Graphic Card Update For 720p Gaming

vc92 · Aug 23, 2013

I have the following system configuration:-
Intel Core2Duo E7400 @ 2.8 Ghz, 2GB DDRII Generic RAM, Gigabyte G31-ES2L mobo, a Nvidia GeForce 9400GT and a generic 450W PSU. A very basic computer that has been serving all my needs very well for the past 4 years.

However, with the current onslaught of new games and with all the various graphic cards available at all price ranges; I am looking to upgrade my rig to able to run all games at 720p with a minimum of 60fps with all the bells and whistles (4xAA, 16xAF, Bloom, DOF, Textures and so on..).

What kind of hardware changes would I require? My budget would be around $600 dollars for a completely new build if anyone suggests so.

My games list includes all the AAA titles released within the past 2 years - Crysis, Crysis 2, 3, Far Cry 3.. You guys get the feeling right?..

I looking forward to suggestions that will last me another 2 years minimum before I decide to make the leap to 1080p gaming.

Thanks a lot guys!!

PS - I previously posted the same asking for 720p suggestions but they made me more confused than ever.. Looking for some clear recommendations. I was eyeing the GTX 670 but it was pushing my build over budget.

Onus · Aug 23, 2013

For 720p gaming, a HD7770 or GTX650Ti should be sufficient. Although they don't use a lot of power, your generic "450W" may not be sufficient. Something like a 380W Antec Earthwatts would be a quick and easy choice for you. If you want to buy once now, and be good for your future 1080p upgrade (e.g. a HD7970 or GTX770) then get something like a 550W-650W Seasonic.

Onus · Aug 23, 2013

That was a whole new build (and makes a good point about the CPU), but I was just targeting an upgrade.

delmetor · Aug 23, 2013

byogamingpc :

BigMack had a lot of great suggestions but I'll do the work for you.

i5-4570 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CO8TA4I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CO8TA4I&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $190
AsRock H87M http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CZZ4TLE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CZZ4TLE&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $94
Kingston Hyper-X 8GB RAM 1600MHz CL9 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHWXTZ4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AHWXTZ4&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $57
Corsair CX 600 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092ML0OC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0092ML0OC&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $60
Sapphire HD 7870 GHz OC 2GB http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2J4ROE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00A2J4ROE&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $185
TOTAL = $586

Nvidia Option:
EVGA GTX 660 SC http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00966IREK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00966IREK&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $200
TOTAL = $601

One positive vote to this. Excelent build.

Onus · Aug 23, 2013

^The only thing I'd change there is the PSU. Get the CX-600M, the modular version. Although they are all built by CWT, the non-modular versions use some inferior Samxon capacitors that do not like heat and are known for early failure. I would not use one in a gamer. Either get the modular version, or use something like a 550W Seasonic or Rosewill Capstone.

jrizzz · Aug 23, 2013

byogamingpc :

BigMack had a lot of great suggestions but I'll do the work for you.

i5-4570 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CO8TA4I/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CO8TA4I&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $190
AsRock H87M http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CZZ4TLE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00CZZ4TLE&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $94
Kingston Hyper-X 8GB RAM 1600MHz CL9 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AHWXTZ4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AHWXTZ4&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $57
Corsair CX 600 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092ML0OC/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0092ML0OC&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $60
Sapphire HD 7870 GHz OC 2GB http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A2J4ROE/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00A2J4ROE&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $185
TOTAL = $586

Nvidia Option:
EVGA GTX 660 SC http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00966IREK/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00966IREK&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 $200
TOTAL = $601

+$100 for Windows

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Graphic Card Update For 720p Gaming

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