Need GPU upgrade advice

[ute33]

I am considering upgrading my graphics card and I want to make sure I get one that is compatible with my motherboard and power supply. Also I want to make sure that the new card would not be bottle-necked by another part of my system. I want to spend $200 or less.

My computer:

MB = gigabyte ga-ep35-ds3r, has one pci-e x16 gpu slot
psu = enermax pro 82+ 525w
ram = 8 gigs of ddr2 800 (pc2 6400)
os = win7 pro x64
gpu = 8800gt
cpu = core 2 duo e8400 3.0g @ 3.6g
monitor resolution = 1920x1200

 

[happy medium]

5830 is your only choice @ 200$, I'd wait for the gtx 460, if I were you.
5770 is a poor upgrade choice from a 8800gt.

 

[tincart]

You can get some 5830's for 200$ that will run games well at that resolution. Despite what happy medium says, the 5770 will also offer appreciable gains in the resolution and settings at which games are playable.

You could wait for the GTX 460 with two warnings:

1. It is an unknown quantity. Happy likes to act as though he knows exactly how it will perform. He doesn't.

2. The rumored prices of the two variants of GTX 460 are above $200.

If you're in no hurry, wait until the 460 is out and have a look at some reviews. It has the potential to be a great card and may warrant you going slightly over budget. There may also be rebates that bring the card down to $200.

 

[Grooveriding]

If you don't care about DX11, there is the 1GB 4870 and 4890, both can be had for $120 or so ? Something like that and both are a good deal faster than your 8800gt. What games do you play/plan on playing and what settings do you want to play them at ?

 

[Termie]

4870 for $120 AR: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121376

Benches: http://www.anandtech.com/show/2947/6

You'll get between 50% and 100% improvement depending on the game. The $200 5830 is NOT a good value, as is quite clear from these graphs. The GTX460 most likely will not be a good value either.

 

[RussianSensation]

I want to spend $200 or less.

monitor resolution = 1920x1200

Welcome to AnandTech ute!

Best performance: 5830 < $200. Also, better power consumption at idle than 4890.
Bang for the buck: 5770 (but it's not fast enough for 1920x1200)
Alternative: Consider a used GTX275 or ATI 4890.

5830 vs. 4890 vs. 5770 vs. GTX275: http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/xfx-radeon-hd5830_6.html#sect1

 

[Termie]

Best performance: 5830 < $200. Also, better power consumption at idle than 4890.

Least expensive 5830 on Newegg, $200 after rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102878

I think the price/performance ratio is still skewed in favor of the $120 4870, but the 5830 is newer, more efficient technology.

 

[ute33]

Thank you for the feedback.

The 5830 and 4870 look attractive. Would my cpu bottle-neck either of these cards?

I have read that pci-e 2.0/2.1 cards will work in a pci-e 1.0 motherboard. Is that true?

Is the speed of my ram going to be a problem?

I don't play fps games, mainly I play rpg's, strategy and online games like EQ2.

 

[RussianSensation]

Some games benefit from a quad core processor but these mainly include Battlefield Bad Company 2, Arma2, GTA4, Resident Evil 5 and Dragon Age Origins. As a result, you should be fine. I will agree that bang for the buck 4870 1GB is a great deal. At the same time, if you can find a 5770 1GB for $120, I would go for that card. It's cooler and less power consuming with similar performance.

 

[Termie]

I have read that pci-e 2.0/2.1 cards will work in a pci-e 1.0 motherboard. Is that true?

Is the speed of my ram going to be a problem?

As for your pci-e 1.0 motherboard, it should have minimal effect, if any, on a 4870/5830-class card: http://alienbabeltech.com/main/?p=2249&page=13

Your ram speed is not a problem.