help choosing new graphics card

[darksol666]

I want to upgrade my graphics card and i could use some help considering there are so many out there to choose from. i use my computer for games and movies mostly. i would like to keep my budget around 200 but i will consider more but not much. i believe my motherboard can support dual graphics cards so that's an option too. heres my specs. if you need anything else please let me know.

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System Information
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Operating System: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.120503-2030)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: Z68MX-UD2H-B3
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2100 CPU @ 3.10GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.1GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8110MB RAM
Page File: 2243MB used, 13973MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 64bit Unicode

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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTS 250
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTS 250

[stroyal]

Welcome to TechIMO!

There really are not so many. I'd say 2 in that price range, but cards a little better, and a little lessor, are only a few dollars different.
Once you set a price there are only a few in each range, if you don't consider brands.

You, like every body that comes here for the first time with this question, left out the most important spec, your power supply.

Your CPU and memory are good enough for any card, for gaming.
(Don't understand 4CPUs on an i3 though) I thought they all had 2 cores.

Dual cards are really only an option for later upgrades, unless you are buying the most expensive cards.
2 $100 cards will not outperform a $200 card.


I know prices have been dropping, on the AMD HD7850, with Nvidia's new release, but the HD7850 1gig, or the Nvidia 560Ti, is what I think is the best @ $200.

The gamers here will know exactly, but I think the 7850, just edges out the 560TI 256 bit.(there is a more expensive 560Ti 320bit, but they start around $240)

The 7850 also comes in 2gig for a few bucks more, depending on the brand.
(only needed for large screen area)
The 7850 used less power also, but they both call for a 500watt power supply.(560Ti 320bit need 550watts)
If you have a good brand power supply, you can go with a little less.

Please don't buy cheap crap, as the power supply is the most important part of the computer.


See for yourself
$200 to $300 video cards
Newegg.com - Computer Hardware, Video Cards & Video Devices, Desktop Graphics Cards, $200 - $300

Video cards are one of the most closely matched products, as far as price and performance goes, and the only time they get out of order, is if you find a sale.
Not considering refurbished, and open box, which can also be an option.


What are your power supply specs, and the brand name.

12volt amps are most important.

Edit

The 7850is the one on my wish list @$200, and as prices drop, the 7870, is becoming more attractive.

Now the other thing to consider is cooling, as all the mentioned cards, have several different cooling setups, but the better the cooler, the more expense.

[stroyal]

This is on that list, and I'm curious what the gamers say about it, as it looks like a really good price, and I believe it is better than anything I mentioned. including great cooling. (550watts though)
But you said $200., and like I said, each jump in performance is only separated by a few bucks.

Newegg.com - MSI N570GTX Twin Frozr II GeForce GTX 570 (Fermi) 1280MB 320-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
edit
Then there is this, if you have a 600watt power supply.
Newegg.com - EVGA 015-P3-1480-KR GeForce GTX 480 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

[darksol666]

Thanks for the reply. I have a ModXstream pro 700w power supply. Also I could go up to $250-275 if need be.

[ShyguyXPC]

PSU is fine, your set with that, so the entire budget can be dumped into the GPU.

for the $200 range, Radeon 7850 would get the nod, otherwise Geforce GTX 560 Ti (384 Core original model, the other one Stroyal mentioned is a 448 Core model, thats actually a gimped GTX 570).

if your stretching your budget to $250-275, the Radeon 7870 is the one to get.

Geforce GTX 660 Ti is close to that at $300, and performance is between the 7870 and 7950 cards, sometimes as good as the 7950, and sometimes both Radeons are better, depends on the games.


The other thing is Drivers, some people don't have a problem with either brand, but I know AMD, like ATI before them, releases driver updates less frequently than Nvidia and the list of games and software optimized usually is less as well.


But Nvidia is also the Bully and Power house on the block with Support in games, software, etc, so they'll have more frequent and larger updates anyways.


As to the PSU Requirements, keep in mind stroyal is listing what the cards state they need on the box, those requirements are referring to the plethora of crap brand PSU's on the market.

