GPU upgrade queries. From GTX 550ti to 970

[Bunjiweb]

I've had an Asus GTX 550ti for about 18 months or so now (perhaps a little longer) and I'm considering upgrading my GPU. It seems that without a doubt the GTX 970 is the best value card at the moment (around £245).

What I'm wanting to know is whether it's worth it - or even possible - to keep the GTX 550 installed alongside the 970 as a PhysX card, or whether it will actually make any negligible difference whatsoever.

My budget is a little tight, and I'm pondering other cards such as the GTX760 (currently can be had for about £140), but I want to get a worthwhile upgrade that will allow me to run games at top settings once again.

All thoughts / opinions appreciated.

Ben

[MrJim]

Yes, you could keep your GTX 550 just for PhysX, but I'm not sure it'd be really worth it. Firstly it would consume a bit of additional power, & output both noise & heat. Although I doubt PhysX would put the card under much load. Secondly, I don't think there are that many games where PhysX makes a huge difference to visuals. I know games like the Batman series use it quite a lot, but don't think it's a massive difference. I guess that's a personal thing though. If it were me, I'd probably just use the GTX 550 in another computer, or Ebay it and put the proceeds towards a new card.

Looking at your current system though, you might think about upgrading your CPU too, as I suspect your Phenom might hold a fast GPU back a bit in newer games. Although you could get the graphics card first, & see how your system performs...

[Frankenfurter]

I've no experience with the 550ti and had no idea you could use a second GPU for physX (I will be researching that momentarily ) but I did add a GTX 970 G1 to my build a couple of days ago and am thrilled with it.

The most demanding game I have is Farcry 4. I acknowledge this may not be the biggest push on a GPU available, but I've so far not noticed a single drop below the vsync 60fps, and I'm playing it on ultra settings. If you're playing the same sort of games as me, then, from my experience, you wont be disappointed.

[Bunjiweb]

I do like FPS and other fast paced games, but my Steam library is wide and varied. I just want something with enough grunt to not have to worry about whacking a game on full settings, at 1200p (if possible).

I'm sure you're right that the Phenom 955 would hold back the GPU a little, but I don't believe it would hold it back enough for it to be worth a CPU upgrade yet.

You're probably right about the lack of PhysX support, I just thought it might be worth considering. I don't suspect the 550ti is worth an awful lot these days, maybe £30-50?

Thanks for the replies so far!

[abaxas]

Buy 970, sell 550 to recoup some money.

Job done.

[MrRockliffe]

With the recent drop in price, R9 290 offers similar performance for a lot less (50 quid if your compare good coolers)

[CustardInc]

With the recent drop in price, R9 290 offers similar performance for a lot less (50 quid if your compare good coolers)

Or even a 290x that apparently competes with the 780ti (and presumably 980)

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...odid=GX-273-MS

[Bunjiweb]

I've always had Nvidia GPUs, and have seen a lot more compatibility issues with AMD GPUs, is this still the case?

[Domestic_Ginger]

Hold on till next month and see what the 960 does. It should OC like a _______. Partly concerned how NV will cripple it but hoping they will reward their green minions with a card for the masses.

[kalniel]

I've always had Nvidia GPUs, and have seen a lot more compatibility issues with AMD GPUs, is this still the case?

For me the opposite. But if you've got particular requirements then you're the only one who can answer that, not us

[Bunjiweb]

the 960 eh? That's a good call... How much is expected retail?

[Biscuit]

I've always had Nvidia GPUs, and have seen a lot more compatibility issues with AMD GPUs, is this still the case?

Hasn't been the case for a very long time. The only issues are with reduced functionality in nVidia sponsored titles.

[MrJim]

the 960 eh? That's a good call... How much is expected retail?

The news items I've seen have estimated it at about $200, so between £149-£189-ish.

[jhg100]

I'd say you won't be disappointed by the 970 and imho the G1 version. But who knows. The 960 could be epic but then again it may even cause the 970 to go up in price

[Bunjiweb]

Thanks for all your advice. I think I'm going to wait for the GTX 960 and see how that compares, then makeup decision.

Ben

[dupapa]

Hi Ben

ive just an hour ago took the plunge on the 970, ive had two 550ti's in Sli for a couple years now but as of late they do not cut the mustard,

it comes tuesday, ill let you know how i get on

i went for:

oh im too new to post links, its the msi gtx 970 twin frozr version for £278, i got it from ebuyer


//Ben