Need advice on a replacement graphics card

[AndyJWest]

The graphics card (a 2GB AMD 6970) on my gaming PC has died, and needs replacing - I know it is the graphics card that is the problem because when I swapped it with an old Nvidia 9600 GT, the PC booted up ok. I was wondering what I should replace it with though, since I've not really kept up with recent hardware. Would it be better to go the Nvidia route, and if so, what would be the best option in the £150-200 range, which is all I can afford? From what I can figure out, a 3GB GTX 1060 looks to be a good proposition if that is possible - I assume it will work with the existing MOBO etc?

Current PC spec:

MOBO - Asus Sabertooth X58.
CPU - Intel i7 950 Quad Core 3.06Ghz (overclocked to 3.80Ghz).
RAM - 12 GB (3x4GB) Corsair DDR3 (1600).
GPU - XFX 6970 2GB.
PSU - 1000W Corsair.  
SSD - 128 GB
HDDs - 1 TB + 2 TB.
OS - Win 10.
Case - Antec Three Hundred.
Monitor 24" Samsung 1920 x 1080

 

Edit: Regarding compatibility with the existing MOBO, that is PCIe 2.0, whereas modern graphics cards are 3.0. From what I can figure out, they should be backwards compatible, but is this going to result in a performance hit?

Edited October 20, 2016 by AndyJWest

[kissklas]

 

Edit: Regarding compatibility with the existing MOBO, that is PCIe 2.0, whereas modern graphics cards are 3.0. From what I can figure out, they should be backwards compatible, but is this going to result in a performance hit?

 

I am currently running a GTX 970 on PCIe 2.0 x16. It is completely fine. You could probably run a 1070 on the same PCIe without too much of a bottleneck, but I do think the CPU might bottleneck it. I am currently on a Xeon W3680 OC@4.2 (which is the equivalent of the i7 980x), and I'm doing fine so far, but again that is a stronger CPU.

 

To be honest I would upgrade the PC in stages. Do the GPU first. Get a good new card like the 1070 or 1080 if you have the cash. The boost going from the 6970 is huge anyways, even if you do have a bottleneck. Next, when you get the cash, you get a new mobo and CPU. Intel has some cool stuff in the pipeline for 2017 you know:)

 

I am currently waiting to see what they come up with. After that I'll wait for Nvidia to see what the Volta generation will do in 2018.

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

Check here for performance comparisons between brands.  Do a find on 6970.

 

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html

[AndyJWest]

Thanks guys.
 
Looking into this further, I may also be limited by the physical size of the GPU, as some GTX 1060/1070 cards seem to be too long to fit my Antec case. I'll have to check carefully before buying.

[II/JG11_ATLAN_VR]

sooner or later my plan is to Change GP ,actual GTX770 Gainward Phantom,system is working fine now

but for the coming vr .

what would you recommend?

Edited October 21, 2016 by II/JG11ATLAN

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 GTX 1070 is a good card when comparing speed vs. price. Sure an improvement over the 6970. If you have the budget, then 1080. Again as we know nVidia will release Ti models next year and also AMD's new GPU should be out stirring up the GPU battle a bit. SO if not a life and death issue there is only a few months to wait.

 

 For VR not even GTX 1080 is enough. The new Titan X might do it, but with a hefty price tag. Some sources claim that the PS4 VR will work with a PC, worth investigating.

[Jade_Monkey]

For that price either the gtx 1060 or AMD 480X

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

 For VR not even GTX 1080 is enough.

 

Have you done the Vive test?

 

http://store.steampowered.com/app/323910

Edited October 21, 2016 by 12.OIAE_Stick-95

[II/JG11_ATLAN_VR]

Have you done the Vive test?

 

http://store.steampowered.com/app/323910

 

yes just done yellow it works but better upgrade GP result of the test  rest is green

Edited October 21, 2016 by II/JG11ATLAN

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

With my setup the Vive test came back 100%.

[AndyJWest]

I think I've ruled out getting involved with VR for the moment, and from the looks of prices will probably have to settle for a 1060.  If I can scrape together £250 or so, I can get a 6GB one - more than I intended to spend, but worth considering.

[Extreme_One]

If you can get the 6GB 1060 you're getting a better card all round.

 

Not only does it have the extra VRAM but has 1280 shaders instead of the 1152 on the 3GB version.

[kissklas]

You are good for VR as long as you have anything from the GTX 970 and up. Works prefect in any game here, so far.

At work we develop with VR on a GTX 770 even! And that runs War Thunder well in VR. I tried:p

If you go for anything from the 10 series from Nvidia, you should be good:)

[LLv34_Flanker]

S!

 

 Downloading the VR Test now and let's see. Also if you happen to have a GTX 1070, read this: http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/manufacturers-roll-out-firmware-updates-for-geforce-gtx-1070-due-to-memory-issue.html

 

EDIT: Also new GeForce drivers out. BoX runs at solid 60FPS for me now, VSync on.

Edited October 21, 2016 by LLv34_Flanker

[kissklas]

Also if you happen to have a GTX 1070, read this: http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/manufacturers-roll-out-firmware-updates-for-geforce-gtx-1070-due-to-memory-issue.html

It's always something memory related with that "70"! First the RAM bandwidth thing on last 512mb of the 970, now this:-p

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

S!

 

Also if you happen to have a GTX 1070, read this: http://www.guru3d.com/news-story/manufacturers-roll-out-firmware-updates-for-geforce-gtx-1070-due-to-memory-issue.html

 

 

Thanks for the heads up.  Luckily I have Samsung memory on the 1070 so I should be good.

[AndyJWest]

Does anyone have any comments on the merits of two-fan graphics cards, as compared to single-fan? 1060s seem to be available with either.

[VBF-12_Stick-95]

I have 2 fans with the 1070.  Keeps it nice and cool.  Depends on your airflow and room temp also.  I think there are some with 3 fans.  When I installed mine I was watching the card and I noticed the fans weren't going.  Thought there was something terribly wrong only to find out they shut off when they don't need to run.  My older system had a 680 2Gb.  What a difference.

[Extreme_One]

More fans (should) = better cooling = better overclocking potential.

 

I tend to buy factory overclocked cards because, often, these would use pre-selected chips which are tested for overclocking potential.

Therefore, my cards usually have three fans.

[hipplas93]

I can say that you need only GeForce.