Need some replacement advice...

[RShick]

Hey all, I'd appreciate some suggestions. My 8800 GTS just died and I need a replacement rather quickly. That means I don't really have the option of waiting for nvidia's new offerings in a few months, and ATI's new offerings are out of my price range, which is about $175 give or take a few dollars.

What's the best bang for the buck in that range?

This would go into a gigabyte ga-p35-ds3r with an e6320 running at 2.8Ghz and 4gigs of ram. The chip is going to be replaced shortly as well, probably with an e8400. Should also mention that I have a 600w PSU, but limited to 2 - 6pin connections for the graphics card.

Thanks for your suggestions/opinions!

 

[v8envy]

4870 ($130ish AR) or 4890 ($180). The PSU may or may not be sufficient -- there are 6 pin PCIe + molex adapters to 8 pin, but make sure you have the wattage available on the 12v.

Other really good bangs for the buck comprable with the 8800GTS: 4770 and 4850. Both should be available for under $100. I've seen the BFG 9800+ for under $90 AR as well.

 

[toyota]

I certainly wouldnt waste money upgrading your e6320 to an e8400. IMO either upgrade to a quad or dont bother at this point.

 

[lavaheadache]

i think somebody just posted very recently about a bfg max core gtx 260 at best buy for like 160 or so if you wanted to buy local

 

[McRhea]

A 4870 1Gig version is a solid bet or a 4890 if you can find one for under $180. I think newegg is having a deal on a few 4890's: Newegg Check out the Sapphire Vapor X deals... $175 after mail in rebates. Not too shabby.

A gtx 260 or 275 would be good too, if you can find them in your price range.

Any GPU more powerful than those listed above will be limited by your CPU, even if you do get a E8400. Just get a decent GPU, save the money on your CPU, and get a Quad or i7 or an AMD quad in a few months.

 

[crisium]

Yup, hate to be an echo screen but quite simply:

For a little more than $175 you get the 4890 (overclocks like a beast too, more than the 4870 overclocks)
For good amount less than $175 you get the 4870 1GB

The GTX 260 matches up with the 4870, and the 275 to the 4890. But honestly, they cost more so why by them? Unless you want Physx or something I recommend just going for whatever is the cheapest (almost undoubtedly ATi if you order online from www.newegg.com).

 

[RShick]

Thanks for all the help and suggestions... ended up getting a 4890

this one

Got another 10 off with promo code EMCLXNR53, so with the 20 mail in rebate as well, it comes out to 164... right in my budget.

Thanks again all!