upgrading GTX560 query

[mavers92]

Hi all, I was thinking to upgrade my (non TI) gtx560 1gb and was wondering if what I can afford is worth doing.
I use the TF mod and my screen resolution is a max of 1440x900@60hz
Most of my settings are on mdium to high, grass roads and shadows on and ik getting a rough 50-55 fps over water dropping to 25-30 over land.

I like the high settings as it does look wonderful when that high.

My options are HD6870 new or a used gtx660 / hd7850

Would the 2gb that the newer cards have be of any benefit as my screen resolution isn't that demanding (I don't think but not too sure if that)?
And is a hd6870 actually an improvement?

Don't mind about changing from nvidia to amd as I've used both, my last card was HD5770, also if I go amd I won't get that annoying "%1 isn't a valid window application" when trying to install new drivers.

I have looked at some other posts but the everybody had better specs than mine so the difference would be greater I think.
Other specs are--
I5 2500k @3.3 / 8gb ram / 120gb SSD / 750W psu /

Any helpful suggestion appreciated.

[vranac]

Hi!
HD6870 isn't significantly stronger then your gtx560, GTX660/7850 are and I'll suggest nvidia beacause ATI generaly have problems with drivers.
In CloD 79xx owners have problems( lines over the see...) but I'm not shure for 78xx cards.

I have the same system as you but with gtx560 Ti and my CPU is OC to 4.5 GHz
and I maxed out almost everything except trees, buildings, building details.
There is no big difference between 560 and 560 Ti.

Try to OC your CPU, 90% of 2500Ks will go on 4-4.3 GHz without voltage increase.Just shot down turbo and put multi on 40-42.

[mavers92]

Many thanks, I was doubtful about upgrading with my limited budget and this does make up my mind. I suppose I was looking for comfirmation of what I thought and you have.
Thanks for the help.

[BRIGGBOY]

pretty much what vranac said. oc the 2500k to 4.5 and wait and see what happens to the prices when the 760 is released in a couple of weeks as you maybe able to pick up a cheap 670

[mavers92]

I have now OC to 4.1 (may go higher when I check out the voltage settings) and the gpu is a factory OC edition which I've OC even more to --

gpu clock 940
shader 1880
memory 1020
Will monitor temps but as I only get to play for about 2 hours at most Im hoping this will be OK.

Have run 3DMARK and scores are
icestorm 130970
cloudgate 13337
firestrike 2843

Also set up a simple mission over London, 3 spits vs 3 109s, very low level and getting about 45fps average with FRAPS.

So far so good, will be trying some larger missions I've downloaded and see how it plays.

many thanks again for the help, always appreciated.

[mavers92]

Just a quick follow up: played the Black Track and averaged around 40fps dropping to 12 when the hurricane blows up on the runway, very little stuttering so very pleased.
Also my settings.
Once I've got the hang of CEM i'm going to try online, get shot down by some real people for a change.

[Jaws2002]

Originally Posted by BRIGGBOY

pretty much what vranac said. oc the 2500k to 4.5 and wait and see what happens to the prices when the 760 is released in a couple of weeks as you maybe able to pick up a cheap 670

The 760 comes out tomorow. Evga will have 6 models to chose from. From what i've seen, the prices will be cheaper than gtx660 series, ($250-300) and should over some good advantge over 660 due to the memory bandwidth increase.
this are the evga models coming tomorow:

http://www.techpowerup.com/mobile/18...-detailed.html

Other companies should bring some as well. If you decide to get Evga card, I'd recomend one with the new ACX cooler. I got the 780 superclocked with that cooler and it's a powerhouse. My card came agesively overclocked already and it still gave me decent room for extra overclock:

.

And after I aded an extra 200Mhz on the memory I got this score in 3dmark2013:

http://www.3dmark.com/fs/558452


Just look at the temperature of that card with all that overclock!

[mavers92]

NOW THATS BOASTING

I bet the game plays like a dream with that. Have you tried the Big London Raid missions by Beulenfan on airwarfare?
I'd be interested to know at which point you scale back. The big XXL has 159 planes.
The most I've managed is the medium (60 planes) but will try again now with the improvements and see what happens.

Theres a place im watching and if they get a gtx660 2gb they sell for £110 and I should get £80 for my card. Now that's a price I can afford right now.

Still got my lotto ticket for tonight, heres hoping.....