ANY of these cards listed will run fine on a Quality 500W and even some 400W PSU's (Like Antec, Corsair, etc)

that MSI 570 would get my vote.


Though the Radeon 7870 can trade blows with the 570.


AMD is also dropping the prices on the 7800 and 7900 series again, so that its Radeon 7950 can compete with the Geforce 660 Ti. Plus they are releasing a series of Firmware Updates, most likely from the card manufacturers sites, that will push the 7950's up to close to a 1GHz Clock speed as "Stock", to allow them to better compete and best the 660 Ti. Sadly these cards will be sold as and listed as "GHz Editions" despite the fact they won't be running at 1GHz exactly.



If you went for a Radeon 7870, this is the BEST one on the market right now, with Clock speeds WELL beyond even the 7970.

Newegg.com - PowerColor PCS+ AX7870 2GBD5-2DHPPV Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition (Vortex II Edition) 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

It has less shader cores than the 7900's, but due to its clock speeds it can square off against the 7950's and even beat them sometimes.

The card even comes stock at a higher Voltage than most 7870 GHz Editions, which can allow a user to clock the card even further.



Next 2 best cards after it is this MSI and Asus:

Newegg.com - MSI R7870 HAWK Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

Newegg.com - ASUS HD7870-DC2TG-2GD5-V2 Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

This Gigabyte, based on specs would be with the other 2, but I keep reading mixed reviews and emotions on Gigabytes GPU's lately, especially Factory OC editions, overheating and dying.

Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R787OC-2GD Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

I'm not sure if its crappy quality control on the cards, cooler used, or application of Thermal Interface Material, but I usually steer clear of their GPU's, unless its a REALLY good deal.

Asus, I don't care for much either, but MSI, EVGA, XFX, Sapphire (their higher end cards, like the Vapor X Series, and Toxic Editions), PowerColor, HIS and some others I trust.


As you can see here, the cheapest 7950 is $300: Newegg.com - HIS IceQ H795Q3G2M Radeon HD 7950 3GB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

that 7870 listed above, will beat this 7950, or at least match it for a bit less.



Powercolor also makes a 1GHz 7850 as well: Newegg.com - PowerColor PCS+ AX7850 2GBD5-2DHPP Radeon HD 7850 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

this card would compare similarly to a 7870, and would even match or beat a GTX 570.

HIS version as well: Newegg.com - HIS IceQ X Turbo H785QNT2G2M Radeon HD 7850 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card




For that $300 range, GTX 660 Ti: Newegg.com - EVGA 02G-P4-3660-KR GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

though the 7950 would get my nod if you run Higher Anti Aliasing levels, and such games as BF3, with 1080p settings, since that card has a higher Memory Bus Bit Rate, its going to handle that stuff a bit better than the 660's limited 192bit memory.

But then again, for $300 both cards are in the GTX 580's Performance Range, the cheapest 580 one can get is this Refurb:

Newegg.com - Refurbished: EVGA 015-P3-1580-RX GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

$40 more.


Otherwise new in box, a 580 will cost $430: Newegg.com - PNY Commercial Series VCGGTX580XPB-CG GeForce GTX 580 (Fermi) 1536MB 384-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card




but for the $275 range, that Powercolor PCS+ 7870 would be my choice.

Less than that, the 7850 PCS+ model would be my next choice.

If your partial to Nvidia, then that MSI GTX 570 Stroyal posted above would be the best deal IMO.

[stroyal]

You lucked out, you got Shyguy.
I always understand what he is talking about, but nobody has his depth on the subject.

Shyguy, how do you place the GTX480, with the latest graphics cards, aside from the obvious, TOOOO Munch Power?

[SoloCamo]

You lucked out, you got Shyguy.
I always understand what he is talking about, but nobody has his depth on the subject.

Shyguy, how do you place the GTX480, with the latest graphics cards, aside from the obvious, TOOOO Munch Power?

No to answer for him, but the 480 trades blows with the 570. Though for newer games the extra vram helps on the 480.

