EDIT: Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I've decided to go with this. a XFX 6870 Black Edition: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150507
The reasons for this are, 1) It's under $250 after rebate, 2) It's about 20% less performance than the 6950, but is also 20% cheaper after rebate, 3) It comes with a very quiet cooler as stated in this Anandtech article: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4137/...-6950-1gb-xfxs-radeon-hd-6870-black-edition/6
I know I never mentioned quiet being an factor; but the price point, performance, and noise reduction over my current jet-engine 4890 makes it right up my alley.
On a final note, I was going to get into WoW, but Rift's latest beta has me sold so I'm going to play Rift instead until Guild Wars 2 comes out. Thanks again, everyone!
Original post begins below this line.
So I posted here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2138673
And the only reply I got gave me the impression to upgrade the video card instead of the CPU. So I decided to come here to see if I can get some suggestions on a good $250 video card. As the title says I use a Radeon HD 4890 card atm. I'm not partial to ATI, I'll use which brand gives me the best bang for my buck.
$250 is about my range, If I can spend less great. If the best solution is $259, I can stretch it too. $300 is too much. Can anyone give me some ideas, please? I filled out the form to help out with information.
Purchase Details:
1.Budget(Be sure to include currency if not USD):
$250 range
2.Do you consider rebates?
Yes
3.Any particular preferences(Manufacturer[nV or AMD], Brand[XFX, Sapp, EVGA, etc], non reference cooler)?
None
4. Crossfire/SLI?
No
5.Have you previously looked at a product which you feel would fill your needs?
I've seen a few ATI cards on Newegg, but I'm willing to consider switching to NVidia if it means I get more bang for my buck.
6.Which games (If any)do you plan to play and @ which desired detail levels?
MMO's (Wow, Rift Beta, eventually Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2). Ultra Detail Settings on a 1080p monitor.
7. Are there any other uses(Folding, Photoshop, Video editing or watching Blu-Ray) or features (DX11, CUDA, OpenGL, 3D, Eyefinity) you are looking for besides gaming?
Well, I'd like to take advantage of DX11 in the new MMO's coming out.
8. Is the performance added by overclocking something you would take into consideration?
I'm not interested in Overclocking, as I'm not interested in replacing the stock cooler on any card I buy.
System Specs:
1. Pre-built(HP, Dell, etc)? Ordering(a new computer) or Upgrading?
An upgrade to this system I bought from Newegg over a year ago: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883229119
2.Monitor Resolution:
1920x1080 primary game monitor, 1600x1200 on my secondary monitor. Both Monitors use DVI inputs.
3.Processor:
AMD Phenom II X4 955(3.2GHz)
4.Power Supply Unit:
700W
5.Case Dimensions(Length, Low Profile, Cooling):
No clue, but I do know it's a NZXT Beta Gaming Case (mid-tower in size)
The reasons for this are, 1) It's under $250 after rebate, 2) It's about 20% less performance than the 6950, but is also 20% cheaper after rebate, 3) It comes with a very quiet cooler as stated in this Anandtech article: http://www.anandtech.com/show/4137/...-6950-1gb-xfxs-radeon-hd-6870-black-edition/6
I know I never mentioned quiet being an factor; but the price point, performance, and noise reduction over my current jet-engine 4890 makes it right up my alley.
On a final note, I was going to get into WoW, but Rift's latest beta has me sold so I'm going to play Rift instead until Guild Wars 2 comes out. Thanks again, everyone!
Original post begins below this line.
So I posted here: http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2138673
And the only reply I got gave me the impression to upgrade the video card instead of the CPU. So I decided to come here to see if I can get some suggestions on a good $250 video card. As the title says I use a Radeon HD 4890 card atm. I'm not partial to ATI, I'll use which brand gives me the best bang for my buck.
$250 is about my range, If I can spend less great. If the best solution is $259, I can stretch it too. $300 is too much. Can anyone give me some ideas, please? I filled out the form to help out with information.
Purchase Details:
1.Budget(Be sure to include currency if not USD):
$250 range
2.Do you consider rebates?
Yes
3.Any particular preferences(Manufacturer[nV or AMD], Brand[XFX, Sapp, EVGA, etc], non reference cooler)?
None
4. Crossfire/SLI?
No
5.Have you previously looked at a product which you feel would fill your needs?
I've seen a few ATI cards on Newegg, but I'm willing to consider switching to NVidia if it means I get more bang for my buck.
6.Which games (If any)do you plan to play and @ which desired detail levels?
MMO's (Wow, Rift Beta, eventually Star Wars: The Old Republic and Guild Wars 2). Ultra Detail Settings on a 1080p monitor.
7. Are there any other uses(Folding, Photoshop, Video editing or watching Blu-Ray) or features (DX11, CUDA, OpenGL, 3D, Eyefinity) you are looking for besides gaming?
Well, I'd like to take advantage of DX11 in the new MMO's coming out.
8. Is the performance added by overclocking something you would take into consideration?
I'm not interested in Overclocking, as I'm not interested in replacing the stock cooler on any card I buy.
System Specs:
1. Pre-built(HP, Dell, etc)? Ordering(a new computer) or Upgrading?
An upgrade to this system I bought from Newegg over a year ago: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883229119
2.Monitor Resolution:
1920x1080 primary game monitor, 1600x1200 on my secondary monitor. Both Monitors use DVI inputs.
3.Processor:
AMD Phenom II X4 955(3.2GHz)
4.Power Supply Unit:
700W
5.Case Dimensions(Length, Low Profile, Cooling):
No clue, but I do know it's a NZXT Beta Gaming Case (mid-tower in size)
Last edited:
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