Trying to decide between a few budget GPUs to replace my dead Radeon X300

[TeamworkGuy2]

Continued from: This troubleshooting thread
I recently posted a thread asking which video card brands were better than others (support, warrenties, etc...)
Now I need some advice I buying a video card, because my computer's previous Radeon X300 died.
I have a 305 watt, generic Dell PSU.
+5V = 22A
+12VA = 18A
+12VB = 18A
-12V = 1A ?
+3.3V = 17A
+5VSB = 2A ?
combined max 12VA and 12VB = 22A...
Check my sig for the rest of my computer hardware.

I should probably get a new power supply, but my budget can't really support the extra ~$60 for a good Antec, Corsair, or Thermaltake, because I am saving up for a new computer.
My computer has a x16 slot, so I am not looking to upgrade, just a repacement of some type, same power requirements.
After checking around I think my PSU could support a 7200 GS, 8400 GS, Radeon 3450, Radeon 4350, or Radeon 5450.

$30 - GIGABYTE HD 4350 512MB 64-bit
$33 - MSI 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit
$41 - SAPPHIRE HD 5450 512MB 64-bit
$42 - XFX HD 4350 512MB 64-bit
$47 - ASUS HD 5450 512MB 64-bit

These are the cards I have my eye on, any thoughts, opinions?
Please don't laugh at me and tell my to upgrade my computer, I just want to be able to use the computer again with out spending $150+
Thanks

 

[dustin_ds3000]

An Radeon HD 5450 is the best for the money you want to spend. The ASUS HD 5450 is out of stock so get the SAPPHIRE HD 5450

 

[dividebyzero]

If you are planning on some light gaming I'd probably look at this HD 4670 128bit/1Gb card for $52 (inc postage and rebate). It's a <50w card in normal operation. If however the card is just something for the monitor to plug into then the 5450 is fine.

 

[TeamworkGuy2]

Thanks the info and links,
My old X300 used ~20 watts.
I got the info here (half way down the page, under Operating environment
and here (looks like ~10W compared to the integrated graphics
I checked out some other benchmarks and found that cards like the Radeon 4650/70 use up to ~50 watts, which could overload my generic Dell PSU.
Not sure if there is any overhead room left in my PSU, especially after 5 years of use.
I found that the Radeon 4350 and 5450 use about 20 and 25 watts respectively.
I don't mean to turn any one off because I sound defensive, I just wasn't sure if my PSU could support an upgrade like the 4650.

 

[Leeky]

I checked out some other benchmarks and found that cards like the Radeon 4650/70 use up to ~50 watts, which could overload my generic Dell PSU.

You'll be fine. My current desktop used to use a Dell 305w PSU with my HD4670. It ran without any issues whatsoever.

To clarify, the PSU ran the exact specification in my system specs tab, minus the Corsair HX750W which I replaced a couple of weeks ago. The only reason I replaced it is as an upgrade due to ordering a HD6870 shortly.

I would recommend the HD4670 as well, you can run medium/high settings on most games (medium on Crysis) quite happily.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

The Dell 305W PSU has 22A combined on the +12V rails, which is more than plenty for an HD 4670, even after five years of use.

 

[TeamworkGuy2]

Thanks for the info Leeky and Rage,
Now that I know some of the other budget cards are fine I should say that my budget is about $60.
My computer has a PCI x16 slot, so I don't want to get a card that can't be utilized through the x16 slot.

$55 - SAPPHIRE HD 4650 1GB 128-bit
$59 - SAPPHIRE HD 4650 512MB 128-bit

These two cards caught my eye, and I realize that the Radeon 4670 is about 50% faster, but it is also about $70 which is ~50% more expensive.

 

[Leeky]

@Teamwork,

I would wait it out, because you want to be aiming for at least the HD4670 for budget gaming. If it really is 50% faster than the above GPUs, your going to be severly limited when gaming.

This HIS model is the exact one I have, and thats availble from newegg.com for $69.00 It would be well worth the extra $10 investment.

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

I'd recommend this card instead. You'd simply need to use a Molex-to-PCI-E power connector and it should be dirt-cheap and easy to get hold of.

 

[Relic]

I second DBZ's choice of XFX 4670 it's $60.48 with 10% instant off including S&H, on top of a Mail in Rebate which brings down the total another $15 bucks. Just note the card is DDR2 instead of DDR3, if you are interested in a DDR3 version you'll have to increase your budget another $10 dollars and I'd then say Leeky's choice of HIS 4670 would be the best. Either way both should handle light gaming without much issue at 1280x1024 or similar resolution.

 

[TeamworkGuy2]

I like the performance of the 4670. But in truth, I am just looking for something to plug a monitor into and use for powerpoint, GIMP, youtube videos, etc...
nothing very intensive.
I will check out everyone's suggestions and read some some of TS's budget GPU reviews before I make my decision.
Thanks Leeky, Rage, dividebyzero, and dustin. I appreciate all the advice and links. :wave:

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

Hmm, in that case go with the cheapest card you can get from a decent manufacturer (i.e. avoid brands like Sparkle, JetWay, Jaton, Apollo & ECS). Also, get a card with active cooling, since passive-cooled cards tend to run hot, obviously.

I recommend this card BTW.