New Graphics Card?

[TheFirstMonk]

Hey,

 

I was wondering what kind of graphics card to upgrade to. I currently have a BFG Technologies 7600GT that I bought 2 and a 1/4 years ago (roughly) at $163.99. I was looking at a BFG 9800GT below:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814143151

 

I've read articles that say that the 9800GT is just a slightly modified 8800GT card that's a little cheaper, but I'm not an expert.

 

Here are some things I'm using as criteria:

 

1. I'm not looking to buy more than one graphics card (no SLI).

 

2. I don't overclock either (there's a BFG OC version of the 9800GT on newegg too. It looks cheaper at first at $99.99 after the mail in rebate, but shipping is added so it's only $108.24 versus $109.99 for the non-overclocked version with no shipping charge.).

 

3. I'm not looking to spend over $200.

 

4. I have a small monitor (15inch LCD with 1024x768 max resolution), so I won't need maxed out settings for a 17inch+ monitor or widescreen or anything like that.

 

5. I don't upgrade often (hence the old 7600GT), so I'm wondering what kind of card to get that can "adequately" run games for the next 2 years or so (maybe).

 

If necessary (I don't think it is, but I could be wrong), here's some of my specs:

 

Pentium D 820 2.8 Ghz

4GB DDR2 SDRAM PC2-4200

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005

ASUS Motherboard

250GB Samsung HD

PC Power and Cooling 470W Silencer

 

I'm kinda new to this section, so I don't know a lot about computers like some posters here obviously do. If I'm missing some info, let me know. I also have never built a computer before, so if you think I should do that before or with a new graphics card purchase, let me know that too. The above computer was actually an HP Pavilion a1440n desktop before I swapped some parts; I replaced the graphics card and power supply and added 2 GB of memory. Yes, I can hear you laughing...

[Preacher]

For what you are asking my top 5 choices would be:

 

1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814102802

2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814127361

3. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814162014

4. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814130385

5. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16814150272

 

 

All of those will play any game out right now and most likely anything released in the next two - three years.

 

Like anything with tech involved you have no guarantees on that

Edited November 16, 2008 by Preacher

[bushwack]

I run a 8800GT and plays everything nicely, even Fallout 3 surprisingly well at 1280x960 (60+ fps). But the card is having a mid-life crisis. I would spend a few more bucks and get some newer tech even though your running a pretty low resolution.

 

Maybe one of these would fit you nicely. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList....amp;Order=PRICE

 

If it was me though I would be spending the money on a bigger monitor first.

Edited November 16, 2008 by bushwack

[dragonfly]

I have a 4850 and love it. It beats a single 8800GT and runs all games I play fine at 1680x1050. You'd like it.

[bushwack]

I have a 4850 and love it. It beats a single 8800GT and runs all games I play fine at 1680x1050. You'd like it.

I thought you had a 24 incher Dark?

[dragonfly]

I have a 4850 and love it. It beats a single 8800GT and runs all games I play fine at 1680x1050. You'd like it.

I thought you had a 24 incher Dark?

 

HIJACK! I did but I sold that computer as a unit and built another one. Something smaller and more portable because I'll be on the move in the next few years I think.

[TheFirstMonk]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

 

Some of your recommendations overlapped on the HD 4850, so I read some articles/ reviews. It seems to be slightly better than a 9800GTX (and, therefore, the 9800GT I was considering), and it looks like it could last me a while if I did buy it.

 

The problem would be my PSU, since the 12v rail does not have enough to power an HD 4850 (I heard it needs at least 30A; mine currently has 26A I believe). I would have to buy another PSU along with the HD 4850.

 

Another problem that I'm facing, whether or not I buy the HD4850 or even the 9800GT (or any of the other suggestions), is my CPU. I've read that I would have to upgrade to a dual core since my Pentium D would "bottleneck" the performance of the video card. I know that not many current games really exploit the full power of a dual core, but even so, the video card (according to what I've read; I could be wrong) would be limited because of my old system.

 

So I either stick with what I have now for a little longer, upgrade to something a little better like a 9800GT (which may not increase the performance because of my current computer's limitations), or save some money and time overall and buy/ build a new computer with a really good video card from all of your suggestions. It might be time to get a new computer since I've had this for a little more than 2 years, but I don't really feel like spending a lot of money on myself in general. Hmm, decisions, decisions...

[Preacher]

No matter which high end video card you go to I would suggest a good power supply that exceeds your needs. Every system has one part or another that is the systems bottleneck. Upgrade your video card now and do the CPU later.

 

PS suggestions:

 

On the cheap:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817159082

 

or

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16817159058

[samurai nightling]

Well, i have built 2 computers around Antec truepower PSUs and havent had an inkling of problems with them. I think antec is good quality powersupplies if u need a new one, i ran my last rig for 4 years almost day and night and it still runs strong, but i have this new build now. Trying to figure out what to do with the old one still...

[Preacher]

Antec does make nice PSs but they cost more and Coolmax has been a trusted brand almost as long as Antec and Enermax. I have the 750watt coolmax and it runs quiet and cool. This is my 2nd coolmax PS and like you I have never had issues with it. If you are offering to sell him your old one, you may want to be a tad more clear about your intentions and give him a price

[Cujo]

running a 1024 res on any modern video card above $120 will make you cpu limited on even the fastest oc'd quad core cpus out there today. at least you can turn up the aa to ridiculous levels though. go for the 4850.

[Squinty]

Ok, so i'm mostly posting for my curiousity, but With the Pentium D processor he has, wouldn't every single one of those video cards be bottle-necked by the cpu?

 

 

 

Squinty >.<

[Preacher]

short answer is yes, long answer is almost every CPU is the bottleneck right now for high end video cards unless you don't have enough RAM. In all honesty it's a very good upgrade and if in a few months he wants to go to a nice wolfdale CPU or one of the quad cores, he'll already have the high end video card.