Need help with budget gaming GPU

[bwh21]

I'm interested in doing some light PC gaming as I just started using Steam and need an entry level GPU. Thanks for any help/feedback! The build with links to components can be found here - http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=32395258&postcount=7

System Specifications:

I. Processor/CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo Boost) 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 6MB L3 Cache LGA 1155 95W


II. Current Graphics Card: N/A


III. Display Resolution: 1280×1024 I think, at work now and not positive


IV. Power Supply Unit Specification (Brand, Wattage, Ampage, Age). If possible, please provide a link to a website containing the power supply specifications: CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS


V. Case Specifications(N/A, Model, Length, Low Profile, Cooling, HTPC, Water, Silent): Rosewill R218-P-BK Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower


Purchase Details:

I. Budget? I would prefer to limit it to $100 USD


II. Any particular preferences (Manufacturer[nV or AMD], Brand[XFX, Sapphire, EVGA, etc], Cooling Solutions)? I have no preferences. I just want the best card for $100 or less.


III. Do you plan to have any Multi-GPU solutions such as Crossfire or SLI? I don't know what this means to I guess not.


IV. Have you previously looked at a product(s) which you feel would fit your needs? I looked at the best rated card on Newegg for <$100 and saw this - EVGA 01G-P3-N988-TR GeForce 9800 GT


V. What are your needs for this GPU? Which games(If any)do you intend to play? If you have this information at hand, what are the desired detail levels? Some entry level PC gaming (ARMA 2 with DayZ mod) and HD video editing.


VI. Do you plan on overclocking the card you intend to purchase? No

 

[TemjinGold]

Would you consider used? At $100, you can get something significantly better if you are open to used.

 

[Jaydip]

Have a look at this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102985
Edit:
9800gt is horrible at that price

 

[bwh21]

Have a look at this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102985
Edit:
9800gt is horrible at that price

That's a nice looking card and I'm not opposed to going a few bucks over budget but my mobo doesn't have a PCIe 3 slot. I'm limited to cards that work with a PCIe 2.

How about something like this? - EVGA GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi)

 

[Jaydip]

You don't need a pcie 3 slot to run that card.550Ti is a horrible card at that price

 

[Tom]

Have a look at this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102985
Edit:
9800gt is horrible at that price

I've been out of the video card game for a while but this thread prompted me to do a quick search and I came across this..

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...mZ_48kTtiARB1g

putting aside the rebates and Newegg versus Tiger Direct..is the 7770 considerably better than the 7750 ? A quick look at the specs looks like it but what about real gaming performance ?

 

[Jaydip]

That's an awesome deal,if you can grab it op do it now

 

[bwh21]

I've been out of the video card game for a while but this thread prompted me to do a quick search and I came across this..

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...mZ_48kTtiARB1g

putting aside the rebates and Newegg versus Tiger Direct..is the 7770 considerably better than the 7750 ? A quick look at the specs looks like it but what about real gaming performance ?

I only have a 430W PSU. Could I run that card on it without blowing it up?

 

[Arkadrel]

I only have a 430W PSU. Could I run that card on it without blowing it up?

Yeah I guess, the 7770 are insane effecient cards (power usage wise).
Its avg load is around 66watts with short term peaks up to around 73watts or so.

This means that when your playing a game, like Crysis 2, your card is usually around 66watts.

7770 uses less power thna a nvidia 450, AMD 5770, AMD 6850....
while giveing same or better performance.

And the card Tom mentioned at 99$ with free shipping, is a pretty decent buy.

 

[Red Hawk]

putting aside the rebates and Newegg versus Tiger Direct..is the 7770 considerably better than the 7750 ? A quick look at the specs looks like it but what about real gaming performance ?

Yes. The 7770 has significantly more stream processors and a higher clock speed. The 7750 is a bit closer to the $100 mark though.

 

[RussianSensation]

I only have a 430W PSU. Could I run that card on it without blowing it up?

Ya, you can run an HD7970 on a 430W PSU. HD7770 is the best new card for $100. Otherwise, you'd need to consider the used card market (GTX470/GTX560/6870/GTX560Ti/5850/5870, etc.)

 

[bwh21]

Thanks for the help guys. I ordered the 7770 from TD for $99 after rebates.

 

[HydroSqueegee]

well dang. i would have sold you my 7770 that ive had for a week for $90 shipped since i just ordered a 7870.

 

[jacktesterson]

My 7770 overclocks to 1200 core. I'm running it at 1175 though for now.

Currently playing Sleeping Dogs at 1360x768 at Extreme Preset (Except 2 shadow settings on normal) with the High Res Texture Pack and I never dip below 30FPS, usually in low 40's. Game is always smooth feeling.

I play Black Ops with my 7770 at Max settings without issue at constant 60 FPS at 768p too.

GTA4 runs great.

Saints Row 3 runs on Max settings (Except AA @ 2x) smooth.


If your gaming at a low res like me, the 7770 is a great card for $100

As said in my other thread, I went from a Catleap with Crossfired 7970s to my current TV setup and am enjoying my games more with the bigger screen and comfort of my couch with a budget card.

 

[n0x1ous]

7770 Definitely was the right choice for you. Enjoy the new system!

 

[Durvelle27]

check the For Sale/Trade forum seen some HD 6850s, HD 6870s and GtX 460s for around $85