Looking to upgrade graphics, budget about $130

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NorCalJon

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May 22, 2008
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Current rig:
MB: Gigabyte GA-880GA-UD3H (rev. 2)
CPU: 2.9 GHz AMD Athlon II X4 635
RAM: 16 GB DDR3
Currently using onboard graphics ATI RAdeon HD 4250

MB has 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x16 (PCIEX16) and 1 x PCI Express x16 slot, running at x4 (PCIEX4). Power supply has 6-prong available.
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Main uses would be running virtualization instances of Windows and Linux, very little gaming.

Need to upgrade from 2 to 3 monitors, therefore 3 outputs necessary.

I bought an EVGA GEForce GT730 4GB DDR3 128bit Dual DVI mHDMI a couple of days ago, and am having trouble fitting HDMI cable to run 3rd monitor, so there is an opportunity to return and buy another if I can't get cabling correct. Also I will be putting in a USB 3.0 connector for front of new case I also bought -- so I am getting an opportunity to review my graphic options and I'm hoping Tom's HW can help.

I spent about $80 for the above card, I can kick in a little more (perhaps to $120?), and am considering an EVGA GeForce GT 740 4GB GDDR5 for $110, mostly for the GDDR5 vs DDR3. After perusing Tom's; however, I'm seeing that maybe I should have been here 2 weeks ago to begin with!

I appreciate any help!
 
Solution
basroil
For that price your only options are a 950 for ~$125 (http://pcpartpicker.com/product/F2mxFT/msi-video-card-gtx9502gd5ocv1) or a GTX 750ti for $90 (http://pcpartpicker.com/product/mj4NnQ/zotac-video-card-zt7060510m)

Do not waste money on junk like the gt740
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basroil

basroil

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Oct 19, 2013
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For that price your only options are a 950 for ~$125 (http://pcpartpicker.com/product/F2mxFT/msi-video-card-gtx9502gd5ocv1) or a GTX 750ti for $90 (http://pcpartpicker.com/product/mj4NnQ/zotac-video-card-zt7060510m)

Do not waste money on junk like the gt740
 
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Solution
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NorCalJon

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May 22, 2008
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Thank you for your quick response. A couple of questions -- any loss between the HDMI-out from these cards to my DVI-in on my monitors (vs. DVI-to-DVI as I currently have)? Secondly, my PSU has 650 watts and a 6-prong connector available -- does this change anything, or at this lower level it does not really matter ... the two suggestions you made are still your suggestions? I truly appreciate your help, any preference between these two (or any others that you may suggest)?

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Again, thanks for your time previously. I looked up my own answer to the HDMI vs. DVI, and I purchased the MSI from the list of two you suggested.

Peace!
 
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basroil

basroil

Glorious
Oct 19, 2013
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1) There are plenty of dual DVI versions of the GTX750ti that won't need adapters. It'll be cheaper to get one of those.
2) Your PSU being 650W means jack shit unless you plan on buying a used card, since your budget is peanuts. If you want to buy a used card, you might be able to find a GTX770 or so, and that should have dual DVI and decent performance.
 
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NorCalJon

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May 22, 2008
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Again -- thanks. I've already ordered the MSI card you suggested, and I appreciate the tips. I didn't want to spend much more on a graphics card for MB / CPU / monitors that I know also need upgrading. I've already taken out the EVGA I bought, though I did get a taste of what getting the graphics processing off of the MB can offer and I look forward to a better MSI card based on your input. I educated myself a bit and learned that HDMI / Display Port / DVI is simple enough for adapters and cables and I'm covered -- should be just fine for what I do, I don't have high end monitors nor high intensity gaming needs, so it should do great for my virtualization and compiling needs.

Enjoy, basroil -- I appreciate your help!
 
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