Recommend a video card

[JediKnight]

Looking for a replacement card for my current one, a GeForce 8600GT. Didn't build the machine myself (it's a HP m9250f, FWIW..), so I'm not sure how good the cooling/PSU is. As such, I'd like something that has similar (or better) power consumption under load and temps.

Oh, one more detail.. I have a single 1280x1024 LCD monitor, which I don't intend to upgrade anytime soon (unless there's a too-hot-to-pass-up deal on one..). I'd like to run everything at native resolution (COD:MW is sluggish - it actually recommends I run at 800x600 - at this res... which is sort of my motivation, or excuse, what have you.. for upgrading)

 

[happy medium]

I highly recommend a 4770 for 115$ shipped on newegg for that resolution and for the stock power supply that probrobly came with the hp.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150369

Edit: It will play modern wafare 2 at high settings @ 1280x1024
And welcome to the forums.

Edit 2 The 4770 is one of the best low power cards there is.
And runs cool to.

 

[Schmide]

From what I can find that thing has a 350watt power supply. I believe it's not the worst PSU but it certainly limits what cards you can get.

Since it has a q6700 which is already near 100w of power.

The range of cards I would put forward In order of performance

$170 ATI 5770 (60w)
$145 ATI 5750 (45w)
$110 ATI 4770 (80w) <- although it seems to average 60w
$120 nVidia GTS 250 (80w)
$80 nVidia 9800gt (80w)
$80 nVidia 9600gt (60w)
$100 nVidia GTS 240 (60w)
$50 ATI 4670 (40w)

The cards on the edge of your power limit would be the
$150 nVidia GTX 260 110w
$100 ATI 4850 105w

In reality all of the above cards will drive 1280x1024 some better than others of course. It really depends on your budget and how long you're going to keep your current setup relative to any new monitor options.

 

[HalfCrazy]

Just something to keep in mind when getting a graphics card. If you get a graphics card like the HD4770 like happy has posted. As you can see it will take up two slots total. Which chances are it will make the slot below the PCIe unless.

If your not planning on using that slot then its not a issue. If you do use it, you could get a graphics card like the follow. Good thing about the card is they offer limited lifetime warranty. As long you register your card with them online within 30 days of purchase.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-449-_-Product

 

[Schmide]

HalfCrazy although I'm not against a 4670, I shame XFX on their low end models and even some of their mid range models (Alpha Dog) for using 2 pin power with loud fans on smaller heat sinks.

For the same price after rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161288

 

[HalfCrazy]

HalfCrazy although I'm not against a 4670, I shame XFX on their low end models and even some of their mid range models (Alpha Dog) for using 2 pin power with loud fans on smaller heat sinks.

For the same price after rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161288

Thats a really nice graphics card too. I was just pointing out the problem with duel slot type graphics cards. You know how they tend to make the slots below it unless.

My self I use the Sapphire HD4670 1GB version. The heatsink/fan on it makes the slot below it unless. But for me its not a problem since I don't use it anyways.

 

[Schmide]

Actually I read a few reviews and it looks like they solved their sound issues.

 

[betasub]

Thats a really nice graphics card too. I was just pointing out the problem with duel slot type graphics cards. You know how they tend to make the slots below it unless.

My self I use the Sapphire HD4670 1GB version. The heatsink/fan on it makes the slot below it unless. But for me its not a problem since I don't use it anyways.

Sorry, I didn't understand this on first reading. Did you mean "dual" and "useless"? Just trying to make sense your post.

 

[HalfCrazy]

Sorry, I didn't understand this on first reading. Did you mean "dual" and "useless"? Just trying to make sense your post.

Yep, sorry I was all most fallen asleep at the keyboard. When I posted that reply to this topic. Besides english was not my best subject in school. lol