Another, which card do I choose thread :D - Solved

[Stern]

So, what card to choose? I'm building a new system, So far I've chosen an E8500 processor, 4 GB of G.Skill 1000 memory, and have yet to choose between a P5Q and a 750i (obviously this depends on the graphics card too).

My price range can go up to $500 but obviously I don't particularly want to have to spend that much. Should I get a GTX 280 ($380 on Newegg with mail-in) or a dual GPU card? The GX2 and 4850 X2 seems better than GTX 280 in some things but not all.

Help me choose!

NB, I am not going to buy a very large monitor, so I won't be needing to play at resolutions of 2560 x whatever, I'm thinking maximum resolution would be 1440 x 900 or the next one above that, not higher.

Thanks for your opinions!

 

[toyota]

I hope that you will go to at least 1680x1050 for a gaming pc. 1440x900 is very very small. at 1440 anything more than a single 4850 would be almost overkill. at 1680x1050 the 4870, gtx260, or even the gtx280 will be needed for upcoming games for sure.

why not check out the dozens of video card reviews at the resolution you plan on playing and with the games you plan on playing? of course its hard to tell about some upcoming games. Clear Sky looks to be a video card killer for sure on its highest DX10 settings.

 

[toyota]

double post?

 

[Ares202]

id go for the 4850 give you a bit more horsepower for upcoming games than an 8800gt

If you want to spend a little more go for the 4870 or gtx260 both of those cards are good

Originally posted by: toyota

I hope that you will go to at least 1680x1050 for a gaming pc. 1440x900 is very very small. at 1440 anything more than a single 4850 would be almost overkill. at 1680x1050 the 4870, gtx260, or even the gtx280 will be needed for upcoming games for sure.

1440x900 is a very common resolution for gamers thats an 19" widescreen about the size of an average gamers monitor, not 1920x1200 like most of the people on this forum have

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: Ares202
id go for the 4850 give you a bit more horsepower for upcoming games than an 8800gt

If you want to spend a little more go for the 4870 or gtx260 both of those cards are good

Originally posted by: toyota

I hope that you will go to at least 1680x1050 for a gaming pc. 1440x900 is very very small. at 1440 anything more than a single 4850 would be almost overkill. at 1680x1050 the 4870, gtx260, or even the gtx280 will be needed for upcoming games for sure.

1440x900 is a very common resolution for gamers thats an 19" widescreen about the size of an average gamers monitor, not 1920x1200 like most of the people on this forum have

I know its a common res but its also small and its usually only on tiny 19 inch monitor. the op is discussing cards that can easily push much more pixels. a monitor is an important decision and based on what hardware the op is choosing from a lowly 19inch monitor seems out of place. thats why I suggested he go with 1680 at the minimum.

 

[coolpurplefan]

Anybody like the 9600 GT? I like ATI but only for a "work" computer because I never figured out how to select 120Hz at 800x600 on my Sony CRT with Nvidia drivers. It seems like my passively-cooled X1650XT is crashing to desktop because of the heat but I kind of suspect ATI drivers.

 

[Stern]

I could go for a larger monitor that can do 1680 or 1920 but I haven't seen a cheap one yet. The problem here is that where I'm staying currently is only temporary. I will be moving back to Europe next May and will most likely only bring my PC and not a monitor. So unless there are cheap 1680 or 1920 monitors around I will probably go for something smaller.

But thanks for the replies, this will save me some money then I guess I just like knowing that I will be able to play the next year's worth of games at high res and quality.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Originally posted by: Stern
I could go for a larger monitor that can do 1680 or 1920 but I haven't seen a cheap one yet. The problem here is that where I'm staying currently is only temporary. I will be moving back to Europe next May and will most likely only bring my PC and not a monitor. So unless there are cheap 1680 or 1920 monitors around I will probably go for something smaller.

But thanks for the replies, this will save me some money then I guess I just like knowing that I will be able to play the next year's worth of games at high res and quality.

