F@H videocard problem question

[Thump553]

About a month ago I noticed my main home computer's GPU point production dropped off enormously. Videocard is a GT 240 and it used to go through workunits every 15 minutes to a half hour. It dropped to one or two per day. Yesterday I tried updating the video drivers and the update failed to install. I then ran GPU-Z which showed my GPU temp at 120 degrees C when F@H graphics version was running (It used to be 75-80 degrees tops). GPU-Z also indicated the fan speed was 100% but rpm was zero, so I'm guessing the GPU fan has failed. Even now the temp is 63 degrees with only browsing going on.

I don't do any heavy duty games but so far (at least) the computer and videocard seem to be running fine despite these insane temps. (I of course immediately shut down F@H graphics version).

What would be the best sub $100 card to replace this with? My computer is a modest Compaq CQ530F, Athlon II X2 240 Dual-Core, 3 GB mem, Win 7 64 bit. I can put an Antec 620 PSU in the box (I think there is an Antec 400 or 500 in there now).

 

[Ken g6]

I don't think F@H cares about double precision. And they are supporting the new Kepler GPUs on the Windows V7 client. So if you can afford to go over $100 before rebate, I'd suggest this $90AR GTX 650.

Failing that budget test, you could go for a GT 640 for $90 before rebate, $75 after, with two fans!

Edit: Looks like this $95 GTS 450 bests the GT 640, though probably not the GTX 650:

 

[Ken g6]

I just saw this in General Hardware and thought of your thread:

However, I would have bought the GPU used. You can get something much more powerful than the GT 630 for $65 if you scour Ebay. 5870's and and GTX 470's can be had for that price if you're patient.

A GTX 470 would be way more powerful than anything mentioned here so far. It takes a powerful PSU, but you have that. It also puts out a lot of heat and noise, so I hope that's not a problem.

A GTX 560 (Ti), 460, or even a 550ti wouldn't be bad options either if you can find one used in your budget range.