Need Graphics Card suggestions

[ItsAlive]

Im building a new system to upgrade my aging x2 3600+ @ 2.6ghz AMD based system, and have decided to go with an E8400 and Asus P5Q pro......I have read through countless threads and benchmarks, but am still left undecided on which graphics card to get. Im looking for something in the $200-$250 range. I will be gaming on a 42" JVC @ 1080p rez.......I like strategy games like C&C and starcraft, I like to play some FPS style games like battlefield 2 and oblivion, but also play alot of online RPGs such as Rappelz and StarWars Galaxies.

Im looking for something that can handle these titles and possibly have enough power to run up comming titles as well. Heat and Noise are somewhat of a concern to me, right now Im running an ATI 3850 and although Noise is on the low side, the heat output is terrible. It doesnt take long for this card to heat up my room and gaming becomes considerably less enjoyable with sweat rolling off the forehead......lol

I'd appreciate any feedback and suggestions to help me make a decision. I give you my thanks in advance.

 

[Denithor]

~$175: Radeon 4850 + Accelero S1
~$250: GTX 260

 

[Wreckage]

GTX260 you will need the extra memory.

 

[minmaster]

how about the 8800GT or 9800GT? around a 100 bucks if you want to save some of that money.

 

[ItsAlive]

I guess I failed to mention that I will be using an antec earthwatts 500w PSU.

Would this be sufficient to run a GTX260?

EDIT: also was searching newegg and spotted a 1gb 4850, would this be a viable solution? Would the 1gb of memory be better than a 512mb card for my situation?

 

[Spike]

Originally posted by: ItsAlive
I guess I failed to mention that I will be using an antec earthwatts 500w PSU.

Would this be sufficient to run a GTX260?

EDIT: also was searching newegg and spotted a 1gb 4850, would this be a viable solution? Would the 1gb of memory be better than a 512mb card for my situation?

I don't know what the power requirements for the GTX 260 are but the Earthwatts 500 powers my 4870 with no problems. I have not overclocked the card yet since I don't have a need at this point but at stock it's not an issue at all.

Also, apoppin was hinting that a 4870 w/ 512mb might not be enough for smooth gameplay at 1080p res so you may want to look at the GTX 260 with the extra mem. The 4870 with 1gb might also work but the 4850 probably would not though again, this was his initial findings.

 

[minmaster]

you know i wanted to get either 4870 or the 260 but after looking at the benchmarks for 1920x1200 gaming, i was rather disappointed. i think i might just save some money and buy a $100 card right now which is still good for most of the recent games and wait to buy a nicer card until 1920x1200 performance justifies the money spent. plus there ain't any games recently released that is a must play and requires those expensive cards. for the games i play right now (battlefield games mostly), the $100 card will suffice.

 

[bryanW1995]

if you already have a 3850 then it's pointless to get a $100 card b/c you're not going to see much improvement. either keep your current card or sell it and get a 4850 for ~ $140 AR. That's the best midrange card out there right now but will still give you a significant upgrade over your current card.

 

[minmaster]

Originally posted by: bryanW1995
if you already have a 3850 then it's pointless to get a $100 card b/c you're not going to see much improvement. either keep your current card or sell it and get a 4850 for ~ $140 AR. That's the best midrange card out there right now but will still give you a significant upgrade over your current card.

you're right. sorry for the oversight and bad advice.

 

[ItsAlive]

Will I see any performance increase over my HD3850 by switching to a 9800GT? Also how are heat and noise with the 9800GT compared to my current card?

I was thinking maybe selling my 3850 then, buying an EVGA 9800GT and waiting for prices to drop on the GTX280 then stepping up, does this sound like a good plan?

 

[minmaster]

well the games you are running now are not as demanding as some of the newer games right? if so, then that route might work out for you. can't speak for other fps games but 9800GT will be more than good enough for the battlefield games.

 

[Whitedog]

Originally posted by: ItsAlive
and have decided to go with an E8400 and Asus P5Q pro.......

I have this exact system hooked up to my 52" 1080p LCD. I run it with an HD4850 and it works FANTASTIC.

I currently play LOTRO, Witcher and they play wonderfully at 1920x1080.

And if you can swing $260, the Egg has the VisionTek 4870 for $260 with free shipping. I just ordered one for my own rig (not the HTPC) with also has the P5Q and E8400.

 

[ItsAlive]

Ive been considering an HD4670, because Im running an HD4850 in my htpc right now, but am only using 1280x720 (720p) since I have it ran through a projector. 93" FTW I want to try and lower my temps and increase my power savings in the htpc, but still be able to play some less demanding games on it. If an HD4850 will suffice for 1080p then I will just swap it to my main rig.


Still waiting on parts to arrive for the upgrade, then I will test the 4850......hopefully I get the same good results.

Also, I decided to go with 2x E5200 and 2x gigabyte G31s, because I got them for roughly the price of the E8400 and P5Q, which will let me upgrade 2 systems instead of just 1 and I will be overclocking the gaming rig and undervolting the htpc, so I think it will work out nicely.