Need help with video card upgrade

[extrapoints]

I recently purchased a dell 23" 2408 and realized my existing 7600gt sorely needs to be upgraded. Im hoping to play the latest games like Mass Effect 2, Bioshock2, etc on minimum of 1680x1080 resolution, and greater if possible. What are some video cards that you guys can recommend?

Also, my power supply is currently 350watts. Will I need to upgrade to support the new gfx cards?

 

[zerocool84]

What's the rest of your system look like? How much do you want to spend?

 

[extrapoints]

Gigabyte 965 DS3 motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
2GB of DDR2-800 RAM
300GB VelociRaptor / 320GB WD storage drive
350watt Antec power supply
Windows 7 64bit

I'm looking to spend around $200 max. If there are other areas that you suggest i need to upgrade, please inform. Thanks.

 

[Seero]

Gigabyte 965 DS3 motherboard
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400
2GB of DDR400 RAM
300GB VelociRaptor / 320GB WD storage drive
350watt Antec power supply
Windows 7

I'm looking to spend around $200 max. If there are other areas that you suggest i need to upgrade, please inform. Thanks.

I think those are DDR2-800 RAM as your mobo don't support DDR. Add another 2x1Gb RAM (same timing as the one you have) should be good.
PSU ain't going to be able to power any big video card. With the 200 budget I say GeForce GTS 250 1GB or Radeon HD 5750 1GB. Here is the thing, PhysX or Real-time Tessellation, pick one.
(Note that if your PSU is more than 3 years old, then you may need to replace your PSU.)
additional memory, about 50 bucks
new video car, about 140 bucks

Make sure that your win7 is 64 bit, reinstall 64 bit it isn't.

Wait until more people feed you with ideas before making any decisions.

 

[Arkaign]

5750. The GTS250 uses a lot more power and is only about the same speed. I just jumped from a GTS250 to a 5770 (free upgrade for me), and not only is it faster, but it uses less power. A 5750 uses even less power.

 

[RocknNerd]

I find it funny but I'm in the same boat. Moving from a 7600 GT and I'm looking at either the GTS 250 or the 5770. I've been an nVidia guy for years now and as you can probably tell, haven't been keeping up with the latest graphics cards.

I'm just looking for a little more feedback as to which one would be a better choice. I'm willing to go up to $180 at the most. Money's very tight.

ASUS M2N-SLi Deluxe | AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ | 2 GB DDR2-800 RAM | NVIDIA 7600 GT | 500 GB HDD | 750 GB Cooler Master PSU

 

[bryanW1995]

gts 250 is $110 shipped at newegg right now, 5750 is $130 for a 512mb version and $135 for a 1gb version. 5770 starts at $145. 5770 has more cool new features, but it's hard to justify a $35 premium over the gts 250 for one.

 

[digitaldurandal]

Some suggestions, firstly you are going to need to upgrade the PSU if you want a real graphics card.

Overclock your processor a bit, the e6400's overclock quite well.

Your RAM is a bit behind the curve, however ddr2 has recently become quite expensive so I would just deal with it for now.

I would go with a GTS 250, and use the leftover money to get a new powersupply, Id get one that is known to be reliable and a bit more wattage than I thought I needed because you can always use it in a new build or the next upgrade. I would get at least 500 watts with nice amperage. I have a PCP&C 750 that has treated me quite well, but also my Antec Earthwatts is still kicking in my wife's rig.

 

[crisium]

If you're gonna suggest both a new GPU and new PSU then get a 4850, not GTS 250. Same performance, but cheaper so you have more money toward the PSU. $99.99 shipped for a 4850 512MB. Cheaper than any GTS 250, same performance. If you care for DX11, lower power consumption, and high OCing ability you pay more for the 5750. Sorry, but the GTS 250 doesn't fit into any equation unless the word Physx turns you on.

I'm not sure a 5750 would even run on that setup. I haven't run the numbers, but I wouldn't take the chance. Others can chime in of course.

 

[digitaldurandal]

If you're gonna suggest both a new GPU and new PSU then get a 4850, not GTS 250. Same performance, but cheaper so you have more money toward the PSU. $99.99 shipped for a 4850 512MB. Cheaper than any GTS 250, same performance. If you care for DX11, lower power consumption, and high OCing ability you pay more for the 5750. Sorry, but the GTS 250 doesn't fit into any equation unless the word Physx turns you on.

I'm not sure a 5750 would even run on that setup. I haven't run the numbers, but I wouldn't take the chance. Others can chime in of course.

I don't mind the 4850 either. I currently have a 5870. In his case however I would grab a GTS 250, Physx, CUDA, and video features.

 

[digitaldurandal]

Found your card http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2045920