Best GPU& Ram for my current setup

[osiris2k8]

Hi I currently have the following setup:

E6400 Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13 Ghz CPU
Asus P5N-SLI MOBO (details on mobo below)
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=345
2gb 553 mhz DDR2 RAM (mobo supports upto 667)
HEC 550 W PSU (2 Rails one at 18 amps and the other at 17)
Current GPU(s): 2x 7300gs at sli
Monitor 19 inch widescreen: 1440x900 res

My question is what is the best graphics card and ram i can get for this setup I was looking at 2 cards the 4850 the ICEQ4 Turbo version and the Sapphire 4870 both 512mb would those work well with my system any alternatives? also the ram i was thinking of getting DDR2 667mhz 4GB any recommendation on that aswell?

I am looking to run crysis on high DX9 settings maybe DX10 aswell (very high)

If you can recommend graphics cards with the price of £180 english pounds or below that will run that game at those settings that would be great thank you.

 

[ahslan]

well at 1440x900...i would definitely recommend shooting for a 4850...you should also try to OC your processor to squeeze more performance out of ur rig

 

[osiris2k8]

oh how come is it better for that res than 4870 also i might upgrade my monitor and maybe use a 26" lcd tv instead

thanks for your reply btw

 

[coozie7]

I think OSIRIS2K8 means the HD4850 is a better match for your CPU and monitor, you just will not see much of an improvement with the more powerful card, just a bigger hole in your bank account.

Unless You`re using a 64 bit version of XP or Vista, I`d leave the RAM as it is, 2Gb is more than enough for most users. If you are running short of memory, stick to known brands and try for 2x2Gb sticks, they`re easier to install and nicely spaced to keep good and cool.

 

[osiris2k8]

oh right thanks for that so should i get the 667mhz ram for faster memory and also should i get the normal HD4850 for £110 or the HD 4850 ICEQ Turbo for £130 thanks

 

[coozie7]

The 4850 ICEQ would be best, it`s quiet and runs cooler than the stock
cards which can get very hot under load.
Check the memory prices before purchase, prices vary widely and do n`t pay more for clever cooling on it, on your rig it`ll be a waste of money. There`s no worry about speed, 667 will be fine, the memory speed rating is how fast it CAN run, the motherboard will set how fast it IS running so faster memory would be set to 667MHz by your motherboard, reguardless of the chips rated speed.

 

[osiris2k8]

oh cool thanks man also i was checking prices of both ram and the 800mhz is nearly the exact same price as the 667mhz card also the 4870 is only 40 pounds more than the 4850 ICEQ4 so what do you think dude

 

[osiris2k8]

thanks mate you been great help i think im gonna go with those 2 items let me know what u think and how high i can run crysis on my rig

GPU:
http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-102-HT

RAM:
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/130666

Thanks

 

[coozie7]

Kingston seems to have a good reputation, so the memory should be fine.
Nice find on the card BTW.
Now the bad news...Abou 40 FPS although that will vary according to what is going on in the game at the time and how you have set it up. That said, the extra system RAM will help to smooth things out so you`ll get a more consistant frame rate. But it should be quite playable, even on `high` but do n`t try to run it on DX10 or `very high` except to see how slowly it runs!

 

[osiris2k8]

thanks mate u been very helpful do u think i should go buy them now or wait a little while what do u think ?

 

[coozie7]

Card prices seem to be creeping up faster than memory is getting cheaper,
I`d do a price check Monday then make the purchase.