Need new card for dying radeon 4850

[Bearson]

System Specifications:

I. Processor/CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Kentsfield 2.4GHz LGA 775 Quad-Core Processor

II. Current Graphics Card: MSI R4850-T2D512 Radeon HD 4850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

III. Display Resolution: 1680 x 1050


IV. Power Supply Unit Specification (Brand, Wattage, Ampage, Age). If possible, please provide a link to a website containing the power supply specifications: OCZ GameXStream OCZ700GXSSLI 700W ATX12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply. Almost 4 years old.


V. Case Specifications(N/A, Model, Length, Low Profile, Cooling, HTPC, Water, Silent): XION Onyx XON-303 Black/Blue Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case


Purchase Details:

I. Budget? $150-$200


II. Any particular preferences None


III. Do you plan to have any Multi-GPU solutions such as Crossfire or SLI? No


IV. Have you previously looked at a product(s) which you feel would fit your needs? Yes

XFX Double D Radeon HD 6870 HD-687A-ZDFC Video Card with Eyefinity

EVGA SuperClocked GeForce GTX 560 (Fermi) 01G-P3-1461-KR Video Card


V. What are your needs for this GPU? SWTOR, possibly Diablo 3, Starcraft 2


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


Additional Notes

I'm looking to upgrade my video card because my ATI radeon hd 4850 is out of date and not to mention it is overheating while playing SWTOR on its lowest settings (yikes!). About a year ago I took out the card and cleaned the dust away and applied new thermal grease to the chip and that solved the heating issue for a little while but now it's overheating once again and I think its only a matter of time before this card completely fries on me.[/I]

 

[GodisanAtheist]

At the resolution you're playing at, Either 6870 or 560 would be more than enough. Whichever one you can find for the least amount of money would be the one I would go with. The only brands I would seriously stay away from are either Diamond or VTX (Diablotek) on the AMD side of things.

You should also look into AT LEAST overclocking your processor, if not picking up a new one outright. Having a speedy processor always helps, but it makes a much bigger difference at your res.

 

[BallaTheFeared]

In before 7850 oc monster 14500MHz on air.

Do you have a problem with buying used?

If so the 560 ti or 6870 would be your best bets.

 

[RavenSEAL]

Throw in another $20 for a month and go with a 560Ti, you won't regret it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127616

 

[Don Karnage]

I wouldn't buy a 6870. Go with the 560

 

[nyker96]

IN that price range you got, 560, 6870, a bit more 560Ti. I like HD6870s now since it comes w/ lots rebates and is on sale a lot lately, I think they are trying to get rid off stock.

 

[Bearson]

Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated.

 

[BallaTheFeared]

I think 560ti > 6870 > 560

That said if you aren't afraid to go used (serial based warranty of course) there is a lot more value to be had.

 

[StarvinMarvin22]

I was in a similar situation last month, looking to upgrade from a 4850. I picked up a 6870. The price on those has been great recently with all the rebates and it is a nice performance jump from the 4850.

The alternative is to wait out nvidia's gtx6xx series for mid-range cards. I don't see any value in nvidia's current sub$200 offerings. There had been some good deals on the gtx560 448 core for around $200 but I'm not sure if those prices will come back.

I got mine for 155ar but I've seen cards as low as 130ar.