Help me schwiznizzle my Tax return? (Mainly looking for a Graphics Card)

Jonas82 · Apr 13, 2015

Basically I have an awful computer.

Processor AMD Athlon(tm) II X2 245 Processor

Video Card NVIDIA GeForce 8200

Memory 3.0 GB

Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit

I'd like to atleast upgrade my archaic graphics card to something that may run be able to allow me to play some more recent games.

My motherboard requires a PCI 2.0 (I could use a 3.0 right?) x16 video card. I'd like to hear your opinions on what card I should purchase (Preferably around the 180-240 range)

Two that i've been considering have been: MSI R9 280 GAMING 3G 384-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

and : SAPPHIRE 100364-4GL Radeon R9 270X 4GB 256-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 Video Card (Dual-X Edition)

I'd be greatful for anyone to give me some advice on what i should buy whether it be one of these two or not! Thanks!

Mod Edit - Just because it needed it

turkey3_scratch · Apr 13, 2015

The highest I would go is a 750 or 750Ti, if you go any higher they will not use their full potential, the CPU would be too much of a bottleneck. For AMD I would get a 270X.

http://www.hwcompare.com/17444/geforce-8600-gts-vs-geforce-gtx-750-ti/

^^Note the article compares the 8600 not 8200.

Jonas82 · Apr 13, 2015

turkey3_scratch :

So you would recommend the 750ti over the 270x?

turkey3_scratch · Apr 13, 2015

Not exactly, the 270x performs better actually. 750Ti was just an example.

Jonas82 · Apr 13, 2015

Code:

turkey3_scratch :

Oh okay, I've been talking to some guys on steam about it and I've been told that I should go 660Ti instead of 270x and 750ti.

whoratesit · Apr 13, 2015

how much can you get a 660ti for ?

Jonas82 · Apr 13, 2015

whoratesit :

Around 200-300 depending on the brand and model as per Amazon.

Edit: I accidently was looking at the 750 Holy crap the price is a massive difference.

turkey3_scratch · Apr 14, 2015

Jonas82 :

I would not get a 660Ti, it's 2 gens old and I think no DirectX12 support but correct me if wrong. And costs a lot more. For 200-300 the 960 is a better option.

Jonas82 · Apr 14, 2015

So the 270x is probably the way to go?

turkey3_scratch · Apr 14, 2015

Jonas82 :

Sure, really your choice, there are plenty of options. I don't want to give you a definite "Yes this is what you have to get". There is also the non-x 280. But beware, your CPU will struggle on newer games. Go for something in the $100-$150 range.

whoratesit · Apr 14, 2015

There is no point spending $240 as your CPU won't be able to keep up. I would stay nearer the lower end of your budget. The 270x is good value for money even though it is probably a little overpowered for your CPU. If you did go for the 270x your system give you a reasonable gaming experience:

UserBenchmarks: Desktop 63%, Gaming 39%, Workstation 14%
CPU: 40.9% AMD Athlon II X2 245
GPU: 48.1% AMD R9 270X

turkey3_scratch · Apr 14, 2015

whoratesit :

A plain 270 is another option. If he goes the Nvidia route he doesn't need to worry about power usage, I'm not sure what PSU he is running his system on.

tiny voices · Apr 14, 2015

You need more RAM. 3gb will cripple your system playing modern games.

And, even a gtx750ti will be bottlenecked by your dual core cPU in many games.

What games are you looking to play?

turkey3_scratch · Apr 14, 2015

tiny voices :

If he plays older games at least he doesn't need to worry about CPU and can still make use of a stronger GPU. I still recommend a plain 750 for him TBH.

tiny voices · Apr 14, 2015

Yeah, that's is what I would do as well.

Anything more than a 750ti would be pointless for his system.

Jonas82 · Apr 14, 2015

tiny voices :

Well RAM is definitely on my to do list. I'm hoping to atleast be able to survive on newer games (Mid to low settings). On my current set up I can run Fallout NV pretty well on mid tier settings.

And my PSU is 400W Codegen 300x1

tiny voices · Apr 14, 2015

NV is not a "new game" and is actually VERY easy to run on modern hardware. That game is 4 years old and was easy to run when it came out.

your PSU is not good quality and nowhere near powerful enough for an AMD GPU.

Get AT MOST an gtc750ti with NO PCI CONNECTOR REQUIRED.

Jonas82 · Apr 14, 2015

If I had the opportunity to buy a new PSU (600 W for 25) would that be good enough to get a AMD GPU?

turkey3_scratch · Apr 14, 2015

Any $25 600W power supply is going to be very poor quality and will put your components at risk. You want one from the brand Seasonic, XFX. Why are you so set on an AMD GPU? The GTX 750Ti and 750 use less power than your current card.

Jonas82 · Apr 14, 2015

turkey3_scratch :

I'm not quite sure, honestly I ought to go with a 750 or 750ti. Thanks for all y'alls help!

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