Want to get a graphics card

[raildogg]

Hey everyone, I have been using integrated graphics for the past two and a half years on my AMD Athlon X4 635 system. It runs older games just fine. Now, I think I might be interested in a graphics card. Also, down the road, I might get a 2560x1440 monitor as well. I'm not quite sure what kinds of games I'll be playing but I would like mid level graphics options to be turned on. For the meantime, I'll be using an 1920x1080 monitor.

I originally wanted to get a Radeon 7770 or 6850 but since a 7850 is not much more expensive but offers a lot more performance, I started to look at that instead. Now there is also the option of Geforce 650 Ti. I'm wondering if the 7850 2GB will be overkill for my system. I would like to keep this system going for about two more years so a stronger graphics card might help in that.

System specs:
AMD Athlon X4 635
Gigabyte 880-GA UD3H motherboard
4GB RAM (4GB more coming soon)
128GB SSD
Seasonic 520W
Cooler Master Elite 335

I would prefer an Nvidia card since I've had success with them before, but I'm not too picky. A Radeon would be fine for me as well. Also, I have been having some stability problems with my system when playing video occasionally so I'm not sure if its due to the drivers or the integrated chip/motherboard itself.

The 7850 2GB seems to be much faster but I'm not sure if my system would benefit from such a card.

I would appreciate any help.

 

[lehtv]

For 1080p gaming, 7850 2GB is definitely not overkill. Perfect for medium settings. Also overclocks pretty well.

I'm gaming on 1080p and the 7950 3GB is perfect for me, I like to run games at constant 60 fps with decent graphics.

 

[Fallengod]

Either of those video cards would be fine. Obviously if youre still using integrated graphics, pretty much anything is going to be a huge performance boost lol.

 

[Termie]

With that CPU, I'd probably aim closer to $100 than $175 for your GPU. You're using a CPU that was lower end 3 years ago when it came out, and it's definitely quite slow compared to any modern offerings. It will bottleneck an HD7850 in a lot of games. In fact, it's far slower than even an Intel e8400 dual-core in games: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/122?vs=56

The most I'd go for is the $110AR GTX650Ti: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127710

But honestly, it will be pretty badly bottlenecked in your system, so I'd aim for something more like this $90AR HD7750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102969

It's a huge step up from what you're using (integrated graphics), and is a better match for your system. It's also very easy on the power supply.

 

[frozentundra123456]

With that CPU, I'd probably aim closer to $100 than $175 for your GPU. You're using a CPU that was lower end 3 years ago when it came out, and it's definitely quite slow compared to any modern offerings. It will bottleneck an HD7850 in a lot of games. In fact, it's far slower than even an Intel e8400 dual-core in games: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/122?vs=56

The most I'd go for is the $110AR GTX650Ti: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814127710

But honestly, it will be pretty badly bottlenecked in your system, so I'd aim for something more like this $90AR HD7750: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102969

It's a huge step up from what you're using (integrated graphics), and is a better match for your system. It's also very easy on the power supply.

I was thinking about the power supply also. Is this an off the shelf system, running motherboard graphics? If so the power supply is probably very low wattage, poor quality, and may not have a 6 pin connector. Personally with that CPU I would not go higher than a 650Ti or HD7770 if the power supply is up to it, or if it is a cheap off the shelf system, a HD7750 which requires no external power connector. If the power supply is up to it he could get a 7850 and use it later if he upgrades the CPU I guess. I have a HD7770 and am able to run everything I have tried including Metro 2033 and Witcher 2 at medium or above at 1080p. I only play single player though, and am satisfied with 30-40 fps.

 

[raildogg]

lehtv, I would probably be at 1080 for a while so medium settings are quite acceptable. Just wondering if the Radeon 7850 2GB is a good match for a Athlon X4 635.

Fallengod, yes it would be quite a boost, heh. This is the first system I've had in a long time that has not had a graphics card.

