What GPU should I choose?
What GPU should I choose?
Hello, in two weeks I intend to make the switch to a new model. Initially, I considered a RTX 3080, since my budget was capped at around EUR350. I already have a buyer for the 1080Ti and intend to allocate extra funds for the 3080. However, I discovered my budget can stretch to approximately EUR450, which allows room for a 3080ti in the second-hand market. I also observed that RTX 3090s are selling around EUR500, raising the question of whether I should save more for a 3090 or stick with the 3080/3080ti.
I aim to purchase only NVIDIA cards, as my experience with AMD and their drivers has been poor, and I’ve mainly used the RX series from RX 560 to 5700XT. I’m currently playing at 1080p 144Hz, enjoying games such as CS2 and LoL, but also planning to tackle AAA titles like Cyberpunk or God of War. I’m seeking a general GPU upgrade, believing the 1080Ti is losing driver support.
Current specifications:
CPU: Ryzen 7 5700X
MOBO: MSI GAMING B450 PLUS MAX
RAM: 2x8 GB PATRIOT VIPER 4 3200MHz DDR4
GPU: GIGABYTE AORUS 1080Ti 11GB
CPU COOLER: ROG RYUJIN 360mm
CASE: COOLERMASTER H500P Mesh Gunmetal Gray
PSU: ASUS TUF 650W
HDD: TOSHIBA P300 1TB & SEAGATE ST31000520AS 1TB
SSD: PATRIOT P210 256GB SSD
4 x CoolerMaster MF 120 HALO / 2 x CoolerMaster SickleFlow 200mm
Edit:
Will the PSU support a 3080/ti?
I read on Reddit that some users use 600W PSUs for this configuration, and I haven’t encountered any issues with the TUF unit over the past two years.
My main concern is whether the additional 2GB of VRAM and improved performance justify the extra ~EUR100.
Right now, I see a 3080 12GB model for EUR390 and a 3080ti 12GB for EUR450 available on the second-hand market.
PSU: ASUS TUF 650W
Expect issues with a 3080/ti setup; a 1KW, well-built power supply is necessary because of sudden load changes for the RTX 3000 series.
If I found myself in your position, I would prioritize saving up to improve the main system, aiming to match the latest AMD AM5 socket standards, rather than focusing on GPU upgrades. Particularly if you're not aiming for 4K resolution.
Go for the RTX 3080 Ti if you can manage the price of EUR 450—it delivers a strong performance improvement over the 3080 and provides more VRAM, beneficial for AAA titles. Your 650W power supply could handle it, though a 750W+ upgrade might be safer. If funds are limited, the RTX 3080 12GB at EUR 390 remains a solid choice.
Can the Be Quiet! Pure Power 12 850W/ M power supply serve as a replacement unit?
It exceeds my budget by more than twice, unfortunately.
Around €950 is what it costs.
I think there are more people on Reddit who pretend to understand than here, but I could be just as wrong.
A 600W PSU isn't the best option for a system with a high-end GPU.
Opt for an ATX 3.1 compliant PSU, which handles GPUs that sometimes draw more current, like the Super Flower LEADEX III or the Better Super Flower LEADEX III.
And what about the RTX 4070? This graphics card is a bit quicker than the RTX 3080 and only marginally less powerful than the 3080ti, but it consumes significantly less power (220w versus 350w for the 3080ti). It's also newer than the 3080 and 3080ti models. If you're able to purchase the 4070 within your budget, I'd recommend it. Moreover, you won't need to upgrade the power supply, and the card should maintain a low operating temperature.