Define cheap. You can get a decent TN panel 22" or even 24" widescreen monitor for $250-400ish. 20" widescreens (still 1680x1050) are sometimes even cheaper.

Edit: after taking a quick look, there are some that are even cheaper than I thought. I'd look around for some reviews before buying, but the price tag is extremely reasonable.

22" Widescreen
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824112009
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009145
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824254035
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009094
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236028

24" Widescreen
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824014169
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009125
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001234
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236033

20" Widescreen with a non-TN Panel (better colors, image quality)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824009071
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824236007

 

[Stern]

ok, the 22 inch ones don't look so bad, I might go for one of those after reading some reviews. They can all manage 1680 so I guess getting the higher end cards would be justified with those? Back to the question, which card? I really wouldn't mind shelling out for a GTX280, there is an OC'd one for $390 at Newegg that I just found, so unless you would advise me to stay away from this as I want to use air cooling, not water? Thanks

 

[ajaidevsingh]

Stern, get the 4870x2... It out performs the GTX280 in most games and will future proof you!!! Quick trace- 3870X2 vs 8800 Ultra see their performance in latest games!!

 

[scheibler1]

DO NOT get a gtx 280 or 4870x2. They will be a complete waste at anything below 1920x1200.

I think you should pick up a 22" LCD...then read reviews @ 1680x1050 of the HD4850, HD4870, and GTX 260 and see what you need depending on what games you play

 

[NightBane]

I would stick with the smaller res. Once you go past 1440x900 things start getting hard to read, even when your right up on your monitor.
As far as the graphic card I'd say grab the most powerful one you can afford, such as the 4870, although it may be an old card in 3 years, it will still be able to push the moderate resolution of 1440x900 easily on the new games.
That's how I avoid upgrading every gen, and really only upgrade ever 2 or 3 generations of cards.
I'm still using my 7900Gt and it plays everything at max besides crysis, and that card is oldd now.
Before that I had a 6600gt which lasted me a good 3 years.

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: NightBane
I would stick with the smaller res. Once you go past 1440x900 things start getting hard to read, even when your right up on your monitor.
As far as the graphic card I'd say grab the most powerful one you can afford, such as the 4870, although it may be an old card in 3 years, it will still be able to push the moderate resolution of 1440x900 easily on the new games.
That's how I avoid upgrading every gen, and really only upgrade ever 2 or 3 generations of cards.
I'm still using my 7900Gt and it plays everything at max besides crysis, and that card is oldd now.
Before that I had a 6600gt which lasted me a good 3 years.

a 22inch monitor with a 1680x1050 screen is easier to view than a 19inch at 1440x900. also you dont buy a video card to play games 3 years from now. you get one that will play everything you want with a little wiggle room. it would be stupid to buy a 500 video card to play at 1440x900 when a 200 video card will get the job done. by the time games come out that you cant play with that cheaper card then new cards in that same price range with newer tech will be on the market. thats why they make video cards such a simple upgrade.

 

[Stern]

I think I will go for a single 4870 1GB on a P5Q Deluxe motherboard. That way I can just buy another one in a years time (if I have to) and go crossfire.

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: Stern
I think I will go for a single 4870 1GB on a P5Q Deluxe motherboard. That way I can just buy another one in a years time (if I have to) and go crossfire.

Thanks for all the help guys!

the 1gb version makes less than a 1 to 2% difference and thats only in a couple games at 1920 so dont spend the extra money for it. also in a years time the 5870 will be out so upgrading to another 4870 gb at the time would be silly. crossfire and sli or NOT good upgrade paths. newer more powerful single cards with better technology will be released that will make have two older cards just a waste.

 

[Skott]

Most 22" LCDs have ghosting or some other problem. For a 22" LCD choice I'd go with a LG L226WTQ or the L227WT. They are pretty much the best of the 22" LCD monitors.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: Stern
I think I will go for a single 4870 1GB on a P5Q Deluxe motherboard. That way I can just buy another one in a years time (if I have to) and go crossfire.

Thanks for all the help guys!

Good choice!