The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Join Date:
3/10/2014
Posts:
694
Member Details
So I've decided to purchase a new graphics card as my Gigabyte R7 240 can no longer handle the newer games coming out. I've decided on the MSI Gaming RX 480 (DDR5 4 Gigabyte version) to add to my own setup (AMD FX 8350 and 8 megs RAM). I will be ordering the thing soon (as of this post the price on it dropped to $199 on Amazon).
I decided to ask a tech at one of the computer stores around here about how much of a power supply I would need and he commented that my entire system was "entry level". As in if it's gonna run anything I may as well run it all at minimum settings. He recommended that I replace my system with one that has uses the Intel i7 4970 or better, 32 gigabytes of RAM and an Nvidia 1070 so that I'm "up to date". I declined as I don't have the money to afford such a beefy system and would be satisfied with low res gaming anyway. Not going back to that store...
So anyways, is the graphics card I mentioned really an "entry level" card, or was the tech just pulling my leg?
Of course he wanted you to buy their top range system, it's in his financial interests.
RX480 low end? Not at all. It's mid-high end. The FX-8350 is also perfectly adequate, a bit dated, sure.. but will be perfectly fine. A 450-500w or higher PSU should run the system just fine.
The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Join Date:
3/10/2014
Posts:
694
Member Details
I figured as much. Most computer stores are more than happy to give me advice as I usually shop at those places. Didn't think otherwise at the new one that opened.
I have a 750 watt power supply, so I guess I'm already set to install the new video card when I get it. And maybe some new memory.
Just curious... what is considered a "high end" video card from AMD?
Well the RX 480 is the highest end of their 400 series cards that they've released so far. The AMD R9 Fury and Fury X and the best from AMD currently. Here are benchmarks from 44 GPU's in Titanfall for example.
I figured as much. Most computer stores are more than happy to give me advice as I usually shop at those places. Didn't think otherwise at the new one that opened.
I have a 750 watt power supply, so I guess I'm already set to install the new video card when I get it. And maybe some new memory.
Just curious... what is considered a "high end" video card from AMD?
AMD have been aiming for more the mid-high market rather than the top tier for the last couple of years, that's more Nvidia's ballgame with the GTX 1070/1080/Titan X(P) etc.
Definitely make sure your case will support the size of an RX 480 prior to purchasing one, it's possible that it may not physically fit depending on the size/format of your case. Have a picture of your current setup?
AMD have been aiming for more the mid-high market rather than the top tier for the last couple of years, that's more Nvidia's ballgame with the GTX 1070/1080/Titan X(P) etc.
Definitely make sure your case will support the size of an RX 480 prior to purchasing one, it's possible that it may not physically fit depending on the size/format of your case. Have a picture of your current setup?
Already made the measurements and it will definitely fit inside (having a tape measure in the drawer helps a LOT).
The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Location:
England
Join Date:
10/9/2016
Posts:
58
Location:
England, United Kingdom
Minecraft:
HalfOfAKebab
Member Details
Not at all.
I have an RX 480, and it's a dream at 1080p. I can run pretty much anything on the highest settings (except ridiculous stuff like Minecraft's 32-chunk render distance), other than new triple-A titles. Grand Theft Auto V needed some very slight tweaking before I was able to get a constant 60 FPS, but I can't even really notice the difference between my settings and the maximum settings, so I think it's perfectly fine. Black Ops III can run with everything absolutely maxed, never dropping below 60 FPS. I highly recommend this card if you can't afford a 1070 or a 1080.
The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Join Date:
3/10/2014
Posts:
694
Member Details
Well, finally have it on order and it will take about two weeks to get here (ordered via the cheaper shipping method because I'm in no real hurry to get the card). I ALMOST decided on the Sapphire card, but found out about how noisy it was. It cost a bit more than it did when I first made this post (it had climbed to $219) but still within my range. Hopefully the card is "futureproofed" enough that I won't have to upgrade for a LONG while.
I would have gotten the Sapphire imho, if it was the Nitro you would barely hear it as the fans switch itself off when the card is not in use. I have a Fury NITRO and while it does have an annoying coil whine, I cannot hear it at all when I'm not playing any games. In fact, the case fans are louder.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Can you match my resolve? If so then you will succeed. - Monty Oum
I would have gotten the Sapphire imho, if it was the Nitro you would barely hear it as the fans switch itself off when the card is not in use. I have a Fury NITRO and while it does have an annoying coil whine, I cannot hear it at all when I'm not playing any games. In fact, the case fans are louder.
I'm going by the various Youtube review videos I've watched to check each card out. My case fans are VERY quiet. I only hear them when I boot up my machine. Thankfully they'll stay that way as long as I keep up my epic battles against the evil Dust Bunny Empire...
The worst thing about ordering stuff online... is the wait...
The Meaning of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
Join Date:
3/10/2014
Posts:
694
Member Details
Well, got the card and it performs beautifully. Doesn't feel like an entry level graphics card. It's also as quiet as advertised. I can barely hear it. And that's if it turns on its fans at all...
