Graphics cards suggestions for this new build?

Hey folks, I'm putting together my first build and I was wondering about my graphics card. I also asked this question in my new build thread elsewhere in this forum, but I thought it might be good to post here instead. Here is the part listing:

http://secure.newegg.com/WishList/ [...] r=11199506

I've ordered everything on here besides the graphics card and burner at this point and I'm just wondering if the card I am looking at is as good as it could be for the price. I'm not a huge gamer, but I do want to play new games. I also have a bit of price flexibility.

Also, I have not ordered that monitor or keyboard yet, as I technically don't need them... I'm just thinking about upgrading. I have an old Compaq CRT monitor and keyboard that I'm using now.

Well, if you wait a few days, there's supposed to be an imminent price drop of 48xx-series cards; I've been seeing estimates of $150 for a 4870.

darn these 1970 posters!!!!!

For the monitor in your wishlist, an HD4830 is plenty.

Wow, that's much cheaper. Thanks for replying. The only thing is, I'm not sure that that's the monitor I'm going to buy. I kinda threw it in there because it was only 83 bucks or so and I wanted to be able to find it easily. I'm really clueless when it comes to monitors. What should I look for in a good one? What brands are the best? I keep reading that Acer monitors are horrible, but they seem to sell very well on Newegg as well as receive decent reviews. Should I go ask these in the monitor section? lol

If I go with these cards, I'm starting to lean towards waiting a couple days. Thanks for your input!

I'm guessing its just 1024 x 768. I currently play nothing recent. I've been using a POS surplus comp from my college since my old one went down, and the only things I can really play with it is old school GTA Vice City, Max Payne, etc.. I'd like things to look... better. lol

Whoa, nice. Thanks for that. I haven't read it all yet, but it looks like exactly what I needed. So what screen size would you recommend for gaming? If I got a 4870, which screen size would take advantage of it the best?

As far as monitors goes, I recommend the most display real estate that you feel comfortable buying. A good monitor is one of the few "future proof" computer purchases that you can make today. You will be looking at it for a long time. I had an IBM P275 21" crt for a long time. I added a samsung LCD and the side by side comparison cost me money. The LCD was so much better and clearer that I had to dump the P275 and get a second LCD.
If you can, get a 24" 1920X1200 LCD. Games are much better, and internet browsing can display more open pages. Keep the old crt for additional display space, but be forewarned! The one lcd metric that I pay attention to is the viewing angle. On an LCD, the best image is when viewed from directly in front of the monitor. As you move your head to the side, or up and down, the display will begin to look washed out. With a greater viewing angle, this effect is minimized. A basic LCD will have a viewing angle of 160 degrees horizontal, and 160 degrees vertical. A high quality lcd will be 178/178. Samsung makes the panels for many other LCD's. I think they keep the best ones for themselves.

As to the video card question, the 4870 should be fine. The comparable nvidia card is the GTX260.
If you are in doubt about the appropriate video card, I suggest that you look at a nvidia card from EVGA. They offer a "step-up" program where within 90 days, you can trade your card in and get your full original purchase price applied to a more expensive card. I would consider a 9800GTX+ for $140 a/r:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814130420

Okay the price has gone down somewhat on the 4870s. The Sapphire 512 mb version is down to $149 with the rebates, while the Sapphire 1GB version is down to $189 with the rebates. Is the 1gb version worth the extra $40? By the way, I think I've decided on a 22 inch LCD.