Getting new video card, advice please?

[Hoboparty]

I am currently running Vista Enterprise 64 bit w/ SP1, Intel core2 duo CPU @ 2.66 Hz, 4 gigs ram, and most importantly Nvidia Geforce 8600 GT. I have a 1680X1050 monitor. Will it make a difference in what card I should buy with my resolution and OS? What video card is recommended for my system? I'm in the 200-ish price range but could go higher.

Right now I'm thinking about Xfire Radeon 4850... Thanks in advance

 

[LordOfTheGeeks]

i would recommend a 260gtx u will be able to max every game at your res execept crysis ofcourse and its right in your price range just make sure ur psu has enough power to run it.

 

[blackened144]

Considering 2 4850's will run you about $320 if you buy the cheapest 4850 available for your price range, I would look at the 260GTX like LordOfTheGeeks mentioned or the 4870. They are both around the $200 mark. If you do want to spend a bit more, go for the 260GTX-216 or the 1gb 4870.

 

[Zenthar]

Does your BM even support XFire (you got an NVidia card in there so I ask just in case)?

If you are to buy 2 cards, why not just get a 4850x2; single card, 2 GPU ....

 

[blackened144]

The 4850X2 is even more expensive than 2 4850s.. I would have suggested that but its almost double the budget he wanted..

 

[Zenthar]

You can get a 4850x2 for ~330$ after MIR, but after close examination, you can get a 4850 for 130$ after MIR (I thought they were still about 160$ each at which point you might as well pay 10$ more and get an X2 ...). So yes, better get 2 4850 if you already have the XFire board.

Just one thing, if you get cards based on MIR, make sure you can have 2 MIR, not just 1.

 

[Hoboparty]

hmmm thanks for the advice, I'll need to actually double check if my MB would support 2 video cards I think it does but not 100%. Perhaps I'll shop around and try to get 2 4850s for a smaller price than 320ish. MIR is good idea... Thanks

 

[V3NOM]

hey 1680x1050 is crysis playable with a 8800GT on High settings... GTX 260 i reckon could scrape very high or High with like 8XAA

 

[Zenthar]

hmmm thanks for the advice, I'll need to actually double check if my MB would support 2 video cards I think it does but not 100%.

If not sure just give us the brand/model and we'll tell you. Also, just because your MB supports 2+ cards doesn't mean it's Xfire, it could be SLI (Nvidia) and both are incompatible (I know but the skulltrail who supported both).

 

[V3NOM]

^and the X58