This said, the 480's seem to OC better (though as always its luck of the draw) - mine did a stable 190mhz on the core (almost 200mhz over stock) and was slightly outperforming a gtx580

[stroyal]

No to answer for him, but the 480 trades blows with the 570. Though for newer games the extra vram helps on the 480.

This said, the 480's seem to OC better (though as always its luck of the draw) - mine did a stable 190mhz on the core (almost 200mhz over stock) and was slightly outperforming a gtx580

Thanks Solo,I hold your opinion high also.

I've seen a few sights, recommending it lately, because of price and performance.

The 600watts puts me off though.
If it wasn't for that, it would defiantly be on my wish list.
edit
The 600watt alone doesn't scare me, but that usually means, heat also.

[SoloCamo]

Thanks Solo,I hold your opinion high also.

I've seen a few sights, recommending it lately, because of price and performance.

The 600watts puts me off though.
If it wasn't for that, it would defiantly be on my wish list.
edit
The 600watt alone doesn't scare me, but that usually means, heat also.

Honestly, it's not as bad as people make it out to be. It exhausts out the case so the inner case temps are fine, though I will admit, it will keep your room toasty in the winter.

But to be honest, it's a bit overblown and not much worse than any other high end card. You've got to remember, two years ago that was nvidia's flagship $500 buck card.

I was happy with the performance of mine, but I could not pass up a deal I got on my 7970ghz edition so I jumped on it, but the 480 was plenty strong for maxing out 9 out of 10 games with ease, especially when I overclocked it.

[stroyal]

It is still going to be a month or 2 before I can upgrade, need a new pellet stove first, but dropping prices mean I can get a 7870 I hope.

I don't need the GPU power you gamers need as I only occasionally Flight Sim.
CPU is another story, "More power"

[ShyguyXPC]

Only thing I don't like about the 480 (or 470 and 465 in general), is the fan noise.

I agree with Solo on the heat being no worse than most cards, though to be honest my 560 Ti at its factory OC 850 core, and now at the 50MHz faster I have it, rarely breaks 70C in games, where as my GTX 470 usually hit 85-90C in same games.

so its hard to say for sure, but being another one who has had experience with the 470/480 cards, the fan noise is the big issue, as heat increases the fan speed increases and its really loud.

If your a headset gamer, its not a problem, but if your like me, and mainly use speakers, it can be very annoying to hear that fan running while gaming. even sound dampening mats installed in the case won't block out most of that noise.

but it does vent out the back of the case as said.

If they were able to find an MSI Twin Frozr Style Cooler on a 465, 470 or 480 card, then it would be a good deal, as those run MUCH cooler than stock reference style blower coolers like me and Solo have had. And they run quieter as well, since its a dual axial 80mm fan setup on those. but they don't vent all the air out back, only some, rest gets recycled in the case, so you need to have good internal case airflow and venting.

[darksol666]

thanks for all your input Ive decided to go with shyguy's suggestion of the Newegg.com - PowerColor PCS+ AX7850 2GBD5-2DHPP Radeon HD 7850 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card its a little over my budget but i guess ill just have to save somewhere else, figured id spend more now and hopefully be able to use it for a good while before i have to upgrade again. this will be my first Radeon card so i hope i like it. how is the fan noise on this card?

[ShyguyXPC]

no idea, but since it is an axial fan layout, it should be relatively quiet, especially with dual fans.

The 7870's also are fairly cooler running cards (as with most cards in this range these days), use less power than prior gens do, same goes for Nvidia cards), and should be cooler running as well.

Though this card does have higher voltage than most 7870's so that adds heat, and power consumption, but the fans should keep it cooler as well, along with the beefy thick heatpipes on that thing.

The Upside is your motherboard supports CrossfireX and has full speed on the 2nd slot (x8 x8) instead of most low end boards with (x16 x4 configs), so shouldn't hinder the cards performance, and your PSU is enough to run 2 or 3 of these in Crossfire if you had the slots for it.

though at that point, even dual cards would be bottlenecked by your CPU.

but its usually a good idea to get as much GPU as you can and stave off future upgrades for as long as possible as well.