GPU requirements for 1280x1024 resolution ?

[Foghorn]

Bulding a new system and currently have a 19 inch lcd which I'll stick with...max resolution is 1280x 1024...will the middle of the road cards be sufficient to play games at high settings or do I still need to look at the top end cards...been a while since I upgraded my system and all these lates stats and data pertain mainly to bigger screen with higher resolutions...

What would be the right card for that resolution ?

I'm not going to dual card it and will be looking at one card set up...

Cheers

 

[iicsus]

At that resolution, a one card setup will be just fine. A 8800GT would be enough, but it really depends on what prices you have where you live. Right now the best choice is the 4850 over here, because it's the same price as the 8800GT and it outperforms it. Furthermore, i'm pretty sure it can handle any game maxed out at 1280x1024. I have the same size lcd and the 4850 is what i'll probably go for.

 

[dirtmountain]

Good choices for that resolution would be (going to show links that might not be available down under) Basically listed from low to high, but all would do well at that resolution.
9600GSO-(used to be the 8800GS)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127365
9600GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127362
HD3870
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161218
8800GT
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121224
8800GTS 512
http://fxvideocards.com/ZOTAC-GeForce-8800-GTS-G92-512MB-ZT-88SES2P-FSP-256-bit-GDDR3-PCI-Express-2.0-x16-HDCP-Ready-SLI-ZOTAC-Video-Card-p-16280.html
HD4850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131111

 

[Maziar]

HD 4850 is the best on that list ^^^ and i recommend it

 

[randomizer]

Assuming you have a decent power supply (not smart to assume), I would say go for the HD4850 if you have at least $230 to spend. The 8800GT is about $30 less than the HD4850, and the HD4850 is quite a bit faster depending on the situation. Forget the GTS 512MB and HD3870. Get the 9600GT or 9600GSO/8800GS if you don't have alot of cash. Letting us know what power supply you have and whether you have the cash for an upgrade is crucial so please do so

 

[Foghorn]

I was looking at the 9600 or 3870 but wasn't sure if they would do a good enough job playing games at high resolutions on 1280x1028 for eg...over here in Australia they are all between the $200-$300 aus dollar price mark...however the 4850 for that little more than the cheaper cards might be the go...plus if I get a bigger monitor later on this has the grunt to go well at those resolutions...

What power supply should I be going for minimum ? That's something ewsle I'll be upgrading...I currently have a 500watt power supply but it was a cheap generic product and 3 years old now so I think it will be the wrong type for these new power hungry cards...or will it be ok ?

 

[dirtmountain]

Agreed, if the HD4850 is affordable and you have a good 450w or better powersupply then the 4850 is the card to get.

 

[randomizer]

Mate I'm from Australia and I'll let you in on two little secrets:

www.pricespy.com.au
www.staticice.com.au

The 9600GT is <$150

 

[dirtmountain]

The 4850 uses 98 watts at load. Personally i'd run it with that power supply, but i would put the PSU on the short list to upgrade as soon as i had the cash to spend.

 

[Mousemonkey]

I was looking at the 9600 or 3870 but wasn't sure if they would do a good enough job playing games at high resolutions on 1280x1028 for eg...over here in Australia they are all between the $200-$300 aus dollar price mark...however the 4850 for that little more than the cheaper cards might be the go...plus if I get a bigger monitor later on this has the grunt to go well at those resolutions...

What power supply should I be going for minimum ? That's something ewsle I'll be upgrading...I currently have a 500watt power supply but it was a cheap generic product and 3 years old now so I think it will be the wrong type for these new power hungry cards...or will it be ok ?

Err on the side of caution and replace it, something in the 550 - 650 watt range, I like the Corsair HX series myself.

 

[randomizer]

For the sake of financial savings, the VX series is "better", unless a modular PSU is critical, which considering he is using a generic PSU obviously isn't.

 

[Mousemonkey]

Oh I agree, but then this might be the start of that slightly addictive upgrade cycle