Need advice - Researching graphics card upgrade for video work (after effects and FCP X)

[stirfry2112]

Here is my current build that has been working for about 4 years now:

Asus P9x79 Pro
Intel 3930k
AMD 6870 2GB by XFX
42GB RAM

I built this machine for occasional editing with FCP X and it worked great. But time has passed and am looking to upgrade GFX card and have no idea which direction to go. I have been researching the boards here and it seems like I should go with a RX 480 in a few months once official drivers from Apple are supported (which seems inevitable) or GTX 970 now.

I am torn since I have been playing with After Effects and the idea of CUDA perforce with adobe software seems like a huge plus but I still prefer to edit in FCP. Plus, I will not be doing any 3D graphics/ ray-tracing rendering anytime soon. Render times make no difference to me, but am looking for something to boost real-time performance and faster previews. I am looking to stay under $300 and am not super comfortable with hacking ROMs, etc.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[walker4]

I would recommend Nvidia. Look for GTX 1050Ti or 950 GTX.

 

[walker4]

Here are some advice and tips for you http://pc4u.org/best-graphics-card-advice-and-tips/

 

[Hexspa]

I thought there was no support for 10 series cards on hack.

 

[stirfry2112]

Thanks for the great link Walker! And yes, 10 series cards do not work with Hacks (and may never).

After all my research, I have decided to go with a GTX 980ti, but am having some issues find one for a good price. Its scary buying a used graphics card, especially when I expect it to last me 3 years minimum due to budget constraints.

Anyone have advice on where to buy a card in the US? eBay the best bet?

Thanks all!