Help me to wisely select a new graphics card

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am21

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my specs

Intel core 2 duo E7300

DG31PR Mobo
http://www.intel.com/products/desktop/motherboards/DG31PR/DG31PR-overview.htm

Nvidia 8600GT (Not the actual one, some Chinese fake card which is equivalent to 8400gs)

i didn't use this pc for almost an year and most of the time this pc is under utilized specifically for things like basic word editing and cd burning. now i have an idea to upgrade it and play gta 4 (not a serious gamer.. just for some occasional gaming) so most of the time i will be sticking with my laptop..

so wht sort of gfx upgrade is most ideal for me ? eg:- i can afford up to HD 4850 but if i can play it well on a cheaper card it will be an advantage. btw i might also need a psu upgrade since the one i'm using is a generic brandless one :D

Please advice. Thanks
 
Yes you will need to upgrade your power supply.

Now frankly, you won't really be running GTA4 too well on a $120 budget, while the 4850 is strong enough, you have to throw in a power supply into your budget too. Just as a side note, your processor is decent, I think it could be worth investing about $180 for a CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail and a XFX HD-485X-YDFC Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail.
 
hellokitty[hk] said:
Yes you will need to upgrade your power supply.

Now frankly, you won't really be running GTA4 too well on a $120 budget, while the 4850 is strong enough, you have to throw in a power supply into your budget too. Just as a side note, your processor is decent, I think it could be worth investing about $180 for a CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail and a XFX HD-485X-YDFC Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail.
Click to expand...

btw HD 4850 will cost me around $105 if it's 4670 around $70

is there any cheaper alternative suggestions for psu ? $80 or less

what do you think about this one ?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171028
 
I head that HD 4670 can be used with generic psu since it has the ability to draw power from the pci express slot without the need of an additional 6 pin connector. Also performance wise it is somewhat similar to HD 3870 (recommended spec for gta4) so will it be a good option ?

Saphire Radion HD 4670 512MB DDR4 $57
 
You get what you pay for both the 4850 and 4670 are good cards for their cost, and I would have to recommend staying away from generic power supplies.
 
hellokitty[hk] said:
You get what you pay for both the 4850 and 4670 are good cards for their cost, and I would have to recommend staying away from generic power supplies.
Click to expand...

isn't $57 a value for money deal ?

sapphire 512MB DDR4 scores 9500 in 3d mark 06 test where as a 8600GT scores only 6000 (50% gain)

i just checked youtube and saw many people play gta 4 without a sweat using 8600GT with medium settings.. actually i don't mind playing at lower resolution as long as it is playable.
 
I don't know if you understand what I meant.
Both the 4850 and 4670 are good values for their respective price ranges, just the 4850 is a class above the 4670, meaning it will perform much better.
Also, I still think that you will likely need a new power supply.
 
hellokitty[hk] said:
I don't know if you understand what I meant.
Both the 4850 and 4670 are good values for their respective price ranges, just the 4850 is a class above the 4670, meaning it will perform much better.
Also, I still think that you will likely need a new power supply.
Click to expand...

so what do you think about cooler master extreme power 550w psu ? it comes with dual 12v rails with 20A each :)
 
Well, cooler master power supplies are not too great in general.
If you are planning on a 4850, the BFG tech 550 that Ritwik7 posted is minimum.
However for the 4670, you can go with it if you want, however I would consider the Antec Earthwatts 380, it doesn't look like newwegg has one at the moment though.
 
hellokitty[hk] said:
Well, cooler master power supplies are not too great in general.
If you are planning on a 4850, the BFG tech 550 that Ritwik7 posted is minimum.
However for the 4670, you can go with it if you want, however I would consider the Antec Earthwatts 380, it doesn't look like newwegg has one at the moment though.
Click to expand...

i must check the prices and then consider brands like corsair, ocz, antec, seasonic, bfg, silversone etc ? btw i'm staying in malaysia :)
 
i must check the prices and then consider brands like corsair, ocz, antec, seasonic, bfg, silversone etc ? btw i'm staying in malaysia
Click to expand...
Sorry what are you asking?
Are you planning on buying a 4850 or 4670?
 
hellokitty[hk] said:
Sorry what are you asking?
Are you planning on buying a 4850 or 4670?
Click to expand...

well.. since cooler master is nt a good brand i will try to focus on getting a better brand.. yes i knw psu will be a better investment in the long run if i can get it with at least 4 years warranty. btw hd4850 will be my preferred choice as a psu upgrade is already in my list. :)
 
@ am21 - I thought the BFG Tech I linked to was 550W and better value or money than the 400W Silverstone you're getting.
 
@Ritwik7 - BFG is not widely available here in the local market :(

@ hellokitty[hk] - Corsaire is slightly overpriced here compared to Silverstone.
 
finally i bought a new psu + gfx card.

ATI HD4670 1GB version

PSU specs:

Epsilon 80PLUS 450 true power out put
quad +12v rails with 18A each

ps:- didn't even bother to test my new gfx card with the old psu.. hehe

so far everything is stable.. :)
 
Oh

Yes that looks good :grinthumb

igajbo.jpg
 
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