So I've decided to purchase a new graphics card as my Gigabyte R7 240 can no longer handle the newer games coming out. I've decided on the MSI Gaming RX 480 (DDR5 4 Gigabyte version) to add to my own setup (AMD FX 8350 and 8 megs RAM). I will be ordering the thing soon (as of this post the price on it dropped to $199 on Amazon).
I decided to ask a tech at one of the computer stores around here about how much of a power supply I would need and he commented that my entire system was "entry level". As in if it's gonna run anything I may as well run it all at minimum settings. He recommended that I replace my system with one that has uses the Intel i7 4970 or better, 32 gigabytes of RAM and an Nvidia 1070 so that I'm "up to date". I declined as I don't have the money to afford such a beefy system and would be satisfied with low res gaming anyway. Not going back to that store...
So anyways, is the graphics card I mentioned really an "entry level" card, or was the tech just pulling my leg?
Lonnehart's Youtube Channel
Y'know? I bought Minecraft because I thought it was a war game where you had to create tactically placed proximity explosive devices...
Of course he wanted you to buy their top range system, it's in his financial interests.
RX480 low end? Not at all. It's mid-high end. The FX-8350 is also perfectly adequate, a bit dated, sure.. but will be perfectly fine. A 450-500w or higher PSU should run the system just fine.
K95 RGB / Logitech G502 PS / Alienware AW3418DW / ViewSonic XG2703-GS / Sennheiser HD 598
I figured as much. Most computer stores are more than happy to give me advice as I usually shop at those places. Didn't think otherwise at the new one that opened.
I have a 750 watt power supply, so I guess I'm already set to install the new video card when I get it. And maybe some new memory.
Just curious... what is considered a "high end" video card from AMD?
Lonnehart's Youtube Channel
Y'know? I bought Minecraft because I thought it was a war game where you had to create tactically placed proximity explosive devices...
Well the RX 480 is the highest end of their 400 series cards that they've released so far. The AMD R9 Fury and Fury X and the best from AMD currently. Here are benchmarks from 44 GPU's in Titanfall for example.
AMD have been aiming for more the mid-high market rather than the top tier for the last couple of years, that's more Nvidia's ballgame with the GTX 1070/1080/Titan X(P) etc.
Definitely make sure your case will support the size of an RX 480 prior to purchasing one, it's possible that it may not physically fit depending on the size/format of your case. Have a picture of your current setup?
K95 RGB / Logitech G502 PS / Alienware AW3418DW / ViewSonic XG2703-GS / Sennheiser HD 598
Already made the measurements and it will definitely fit inside (having a tape measure in the drawer helps a LOT).
Lonnehart's Youtube Channel
Y'know? I bought Minecraft because I thought it was a war game where you had to create tactically placed proximity explosive devices...
Not at all.
I have an RX 480, and it's a dream at 1080p. I can run pretty much anything on the highest settings (except ridiculous stuff like Minecraft's 32-chunk render distance), other than new triple-A titles. Grand Theft Auto V needed some very slight tweaking before I was able to get a constant 60 FPS, but I can't even really notice the difference between my settings and the maximum settings, so I think it's perfectly fine. Black Ops III can run with everything absolutely maxed, never dropping below 60 FPS. I highly recommend this card if you can't afford a 1070 or a 1080.
Here's my full PC specs if you want to compare: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/3jrrr7.
Let me know if you have any more questions :).
Calling the RX 480 entry level is like calling a Porsche 911 entry. It isn't as fast as a Lamborghini, but its damn quick and high end.
They just want your money.
- C.C.
Well, finally have it on order and it will take about two weeks to get here (ordered via the cheaper shipping method because I'm in no real hurry to get the card). I ALMOST decided on the Sapphire card, but found out about how noisy it was. It cost a bit more than it did when I first made this post (it had climbed to $219) but still within my range. Hopefully the card is "futureproofed" enough that I won't have to upgrade for a LONG while.
Lonnehart's Youtube Channel
Y'know? I bought Minecraft because I thought it was a war game where you had to create tactically placed proximity explosive devices...
I would have gotten the Sapphire imho, if it was the Nitro you would barely hear it as the fans switch itself off when the card is not in use. I have a Fury NITRO and while it does have an annoying coil whine, I cannot hear it at all when I'm not playing any games. In fact, the case fans are louder.
I'm going by the various Youtube review videos I've watched to check each card out. My case fans are VERY quiet. I only hear them when I boot up my machine. Thankfully they'll stay that way as long as I keep up my epic battles against the evil Dust Bunny Empire...
The worst thing about ordering stuff online... is the wait...
Lonnehart's Youtube Channel
Y'know? I bought Minecraft because I thought it was a war game where you had to create tactically placed proximity explosive devices...
Well, got the card and it performs beautifully. Doesn't feel like an entry level graphics card. It's also as quiet as advertised. I can barely hear it. And that's if it turns on its fans at all...
Lonnehart's Youtube Channel
Y'know? I bought Minecraft because I thought it was a war game where you had to create tactically placed proximity explosive devices...
I ordered mine yesterday and an i5 - 6500k I got the xfx version with 4gb