Graphic Card recommendation

[markmc]

Looking to possibly upgrade graphic card for upcoming games this fall.
So many choices out there.
What would be an improvement over hd4850 with E8400 @ 3.6ghz ?

Some cards could be overkill with this processor ?

Do not want to upgrade any other components at this time.
Thanks in advance.

Asus Pq5se mb
E8400 @3.6 ghz
8gb G-skill ddr2 800
610 watt psu Pc power & cooling
Radeon hd 4850
Samsung 22” @ 1680x1050
[FONT=&quot]Vista 64 bit
[/FONT]

 

[darkewaffle]

At 1680x1050 you're probably going to be ok still with a 4850. A 5770 would just be a sidegrade, and much more than that would be overkill for the resolution. The only option I would consider would be a GTX 460.

 

[RussianSensation]

I would say wait until either 6850 or pick up a GTX/460/5850/GTX470 (depending on your budget) if you really need the upgrade today.

If you are going to be overclocking, GTX460 for $210-220. MSI Cyclone, Gigabyte or EVGA. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...mc=OTC-B1zrat3-_-Video+Cards-_-MSI-_-14127510

If you are not going to be overclocking, but still want a quiet card, 5850 such as this one for $270: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-330-_-Product

Otherwise, if you want the fastest card <$300, but it's also the hottest and loudest, then GTX470 by Gigabyte for $250 is a sweet deal: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-320-_-Product

Performance wise, the cards stack up as follows: http://www.computerbase.de/artikel/g...ating_mit_aaaf

1680x1050 8AA/16AF
GTX460 1GB = 100%
5850 1GB = 112%
GTX470 = 119%
5870 = 131%
GTX480 = 146%

Of course performance will depend more on the games you play. At your resolution, the GTX460 1GB is the best bang for the buck.

 

[Dark Shroud]

Even waiting another week or two if possible should see lower prices.

 

[bryanW1995]

yes, if possible wait a few weeks. amd is coming out with new cards in oct, and they are expected to slash prices in the next couple of weeks on their existing lineup.

keep your eyes on the hot deals forum as well as slickdeals.net. a gtx 460 - 768 mb is still probably ok at your current res and won't cost you an arm and a leg. right now newegg has one for ~ $175 AR shipped, but they've been as low as $150.

of course, your best bet is to actually buy the games that you want this fall, play them, then read reviews of different cards in the specific games that interest you, THEN check out hot deals/slickdeals and/or wait for Black friday deals.

 

[netxzero64]

will the 5850 also be included on those items that will have lower prices on 6xxx series debut?

 

[Rifter]

will the 5850 also be included on those items that will have lower prices on 6xxx series debut?

I would think so, its overpriced right now as far as price/performance goes. If they dropped everything else and not it that would just make it that much of a worse buy for the money.

 

[RaistlinZ]

If they drop prices too low on the 5850 it might deter some people from just jumping straight to the 6xxx series. I'm sure AMD will want all those people who've been waiting to upgrade to buy their 6xxxx series cards on Day 1.

 

[netxzero64]

will nvidia follow suit? XD

 

[Dark Shroud]

The 5800 series cards have been slowly coming down in price for around two weeks now. They're finally getting to the price area they were at launch, $270-$280. If these drop another $15 in the coming weeks I can't recommend the Nvidia cards that much if at all. The higher end 5770s are also coming down in price.

Basically unless you absolutely have to hold off at least until next Thursday/Friday before you order a card.

 

[Rifter]

will nvidia follow suit? XD

I think so, i think they are dropping 460/470/480 prices within the next month. Or at least ive herd that from my local computer store and a friend that runs a small computer tech support company. Really they are going to have to because as soon as 6xxx series hit they will have nothing to counter it with.

 

[netxzero64]

" because as soon as 6xxx series hit they will have nothing to counter it with. "

LOL! poor greeners hehehe..

if that's so, you think i should wait too for these to go down?

 

[hiddensniper11]

Is the GTX 470 much faster than a 4850 if my CPU is a Pentium Dual Core instead of a Core 2 Duo?

 

[netxzero64]

Is the GTX 470 much faster than a 4850 if my CPU is a Pentium Dual Core instead of a Core 2 Duo?

LOL! a GTX 470 is too much for your old pentium dual core... better get a quad core processor before moving up your GPU to further maximize/utilize its potential

 

[yepp]

Is the GTX 470 much faster than a 4850 if my CPU is a Pentium Dual Core instead of a Core 2 Duo?

Depends if its a Pentium D or which Pentium Dual Core.

Pentium Dual Cores are basically Core 2 Duos with less cache. The second gen Pentium Dual Core Wolfdales are about equal to the first gen Core 2 Duo, either running at around 3.5GHz should be fine with a GTX 470.