Termie, you might be right. This processor is great for me and seems very fast but gaming is another matter. I was wondering if the 7850 2GB will be bottlenecked by the CPU but you're saying that even a Geforce 650 Ti will be also? That makes sense but maybe not all the games will be utilize the CPU heavily. At this time, I'm interested in simply playing them rather than playing them buttery smooth considering I cannot even consider most modern games

Right now, I'm leaning towards the Geforce 650 Ti due to its better suitability with the older processor.

I appreciate everyone's help. Thank you.

 

[Termie]

...
Right now, I'm leaning towards the Geforce 650 Ti due to its better suitability with the older processor.

I appreciate everyone's help. Thank you.

The 650Ti is a reasonable option, particularly at the $110 price I linked. I wouldn't bother with the $140 models, though - too expensive for the performance and more money than you need to put into your system to improve its gaming abilities.

 

[Tweak155]

I don't get why people get into this frame of mind. IMO, you should pick a card that will play your games at the resolution you want, regardless of your current system.

Buy the card, try it. If it doesn't work, then upgrade the rest of your system. It beats ordering a card that you THINK your system can handle, knowing ahead of time you wont get the performance you want anyway from it. It will just tempt you to upgrade both the graphics card and system again anyway.

 

[raildogg]

Termie, if I do get the 650 Ti I would be getting the lower cost options.

Tweak155, that is an excellent point. Simply buy what you want without all the extra drama. That makes too much sense so we often don't do that .

 

[SPBHM]

650 Ti for 110 is a fine choice for this PC,
just forget about 1440P gaming.


the 7850 is clearly faster, but there is a price difference, and with the Athlon X4 you may well notice even less the 30%+ difference than you would in some i7 (from the tests we use as reference), also if you already have a preference for NV... it's let's say, the least expensive "decent" card from NV I think,

still the 7850 is more capable for 1080p gaming with higher settings, if you don't mind the extra money, power usage and size (and AMD)

 

[Tweak155]

I 2nd the 7850 suggestion. You can get it near $150 bucks and it will allow you to upgrade your system in the future.

 

[frozentundra123456]

650 Ti for 110 is a fine choice for this PC,
just forget about 1440P gaming.


the 7850 is clearly faster, but there is a price difference, and with the Athlon X4 you may well notice even less the 30%+ difference than you would in some i7 (from the tests we use as reference), also if you already have a preference for NV... it's let's say, the least expensive "decent" card from NV I think,

still the 7850 is more capable for 1080p gaming with higher settings, if you don't mind the extra money, power usage and size (and AMD)

I would have gotten a 650Ti instead of my HD7770, except I got the 7770 on sale, and when I bought my card, the 650Ti was new on the market and a bit overpriced. The 650Ti is a bit faster overall, and supports physX, which would be nice since I have many hours into Borderlands 2.

 

[Fallengod]

I agree. 650 ti for $110 is a deal, period.

7770 is a good card, if you find it at $70AR like it was around BF. Past that, theres no reason to get it in the $100 range when a 650ti is $110.

 

[raildogg]

I believe I am more likely to get a Radeon 7850 2GB. It was my first choice and it is simply faster than anything else in the price range. The numbers totally favor it. Plus, it will help with keeping this computer being able to play games longer. I really appreciate everyone's help. Thank you!

 

[FalseChristian]

I believe I am more likely to get a Radeon 7850 2GB. It was my first choice and it is simply faster than anything else in the price range. The numbers totally favor it. Plus, it will help with keeping this computer being able to play games longer. I really appreciate everyone's help. Thank you!

You chose wisely, my son.

 

[bigsnyder]

I don't get why people get into this frame of mind. IMO, you should pick a card that will play your games at the resolution you want, regardless of your current system.

Buy the card, try it. If it doesn't work, then upgrade the rest of your system. It beats ordering a card that you THINK your system can handle, knowing ahead of time you wont get the performance you want anyway from it. It will just tempt you to upgrade both the graphics card and system again anyway.

Amen. It never hurts to have too much GPU assuming PSU is not an issue.

