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What Video Card to Buy - Late 2016

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips1.7M viewsOct 29, 201611:44
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YT
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Looking for a video card? Look no further. We've got your recommendation here! Massdrop link: dro.ps TunnelBear message: TunnelBear is the easy-to-use VPN app for mobile and desktop. Visit tunnelbear.com to try it free and save 10% when you sign up for unlimited TunnelBear data. Amazon Links (exact pricing may have changed): Buy Radeon RX 460 on Amazon: geni.us Buy Radeon RX 470 on Amazon: geni.us Buy EVGA GTX 1060 3GB on Amazon: geni.us Buy Radeon RX 480 8GB on Amazon: geni.us Buy Gigabyte GTX 1060 Windforce on Amazon: geni.us Buy EVGA GTX 1070 on Amazon: geni.us GPU Analysis Spreadsheet: mega.nz Discuss on the forum: linustechtips.com Affiliates, referral programs, & sponsors: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Title: Laszlo - Supernova Video Link: youtube.com iTunes Download Link: itunes.apple.com Artist Link: soundcloud.com Outro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com Sound effects provided by freesfx.co.uk

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AI OverviewDefault language

The video opens by setting the context of late 2016 GPU refreshes from AMD and Nvidia, comparing Polaris and Pascal architectures and posing practical questions about how to choose a card within various budgets. The presenter frames a clear goal: help viewers identify value by examining price to performance across a spectrum from budget to enthusiast builds. He presents the main picks early on, starting with the PowerColor Radeon RX 460 2GB at about $110, which delivers smooth 1080p performance in popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch, and CS:GO without forcing poor visual quality. Moving up the ladder, he highlights the EVGA GTX 1060 3GB as a standout bargain around $200, and notes favorable competition from both Nvidia and AMD options that perform similarly in many contexts. The discussion then examines midrange and higher end options such as the Sapphire RX 480 8GB, explaining how it sits at a price premium but with proportional performance gains, roughly 15 percent more power for about 15 percent more money. He cautions that the current 300 to 350 dollar segment is crowded with heavily priced RX 480s and GTX 1060s, and advises viewers to assess availability and price pressure before deciding. Finally, the presenter introduces a broader framework for decision making, promising a detailed methodology and a transparent spreadsheet to quantify value across many games and resolutions, rather than relying on single-source FPS figures alone.

Topics · technology · hardware · gaming · pc_building

Questions answered

What GPU does the video identify as the best value for a budget build under $150?
The PowerColor Radeon RX 460 2GB is highlighted as the best budget choice around $110, delivering solid 1080p frame rates in popular titles without compromising visual quality.
Is it worth stepping up to a GTX 1060 3GB at about $200?
Yes, the GTX 1060 3GB is presented as a strong midrange bargain, offering similar performance to competing cards in that price range and adequate headroom for most 1080p gaming, with a favorable price-to-performance balance.
What factors beyond price should be considered when choosing a GPU?
Key factors include available VRAM, driver maturity and features, warranty, physical dimensions and power/connector requirements, multi-GPU considerations, and features like ShadowPlay and FreeSync that may influence real-world gaming experience.
Why does the video mention Massdrop in the context of GPU shopping?
Massdrop is discussed as a way to potentially improve availability and price through group purchasing, though it may involve added considerations like shipping and stock timing.