Need a cheap power saving Video card-- that can game?

[Face2Face]

Looking to upgrade my anemic 9600 GT low power. Is was holding up fine for GTA4, FC2 and SC2. Now with COD Black Ops it's showing it's age. I game @ 1920X1080 and looking to get a jump in frame-rates and not break in the bank. Wanting to stay under $150.00. I want something that idles low, because my PC is on all day. For gaming I don't care how power saving it is. I was thinking 5770 - GTX 460 768 or SE or Even a GTS 450. Kinda leaning towards the GTS 450 because it is the cost. What do you think?

 

[zagood]

1. Define your budget.
2. Check the AT bench results for idle power draw at http://www.anandtech.com/bench/GPU/124
3. Get the best performing card for your budget.

 

[Termie]

Also consider that CODBO is very CPU-limited. Your system might hold a new card back a bit.

Article: http://www.techspot.com/review/336-cod-black-ops-performance/page8.html

I'd aim for a GTS450 in your case. After rebate, it's $80 and therefore far cheaper than the other two cards, and its idle power is exceptionally low.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125342
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130572

 

[Rifter]

GTX 460 768M would be the fastest under $150 but at 1080p res the 1GB would be a better bet and can be had very close to $150 after rebate. Failing that the GTS 450 is a great option at $80.

 

[Face2Face]

I still have not purchased one yet. I have been looking on Newegg -- and found these two cards.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-344-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-330-_-Product


I also can get this card through Work for $119.00 With free shipping

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-573-_-Product

What do you guys think --- I also will not be overclocking anything.

 

[daRkKon]

for those prices, your better off getting a 460gtx 1gb for 129 AR

 

[Face2Face]

Don't really wanna deal with rebates. The GTX 460 might be overkill for my current config?

 

[JimmiG]

I want something that idles low, because my PC is on all day. For gaming I don't care how power saving it is.

All modern video cards use very little power when idle:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4061/amds-radeon-hd-6970-radeon-hd-6950/24

The difference between the GTX460 768MB and the GTX580 is only 13W. So don't let idle power draw affect your decision.

 

[RavenSEAL]

Don't really wanna deal with rebates. The GTX 460 might be overkill for my current config?

Nope, you'll be fine with a GTX460. Worth the extra $.

 

[Termie]

Don't really wanna deal with rebates. The GTX 460 might be overkill for my current config?

If you don't want to deal with a rebate, get the 5770 for $120.

I'm actually having trouble right now with my EVGA GTX460 rebate. In all honesty though, this GTX460, at $140 before rebate, is probably worth the extra $20 you'd pay: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121390

You always have the chance of paying the same as the 5770 if you bother to jump through the hoops for the $20 rebate.

 

[0roo0roo]

cpu going to hold u back
not so green if you gotta upgrade sooner

 

[Vette73]

Yea either spend the extra now for the GTX460 1gig or save some cash and get the GTS450.

I got the GTS450 for $90 AR and does what I need for now. I don't like to spend more than $100 on a video card.

 

[rockyjohn]

I agree with Marlin. Also, why not spend a few minutes to get a $30 rebate? Most reputable companies are a lot better at honestly handling rebates now than they were a few years ago. Over the past several years I have saved hundreds of dollars in rebates. Occasionally I have to send a followup inquiry. One time when the rebate processor was hesitant, I merely copied the email with my complaint about their poor handling to the product company and received quick results. But usually for name companies they are processed without incident.