 

[raildogg]

It appears as if the Geforce 660 is also a very capable card as it is faster than a 7850 in most settings. Price-wise, it is not much more expensive, maybe $10-20 more. In fact, a Zotac 660 costs $180 including the rebate and special offer. This is interesting

 

[Termie]

It appears as if the Geforce 660 is also a very capable card as it is faster than a 7850 in most settings. Price-wise, it is not much more expensive, maybe $10-20 more. In fact, a Zotac 660 costs $180 including the rebate and special offer. This is interesting

The 660 for $180 is a steal, at about [edit: 10-15%] faster than the 7850 at the same price. The only catch is that the HD7850 will overclock better.

 

[lehtv]

The 660 for $180 is a steal, at about 5% faster than the 7850 at the same price. The only catch is that the HD7850 will overclock better.

According to Techpowerup it is almost 15% faster, not 5% faster.

http://tpucdn.com/reviews/AMD/Catalyst_12.11_Performance/images/perfrel_1920.gif

 

[absolutezero]

The 660 for $180 is a steal, at about 5% faster than the 7850 at the same price. The only catch is that the HD7850 will overclock better.

dang, checked. they are all 190 now but no games where given unlike HD 7850.

 

[Termie]

According to Techpowerup it is almost 15% faster, not 5% faster.

http://tpucdn.com/reviews/AMD/Catalyst_12.11_Performance/images/perfrel_1920.gif

Sorry, I remembered that incorrectly. Yes, it will be 10-15% faster.

 

[raildogg]

The GTX 660s are all over $200 now so I think a Radeon 7850 is back up to my top list again. The Zotac 660 that was around $180-$190 yesterday is now out of stock at Newegg. Also, I should add that I'm looking for a card that is less than 9.5" in length as I have a Cooler Master Elite 335 case.

I found this MSI Twin Frozr 7850 2GB on Amazon for $180 total. It is out of stock but I can place a order for it. I should just decide and get something! Heh.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

[Termie]

Good price of $185AR/shipping on the Gigabyte HD7850 with a serious factory overclock of 975MHz:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125419

Also Gigabyte GTX660 for $195AR (but it's 9.6" long): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162122

The Galaxy GTX660 will be about 10% faster than the Gigabyte HD7850 for only $10 more, but doesn't come with any games, and will have a bit less overclocking headroom.

Here's a review of the Galaxy GTX660: http://www.hardocp.com/article/2013/02/11/galaxy_gtx_660_gc_video_card_review/1

 

[raildogg]

I am decided on getting a 7870 since it offers a performance increase over the other cards. Another reason is that I want to keep this card for a while so a 7870 might let me do that.

I understand that there is a Tahiti Le version of the 7870 which offers more performance but since my case can accomodate a maximum length of 9.7", I cannot get them. For this reason, a 7870 Ghz Edition is that one I'm looking at.

What do you guys think?

Appreciate any help. Thanks.

Termie, thanks for the suggestion. For some reason, I want to get the 7870 instead of the GTX 660. They are similar in price and performance so it probably won't matter too much which one is chosen. I appreciate your suggestion.

 

[Termie]

I am decided on getting a 7870 since it offers a performance increase over the other cards. Another reason is that I want to keep this card for a while so a 7870 might let me do that.

I understand that there is a Tahiti Le version of the 7870 which offers more performance but since my case can accomodate a maximum length of 9.7", I cannot get them. For this reason, a 7870 Ghz Edition is that one I'm looking at.

What do you guys think?

Appreciate any help. Thanks.

Termie, thanks for the suggestion. For some reason, I want to get the 7870 instead of the GTX 660. They are similar in price and performance so it probably won't matter too much which one is chosen. I appreciate your suggestion.

The 7870 is a great card. Just be careful choosing one, as some are over 9.7" long.

Also, just to reiterate, this card is a good investment for the future, but with your current CPU you will not see the performance you may have seen in reviews. If you don't have serious plans to upgrade, I think the 7850 is probably the better value.