EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

[Chewy_Solo]

I need a new graphics card but i cannot decide which to go with.

GTX 295: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130449
+
Backplate(some tests show a 10c temp reduction!): http://www.evga.com/products/moreInf...401-EV-1234-01

OR

GTX 280(maybe ill get an OCed one): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130365

Current specs:
Intel Core 2 Quad q6600 2.4Ghz
EVGA nForce 680i T1
EVGA 8800 GTS 640MB (G80)
2GB Patriot eXtreme Performance RAM @ 1150Mhz
150GB WD Raptor @ 10k RPM
PC Power and Cooling 750W
PNY 7600 GS (For other monitors)
Razer Barracuda AC-1 Soundcard

So what do you think and why?

[[21CW]HIVictim]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

Unless you plan on overclocking your Q6600 to atleast 3.6Ghz, I would recommend a GTX260. If you do overclock, the GTX280 will do great for your setup.

[=98=]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

A 2.4ghz stock Q6600 will bottleneck a high end card, anything above the GTX260. You ether need to OC or buy a higher frequency CPU.

[Busby, Paul (Bicci)]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

yeah at stock my q6600 was quite heavily bottlenecking my gtx260 but 3.2 seems to have pretty much lifted it.

[Death Merchant]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

If you plan to overclock and you have the money go for the GTX 280

[Busby, Paul (Bicci)]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

isnt the 680i quite a poor overclocking motherboard?

[=98=]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

It's poor if you're aiming for really high end.

[Chewy_Solo]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

I have tried OCing once but it borked everything. Im willing to give it another go, i just need an experienced person to help me out.
The reason im not worried about bottle necking is that i plan to upgrade to a i7 and stuff by the end of 09.

But the general consensus is GTX 280 over the 295?
And what do you guys think about the OCed editions?

[=98=]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

Have a gander at this OC guide.

http://www.totalgamingnetwork.com/main/showthread.php?t=174483

Any questions hit me up via Xfire or something.

[Chewy_Solo]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

Have a gander at this OC guide.

http://www.totalgamingnetwork.com/main/showthread.php?t=174483

Any questions hit me up via Xfire or something.

Ill be sure to check it out after getting a card. :)

[[21CW]HIVictim]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

It's poor if you're aiming for really high end.

Not true, I reached 3.7Ghz Prime Stable, 3.86Ghz boot to windows, on my old E6750 and 680i motherboard, which is a pretty hefty overclock for that chip. The board is more about features than performance, but at the moment it came out there wasn't much from the Nvidia Chipset to compete.

[Chewy_Solo]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

So gtx 280 it is then? Once again OCed version?

[[21CW]HIVictim]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

Most people say no to the OC version cards because you can OC them yourself. But I usually say why not. The fact is that OC version cards usually run cooler because they passed the original screening process in the top % of cards tested so they were "promoted" (in a sort of speaking) to the OC line.

Then again it is completely up to you. However if you are do not have at least a 22" monitor and will overclock to atleast 3.0Ghz, I would not recommend a GTX280, a GTX260 is the highest I would recommend. Completely up to you, just my opinion. :thumbsup:

[Busby, Paul (Bicci)]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

I would say only get the overclocked version if you can get it for roughly the same price as the normal version (ie within +5%)

[Chewy_Solo]

Re: EVGA GTX 295 or 280?

i run a 22"

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130368

Its only 25 bucks more than the stock speed.

GTX 285 is the same price...

According to what i read it has better OCing ability... and it runs cooler.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130442