System Upgrade HELP (Video Card)

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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > System Upgrade HELP (Video Card)

System Upgrade HELP (Video Card)

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Hi Guys, I'm currently contemplating of upgrading my older than 1 year unit. I want to be able to at least play certain games on a really high setting but my budget for a video card is a little stingy so I dont know which one would be worth the bang for my buck.

Anyway, here's my old spec.

Core2Duo e4300 (1.8ghz) stocked overclocked to 2.3
ASUS P5L-MX (micro atx)
2gb Corsair 667
Nvidia Sparkle (heatsink / fanless) 7300GT

As you can see my video card is really old... I want to upgrade to some-fancy pants radeon (4750 sounds nice) but I dont know if my CPU / Board can handle it.

I need help on what's the best videocard i can buy for my current setup? Anyone?

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It would help if you clued us in on your budget.....other than "stingy"

Off the top of my head i can think of the 8800GS/9600GSO(same card) both can be had for around $100 cheapest I saw was 89.

You can get an 8800GT for $110.

As for your processor, my old E2160@ 3.0/3.2ghz(you should be able to go higher as well) Handled my 8800GTS 512 and my 2900 Pro just fine.

I've got a friend running an 8800GT and a E2160 @ 3.0, for reference he scored 11025 in 3DMark06. I hit 11707 with my 2160/GTS combo

------------------------------ Intel Xeon E3110@3.4ghz/GA-P35-DS3L/4gigs DDR2-800(@756)/EVGA GTX 260 Core 216 55nm
/2xSeagate 320 1x160/Corsair 850 TX/21" Dell P1130 & M781s/ Vista Ult. 64 SP1

Reply to cliffro

I just read an older review of your processor on X-bit...they hit 3.42 with a Zalman CMPS9500 LED. I think with a stock cooler you could easily hit 3ghz even. Just need to find the right Vcore setting.

------------------------------ Intel Xeon E3110@3.4ghz/GA-P35-DS3L/4gigs DDR2-800(@756)/EVGA GTX 260 Core 216 55nm
/2xSeagate 320 1x160/Corsair 850 TX/21" Dell P1130 & M781s/ Vista Ult. 64 SP1

Reply to cliffro

Give us a budget then we can guess for you.

Reply to bobbknight

I'm thinking of a MSI R4850-T2D512 512MB 256Bit DDR3, but i dont know if it will be optimal for my current Motherboard/Processor.

My budged is anything below $200, but I can go for $220 tops if it's really worth it.

i'm eying for an 8800gt too. but from the reviews i head, 4850 is the "bang per buck" videocard now, i'm just unsure if my board/proc will give me optimal performance for the videocard.

THANKS!!!

Reply to wiot

try a 3850 if you wanted.. for your budget you could get two if you had two pci express slots that is... just thrownin my 2 cents in lol

Reply to KrAsH

Well a 4850 should be just fine. It would help to have a more powerful CPU but you can upgrade your CPU latter. Your current processor will be enough to squeak by at your 2.3GHz settings. You may also want to consider going with an 8800GT or 9800GT and using your leftover money to upgrade your CPU. Personally I say get the 4850 now and save for some better components like a new board and CPU latter or at least a better board and RAM to overclock your CPU more :bounce: .

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