Need help picking graphics card...

[jfls45]

I built a new computer and want to add a graphics card. Don't have a favorite graphics brand or type but could use some good advice what to get.

My new PC specs:

i5 3570K (using onboard HD 4000 graphics with dual monitor setup)
Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD3H mboard
Corsair 4GB Ram
H60 Corsair liquid cooled
Corsair CX600M PSU

Software I use: CAD, MS Flight Simulator, would like to be able to install new games like BF3 but running in Ultra mode isn't overly important.

Not sure if I should go with AMD Radeon card or Nvidia card.

My budget is around 100 bucks but I could squeeze a little more if need be. I am not interested in paying $225.00 for the latest and greatest so those who are going to reply with that please stop. I just need to know whats the best card and makes sense upgrading from the onboard HD 4000 graphics.

Thanks

 

[Eureka]

Midrange is $200. The only cards I could even recommend for under that are the 2gb 7850s for around $170 on sale... The $150 7790 is alright but the $20 extra for the 7850 is worth it for the extra VRAM.

Sorry but $225 is far from latest and greatest. I'd say look at the 7870 or 660 at $200 if you want decent performance.

At $100, I'd look at the 650 ti on sale or 7770. You'll be running games like bf3 on low/med settings if you want smooth gameplay, however.

Between and and radeon., they tend to perform close. Amd tends to be cheaper for the same performance, but nvidia cards run on less power. Take your pick.

 

[jfls45]

where does the HD 4000 onboard graphics rank with those cards...

 

[Eureka]

http://m.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/gpu12

 

[Imouto]

where does the HD 4000 onboard graphics rank with those cards...

The sole of their boots.

 

[Eureka]

The hd4000 will play source games well enough, and can probably chug out sc2. Wouldn't try bf3 though.