Need guidance on upgrading from a GTX 970.
Need guidance on upgrading from a GTX 970.
Budget (including currency):
300 AUD or less, preferably up to 400 AUD maximum
Country:
Australia
Games, programs or workloads it will be used for:
Web browsing, many tabs open, occasional gaming, no rendering or streaming
Other details:
Here is a parts list of the current system:
https://au.pcpartpicker.com/list/W9gczP
2 monitors, both 1080p at 60hz
Just recently wiped the system and with a fresh install of Windows 11. The case, RAM and storage were purchased only last month. Plans are to upgrade the GPU next month or so.
My dad, who uses it, plays games such as Battlefront 2, Arkham Knight/Origins and is interested in trying DOOM: The Dark Ages. He isn’t keen on ray-tracing or upscaling but wants a relatively new GPU, no older than 5 years, avoiding GTX 10/20 series or similar. He doesn’t intend to upgrade for a long time.
He prefers buying used just to save money but is open to spending extra on a current-gen GPU if necessary.
In my own research and experience, I’m considering an RX 6600 to a maximum of 6700xt/3070 performance.
So far on Facebook marketplace I’ve found plenty of RX 6600/XT models for $200-250 used.
Also, used RTX 3060’s around $300, 12GB versions and the Ti versions about $350.
Probably not the best options, but that’s what’s available in the used market here.
I’ve thought about buying new, but I’m unsure how current-gen GPUs compare to what’s available used, which is why I’m seeking your advice. Thanks.
Hey there,
Your system remains useful, so it's possible to use decent GPUs. What resolution will the card support? I think a 9060 16gb would be a good choice. It offers solid performance for the price and can handle games at 1080p and some 1440p resolutions. It provides a solid mix of value and capability.
For Nvidia users, you might consider a similar card like the 5060ti 16gb. Avoid the 8gb version—it's a problematic card. At 1080p, VRAM usage becomes a concern for many new titles. Having extra memory beyond what's needed can be beneficial.
Second-hand GPUs aren't something I'd purchase. You simply don't know the condition of the card over time. But if cost matters most, it could be a viable option.
The RX 7600 is near the highest price you can afford.
It offers about twice the frames per second versus the GTX 970.
You can explore various GPUs on techpowerup. Check the section on relative performance.
https://www.techpowerup.com/gpu-specs/ra...7600.c4153
Thank you for the guidance, I managed to secure a used 3070 for $350 AUD. That's a solid offer if you consider it.