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    Buy GPU now or wait?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Onasi, Jul 17, 2012.

  1. Onasi

    Onasi Notebook Guru

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    Hello,

    I currently own a 820/950 6990M on my P170HM. I've heard alot of good things about the 7970M (except for the enduro issues) or the 680M and I'm not sure if I want to upgrade this generation or not.

    I heard rumours about a early 2013 release for next-gen AMD cards and I'm thinking those will be even closer to desktop performance because of power optimizations. I'm going to buy a new laptop as well with that card since this will be old by then.

    So what do you guys think, wait or buy?

    Thank you.
     
    Onasi, Jul 17, 2012
    #1
  2. Zymphad

    Zymphad Zymphad

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    Wait. I would only upgrade when you need to. Your current rig can play all the current games at high settings.

    I don't see a point in upgrading unless you are looking for bragging rights.
     
    Zymphad, Jul 17, 2012
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  3. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    You heard rumors about new graphics cards to be released a year after the previous release, with improvements in power consumption and performance?

    That's hardly a rumor. I would not upgrade unless your current tech isn't performing well enough.
     
    masterchef341, Jul 17, 2012
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  4. Onasi

    Onasi Notebook Guru

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    The rumour was about the release date and the differences between desktop and mobile cards. Obviously a newer generation will have better performance.
     
    Onasi, Jul 17, 2012
    #4
  5. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    Performance and performance / watt both improve over time. I wouldn't worry about the validity of the rumor, because it is more natural reality than rumor, and it's going to continue to be the reality even after you make your purchase. Another year and we will have an AMD 9000 series that has even better performance AND better power optimization.

    And then, they'll likely adopt a new naming convention, but that won't stop the progression of the technology. If the goal is to be "future-proof" that's only possible for very short-term definitions of the future. The best way® to prepare yourself for the future of technology is to keep your cash in your wallet for as long as you can. So, if the 6990m is still performing well, continue to use it for as long as is possible.
     
    masterchef341, Jul 17, 2012
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  6. nissangtr786

    nissangtr786 Notebook Deity

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    If you are loaded upgrade as the difference is nearly double the performance I believe. You get twice as efficient card and its high end. More games will run at ultra with less aa at 60fps while your card will play more 35fps.
     
    nissangtr786, Jul 17, 2012
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  7. RPJess

    RPJess Notebook Enthusiast

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    The moment you buy new hardware it's already outdated, so he shouldn't realy worry unless he is not satisfied with the results of his current tech.
     
    RPJess, Jul 26, 2012
    #7