Time for a new GPU

Hey everyone

I've come to the realization that my graphics needs are starting to out pace my current capacity and I feel that the time has come for an upgrade.

Prefer NVIDIA and looking to spend less than $200.

Thoughts?

What are you currently using?

@Dragon Currently running an Nvidia 8600 GT

I'm hoping i can get something that will last at least 15 months or so

I need to upgrade too, I was seriouly looking at the 5770.

I got my Gigabyte 220 GT 1GB for less than $100, came to me overclocked, I overclocked it again, and it runs very steady.

Also comes with an aftermarket fan, keeps it very cool.

Ohh i almost forgot. I'm not sure how my PSU would effect my decision I think I'm currently running some stock like a 450w or something.

I run a 550W, which I always thought was pretty low for gaming. =\

Are you going to be running Win7 on the box you're installing into? If so I'd steer you towards the ATI product line so you can get DX11 support... but nonetheless just in case that's not going to happen, go for the GeForce GTX 260 core 216 version. They absolutely SIP power compared to any other nVidia 2XX product line, but still significantly more than a 9800GTX.

Otherwise and in general, I really would recommend an ATI 5770. Although the 5770 is usually beat in many benchmarks by 5-10% by the GeForce 260 (not always the case), the 5770 consumes about 60 W less at load so it should work well with your existing PSU. It also has hardware support for DX11 (yeah I know not much out that can use that yet). It's also at least $50 cheaper if you're comparing new parts, so if you factor all that in, in my head it's a much better deal for a midrange video card.

As an owner of a Sapphire 5870 I can tell you I've not once had any problems with the usually crappy Catalyst drivers. I haven't overclocked the GPU at all, so I can't tell you much about that. Definitely not an ATI/AMD fanboy here either, my last 3 video cards: 8800, 6600LE, FX5900...

Wow thanks Reaper. I have been looking at a next gen nVidia card. My buddy is running a GTX 295 and has reported very few problems. I'm not sure if I'll be running Win7, I may stick with Vista for the time being. It can be annoying but doesn't really give me many problems.

Now I've never bought a PC part online and am willing to try. I know you guys use newegg a lot. Would that be a good place to start looking?

I always search for what I want (unless I already know) on TigerDirect, because I like the way they have things organized better. Once I find what I want, I check for the same thing (or next best) on NewEgg and compare prices from there.

Another place that I highly recommend is xoxide.com. It's more modding and other hardware (cases, fans, etc.) but they have some great prices and the customer service is fantastic.
When I bought my Sunbeam LAN Harness from them, one of the buckles broke (my fault) and they sent me an entirely new one, no questions asked, no extra charge.

Thanks for help guys. I'm sure once I have a candidate I'll post it up to get community approval

Found this bad boy www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130539

thoughts?

The 5770 will smoke that Nvidia card. I would really look hard at the 5770. I have 2 5870's but I think that's alittle overkill.

Doesn't seem like that's a "Big" upgrade for ya.

I have seen the GTX 260's for under $200. That would be a nice upgrade for ya. Also the 9800 GTX is also a great card.

If you are dead set on Nvidia the 260 or the GTX 260 are my votes.

I concur. The 5770 is the way to go. I've switched back and forth between ATI and Nvidia. They're both good. You really don't want that GTS250. It's similar in speed to a 9800gtx. That's just too slow.

I've got the GTX 260 and I love it

starkiller1 wrote:

I've got the GTX 260 and I love it

*NitrosDragon likes this.*

starkiller1 wrote:

I've got the GTX 260 and I love it

Dito, can still get 70 FPS on the newest games (BC2) and it'll be an easy upgrade to add another down the road when i need it (or when i can convince my wife to let me get one)

Holy crap think we may have a winner here folks.
www.futureshop.ca/en-CA/product/bfg-gefo...886e6c4290420353en02

That's the one i have (the overclocked one) but mine is from EVGA! LOVE the card! Congrats on getting an good GPU for the money!

You can get a 5770 for $140 AR. The 260 won't have DX11 support, will use a lot more power, and will only be approx 5% faster than the 5770.

If you're hip on those new games, I'd definitely go DX11.