Radeon 4850...

[Revolt189]

I'm about to replace an nVidia GeForce 8600GTS (stock with a Dell 410) with a Radeon 4850 (or so I think).

My question to you guys is, which Radeon 4850 should I buy? What brand? Should I go ahead and get a 4870?

Here are some things to consider:

■Approx. $200 (+/-) Price Range
■Band for the Buck
■QUIET (or at least semi-quiet, my current card is just a whisper)

NOTE: My screen is only a 19" wide screen.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[customisbetter]

4850 would be perfect for you!
Any brand works. Find one with the most accessories and warranty.

Your system would bottleneck a 4870 a bit. Heck, my system bottlenecks a 4870. You wouldn't notice much of a difference.

 

[xxcoop42xx]

yeah go with the 4850/gtx. i game on a 19'' at 1440x900 and my gtx+ runs everything smoothly.

 

[col-p-todd]

double check that your psu can handle a HD4850 most psu from vendors like dell and hp are crap.

 

[Revolt189]

I'd have to buy a new power supply regardless, the 4850 is a beast!

I'm probably going to go with an Antec EARTHWatts (or whatever it's called).

Would this be the safest bet?

ASUS EAH4850 or
ASUS EAH4850 TOP

also:

VisionTek Radeon 4850

Any other cards you guys would suggest?

 

[customisbetter]

the TOP would be the best of them.

 

[Revolt189]

May I ask why you say that?

I'm sorry, I'm just really hesitant on buying a new card... Don't want to waste hard earned money...

 

[customisbetter]

The TOP is a stock overclocked part. It will be slightly faster than the rest. Also, the factory overclocked parts are usually binned as higher quality by the manufacturer (ATI) and are tested to be "better". Not to say the cheaper cards are bad, its just that the higher binned cards are closer to ATI's spec than the rest.
So, main point, get the TOP. Game. Love your computer again.