci-express-3-0-desktop-graphics-card.html

http://www.wootware.co.za/powercolo...it-pci-express-3-0-desktop-graphics-card.html

I haven't bought a gfx card in years so I'm a bit out of the loop regarding current models. The one is a 380 with 4gb, the other is a 280x with 3gb. The 380 is a higher mode (I believe,) yet the 280x has a higher non-sale price (R4199 vs R4999.) I'm wondering why a lower model would have higher price.

Anyhow, either card looks like a good buy, just like to hear your opinions.
 
Well the R9280x is actually still slightly faster but has less RAM. If you playing on normal HD and your case can handle the heat then the 280x is a better card. For higher resolution the 380 could theoretically pull back some of the perform with the extra ram.

The 380 is the "new generation" card, it is a rebranded 285. The 280x is still faster but makes more heat and uses more power.
 
Get the 380, DX12 vs DX11.2, I've gone for the cheaper option a few times and everytime I feel that maybe I should have just spent a few bucks more and gotten the better one.. Maybe it's coincidence that they put it on sale for R3499 all of the sudden :D
 
hoenner69 said:
Get the 380, DX12 vs DX11.2, I've gone for the cheaper option a few times and everytime I feel that maybe I should have just spent a few bucks more and gotten the better one.. Maybe it's coincidence that they put it on sale for R3499 all of the sudden :D
Click to expand...

The 280x is faster and supports DX12......
 
Don't know what the [Recertified] means on the website but I'd take the R 9 290 for R 3 999.00
 
Pitbull said:
Don't know what the [Recertified] means on the website but I'd take the R 9 290 for R 3 999.00
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Thanks for the replies everyone! Recertified means it was sent back to the manufacturer for some reason, retested and then certified to be functioning within operating parameters. It usually also has half the warranty of a brand new card. Make of that what you will. Probably perfectly fine, but you never know :D

Edit: On closer inspection it appears that the 280X requires a 6 and 8 pin power connectors. [-]I only have two 6 pin connectors, so that kind of settles it, unless I buy a new power supply as well, which I can't afford currently. Hmm, unless I get the card now and a psu later...[/-]

Edit 2: Actually no, apparently I'm blind :D It's actually two 6+2 connectors on my PSU, heh. Maybe I'll go for the 280X after all.
 
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D.B.Cooper said:
These two cards are currently on sale at Wootware:

http://www.wootware.co.za/powercolo...it-pci-express-3-0-desktop-graphics-card.html

http://www.wootware.co.za/powercolo...it-pci-express-3-0-desktop-graphics-card.html

I haven't bought a gfx card in years so I'm a bit out of the loop regarding current models. The one is a 380 with 4gb, the other is a 280x with 3gb. The 380 is a higher mode (I believe,) yet the 280x has a higher non-sale price (R4199 vs R4999.) I'm wondering why a lower model would have higher price.

Anyhow, either card looks like a good buy, just like to hear your opinions.
Click to expand...

The 380 has better DX12 support and runs cooler. Get that.
 
D.B.Cooper said:
Unfortunately this card will be a bit too much for my PSU, it's only 720.
Click to expand...

720W is fine. Paired with a i7-4960X @ 4.2GHz it comes in under 400W. What else do you have in your system?
 
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ponder said:
720W fine. What else do you have in your system?
Click to expand...

Not if it's those old "Gigabyte" Odin "720watt" Power Supplies. Those were actually 500watt power supplies with a 720watt sticker slapped on.
 
Chevron said:
Not if it's those old "Gigabyte" Odin "720watt" Power Supplies. Those were actually 500watt power supplies with a 720watt sticker slapped on.
Click to expand...

Correct :) I advise against blindly buying a PSU you just happen to find on Wootware. Do your homework and you will ascend happily.
 
Chevron said:
Not if it's those old "Gigabyte" Odin "720watt" Power Supplies. Those were actually 500watt power supplies with a 720watt sticker slapped on.
Click to expand...

Hopefully he does not have something that crap. Maybe he can provide us with a breakdown of his system specs which includes make&model info.
 
Chevron said:
Not if it's those old "Gigabyte" Odin "720watt" Power Supplies. Those were actually 500watt power supplies with a 720watt sticker slapped on.
Click to expand...

It's not an Odin, it's a Superb 720, pretty old :D

ponder said:
720W is fine. Paired with a i7-4960X @ 4.2GHz it comes in under 400W. What else do you have in your system?
Click to expand...

My CPU is a (don't laugh!) Phenom II 965, and 8 gigs RAM. Oh, and two old-ish 512 gig Seagate hd's. Mobo is an Asus M5A97 EVO.

Edit: Thing is, my budget is already a bit stretched on those two gfx cards I mentioned in the op. It's just that those specials seems too good to pass up. Getting a new (decent) PSU on top of a new gfx card is a bit out of my range.
 
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D.B.Cooper said:
It's not an Odin, it's a Superb 720, pretty old :D



My CPU is a (don't laugh!) Phenom II 965, and 8 gigs RAM. Oh, and two old-ish 512 gig Seagate hd's. Mobo is an Asus M5A97 EVO.

Edit: Thing is, my budget is already a bit stretched on those two gfx cards I mentioned in the op. It's just that those specials seems too good to pass up. Getting a new (decent) PSU on top of a new gfx card is a bit out of my range.
Click to expand...

My advice:
Get the best card you can afford as that is going to be the bulk of your upgrade. Then after that start exchanging the cheaper things like the Mobo, CPU, RAM and the likes. If your current setup can run a good card get one, then start replacing the parts bit by bit.
 
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