Help with Selecting The Best Value GPU

Lvishhh on 02/05/2022 - 13:22

Hi all,

I am building a highly compute intensive desktop ((thats what I feel, :P, not a threadripper tho) mainly for my docker/ VM requirements, but along side I do like to do quite a bit of editing and transcoding 4k (plex) on the fly and driving 2x upto 4k monitors at the max. I am honestly not into gaming (dont know why) neither is my partner, so obviously would not worry too much about running games with high FPS et al. But surely, I would enjoy on the fly 4k/~ transcoding for my plex, and a bit of 4k editing and lightroom work.

Going for the
CPU: i9-12900KF + Liquid cooling fan
Motherboard : Z690 (mostly the gigabyte ELITE)
RAM : 32 GB(16x2) 3600 mhz
BOOT SSD : M2 -> 1tb firecuda 530

I am looking for some recommendations on the GPU. As per my research, the Zotac GTX 1660 Super is highly recommended, but I am not sure if its true for us and lookign at the aussie GPU market, what will be the best from a value basis. ? I am still border line sold to go for the RTX 3060Ti, but again its a bit confusing as have never been too involved/experienced on the gPU side to see what serves my needs best.
Other options I am thinking of are the nvidia quadros P2200~ (not sure if this is what I should be heading for.) Personally, I feel an RTX with a decent VRAM from nvidia 30 series will serve me well, but no experience.

Also how much difference would it make in performance when chosing a microAtx vs ATX case.

Would love to get some opinions. Thanks in advance.

Computing Computer Component Video Card

Comments

  • garetz on 02/05/2022 - 13:35
    +1

    the best value gpu is the one that fits in your budget, so cost up all the other parts and then minus your budget amount, and buy a gpu under the remaining amount.

    If you have no budget then i would get a 3080, right now its probably the best bang for your buck.

    As far as the itx vs atx argument, the biggest difference is the amount of rad you can fit in the case, an itx which can fit a 240mm rad or 280mm rad will probably top out at a 12700k for heat dissipation, otherwise it will get too hot and throttle the cpu. Ive seen alot of tech youtubers who made the case for this through testing.

    an atx you can fit up to a 360 rad which is 3 x 120 mm size which is enough for a 12900k

    • anthman on 02/05/2022 - 15:43
      +1

      And also find the liquid cooling solution you want and check the dimensions of the radiator. E.g my liquid freezer 360 has a slightly larger than normal radiator and I had to make sure there was enough clearance in my ATX case. There wasn't so I had to upgrade to a other ATX case that had enough space for a top mounted radiator (the best way to mount it).

      • vishhh on 06/05/2022 - 00:19

        Good point! Will keep that in mind. Thanks

    • vishhh on 06/05/2022 - 00:18

      Thanks for your suggestions, specifically on the itx atx, argument.Definitely makes me feel a 360 rad ATX may be the way to go!. Lets see, I am going for a liquid cooler as well.

      And Re: budget, nothing as such, just dont want to overspend (true ozbargainer from heart). I am computing professional and planning to tax claim the whole lot. Thinking 3060 ti may fit me well, or else go for quadro's T1000 that bypasses the number of stream limits for transcode, but in 2 minds at this stage.

  • akyeeeahdude on 02/05/2022 - 13:37
    +1

    I'm curious why a GTX 1660 Super would still be recommended as it is very much an outdated card that is still sold new - mostly likely because of the ETH mining boom. Even more unusual is why you've found people recommending Zotac branded cards as they are definitely one of the poorer quality GPU manufacturers but not bad value based on their prices.

    I'd recommend a 3060 Ti - if you push up to a 3070 Ti and above, you'll have problems fitting it into some cases. I couldn't fit one in my ATX (technically a mid ATX case as full size ATX cases are very rare and expensive these days).

    • vishhh on 06/05/2022 - 00:12

      yeah zotac definitely coz its cheaper. I am sort of pulling the plug to get the 3060 Ti, although I am really doubting whether I will be making good use of it. i wouldn;t mind a second hand either. I am going with one of the twin fan GPUs to ensure it fits well, but yeah i havent bought the motherboard/ case yet. Hopefully after getting all the components with size issues, i will get the motherboard and then the CPU (from personal exp).

  • dr0pbear on 02/05/2022 - 14:05
    +4

    Hardware Unboxed just did an analysis on this very subject last week. They've also got Aussie pricing, so I suggest you start there
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMUcZ7978rc&ab_channel=Hardw…

    • vishhh on 06/05/2022 - 00:19

      Thanks mate, this was really useful :)

  • chrisn26 on 02/05/2022 - 14:24
    +1

    OP if you're doing research through a uni, see if you can probably access some cloud based computing resources. Even if you can't, considering using cloud services since you can scale and only pay for the time you use. It might sound nice to "own" a gpu but this only makes sense if you're playing video games where there are no alternatives.

    • vishhh on 06/05/2022 - 00:21

      No mate, I am a cloud professional and been working on the cloud for over 10 yrs. I am just a bit bored of having everything in cloud and sort of felt the urge to get the power/ control back in my hands :P.

  • Autonomic on 02/05/2022 - 14:36
    +2

    If Plex transcoding is what you're after then you definitely don't need much power. 1660 is probably more than enough.

    • vishhh on 06/05/2022 - 00:24

      Agreed! I am just a bit confused whether to settle with 1660 or go with 3060 ti. 3060 mainly , as it just complements the high end processor and all other specs I am going for, and really keen on experimenting with the DLSS. I mean, in the end its around 150 bucks difference. (not a lot considering the $$ I am paying for other components.

  • the Unforgiven on 03/05/2022 - 14:01
    +1

    $849 for a 6700XT Red Devil OC
    https://www.pccasegear.com/products/53562/powercolor-radeon-…

  • Kraise on 06/05/2022 - 07:56

    buy what your budget allows but in saying that, I think the RTX3060ti and RTX3070 are decently priced now.
    My friend bought a 3070 close to launch date for 1k and it's hovering there now.
    6700XT is pretty good too considering it's $850 and beats the 3060ti by a small margin. no reliability issues either, I've been running a 6800xt since launch without a problem.

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