Can you recommend a video card?

[generaltso]

Hi... I am looking for a video card recommendation. Currently, I am using a

GeForce 9600 GSO 384MB

video card. Been running that for about a year, been pretty good card. Recently, I wanted a little more performance, so I bought a

ATI Radeon HD 4890 1 GB

But ended up getting rid of it and going back to my 9600GSO. Why? Mainly due to the heat. With the newer card in, the office where my computer in got very hot, especially when gaming. It made a noticeable difference, and in the summer I couldn't tolerate it. I switched back to the 9600GSO and the heat in my office returned to normal.

That all happened about 3 months ago. I enjoyed the performance of the Radeon 4890, but the heat was crazy. I tried running the fan up, but it was too noisy. The GeForce 9600GSO runs very quiet, and seems to run cool.

With that said, are there any cards available right now with similar performance to the Radeon HD 4890 that run cool (and quiet)? Also I want to pay $100 or less. I don't need top of the line, just something that runs cool during gaming, and has a quiet fan.

Thanks a lot of your help!

 

[cusideabelincoln]

You're not going to get the performance of the 4890 for $100 or less, but you can get something faster than what you currently have.

Look at the Geforce 9800GT (there are low power and thus low heat versions) and Radeon HD4770.

 

[nemesismk2]

I am finding my 4770 to be very quiet and it's quick too

 

[bigriggg]

yes a 4770 seems like a good choice, and I had an 8800gt, but it was kinda loud compared to by 5850 I have now, and actually my temps are lower now, probably partially due to the exhaust vent on the 5850.

 

[generaltso]

Do you think I will get a decent boost in performance going from 9600GSO 384MB -> 9800GT with 512MB?

 

[Denithor]

Do you think I will get a decent boost in performance going from 9600GSO 384MB -> 9800GT with 512MB?

Not a lot, probably about 15% improvement in fps in most games. Those cards have the same G92 core, 9800GT has 112 stream processors versus the 96 available on the 9600GSO, slightly faster clocks and more memory bandwidth.

Best bet today for your price range & temp worries is probably a 4770. You might also consider a 5750, which will offer DX11 support & even lower power/temps but also tend to run ~$150.

EDIT: Here's the one I recommend - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150369

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Do you think I will get a decent boost in performance going from 9600GSO 384MB -> 9800GT with 512MB?

http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-9600-gso-386-mb-review-point-of-view/8

The extra memory, bandwidth, and shader power makes a difference in the latest games. I think you'll see way more than a 15% improvement even with just a 9800GT. You'll see an even bigger one if you go with the HD4770.

 

[v8envy]

Don't expect 4890 performance out of a 8800GT or even 4770. Yes, you'll get more -- but probably not enough to call "decent". If you look at frame rates these cards pump out in newer titles you'll see even a 20% jump would only move you from 17 fps to 20... Giant difference relatively speaking, not enough to write home about.

A 4890 is like two 8800 (aka 9800) GTs in SLI.

Yes, you will see a performance boost. No, it won't be enough to play modern titles at enjoyable settings, not even on a 16x10 22".

 

[edplayer]

With that said, are there any cards available right now with similar performance to the Radeon HD 4890 that run cool (and quiet)? Also I want to pay $100 or less.

:awe:


Why not ask for a videocard that also gives bjs in between game levels?

Either way, it is not going to happen, at least with the current videocards out.

 

[generaltso]

I paid $160 for my Radeon HD 4890 about 3-4 months ago (smokin deal), figured they would be closer to $100-$120 by now, but I guess I was wrong. I am looking to upgrade my 9600 GSO to something with a little better bang for $100, but I think I am going to just wait until prices come down some more. My 9600 GSO is a pretty good performer for being 1 year old.

Another question - really the only game I play is left4dead. Does anyone know if a ATI or NVIDIA will perform better? I have always been an NVIDIA guy, the ATI I bought (see first post) that heated my office up turned me off to Radeon.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

just get the 5850 + portable AC, or wear less clothes. heat can be good& bad. now that the winter is coming, i love the warmer temps in my room over the rest of the house.

 

[edplayer]

I'd say just wait for the 5770 to drop. They are a little slower than the 4890 but use a lot less power and are DX11 compatible. Within 3~6 months they should be $100 or less.

 

[Ben90]

I paid $160 for my Radeon HD 4890 about 3-4 months ago (smokin deal), figured they would be closer to $100-$120 by now, but I guess I was wrong. I am looking to upgrade my 9600 GSO to something with a little better bang for $100, but I think I am going to just wait until prices come down some more. My 9600 GSO is a pretty good performer for being 1 year old.

Another question - really the only game I play is left4dead. Does anyone know if a ATI or NVIDIA will perform better? I have always been an NVIDIA guy, the ATI I bought (see first post) that heated my office up turned me off to Radeon.

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/...-charts-2009-high-quality/Left4Dead,1521.html <-- L4D gaming performance @ 1900x1200 4/16/High

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3679&p=16 <-- Power consumption

 

[Wreckage]

If you don't mind a rebate you can get a GTS 250 for under $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-034-_-Product

Same speed as a 4850 and cooler than a 4890.