Please recommend video card...

[LoStZ]

Hi, my system is rather outdated. However, I'm not a hardcore gamer. I plan on gaming just somewhat occasionally. I mainly surf, music, and watch movies. My resolution currently is 1280x1024 on a 19inch. I would like to be able to run games like COD4, RE5, and Starcraft 2 (when it comes out) for instance. I've been reading around and still contemplating between these level of cards: 4670, 4770, 9600gso, 9600gt, 9800gt

I've been leaning alot closer towards a 4670 or 4770. Would my slow CPU bottleneck a 4770 too much that I should stick with the 4670 instead for instance? Or should I dish a bit more and go for the 4770 to hold me down for a while (as I don't upgrade as often anymore, which as you can see from my primary usage needs). I'm planning on spending around $100 or less. These are just some I've narrowed down after reading many threads, I'm definitely open to any suggestions. Also, do you guys think prices would be coming down anytime before the end of this month and if I should wait 1-2 weeks? Thanks in advance.


system specs:

AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2500 MHz (12.5 x 200) 4800+
Gigabyte GA-M61PME-S2P
Corsair 4gb DDR2-800
NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS
NEC MultiSync 90GX2 [19" LCD]

 

[Bluescreendeath]

4850 or a 4770 would be a good boost over a 4760.

Go with either a 4850 or 4770, whichever is cheaper.

Your CPU should be ok, but you can easily OC it.

 

[jaguarskx]

Due to the recent release of the HD 5750/5770 I do not expect any price decreases anytime soon, except for the Christmas sales.

The HD 4670 should be good enough for your resolution for the next couple of years. You will get better performance with the HD 4770, but due to your older CPU it could be bottlenecked. But the performance should still be higher than the HD 4670, and the HD 4770 should last you another 1 - 2 years on top of the HD 4670 should you still want to play the most current games @ 1280 x 1024 in the future.

 

[LoStZ]

Thanks for the responses BlueScreenDeath and jaguarskx. I'm currently looking around at these:

4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

4770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150369

4850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161297

Is the 4770 better than the 4850 as some say? And do you think this is a bit overpriced for the 4770 or 4850 currently? As I've read older threads and people were getting cheaper prices somewhat. So at around these costs, would you still consider getting the 4770 (or 4850?) ~$110 over a 4670 ~$70? jaguar, I recall you said "HD 4770 should last you another 1 - 2 years on top of the HD 4670", but in your opinion what would you consider? Even at that price range, the 4770 over the 4670 worth it with my current specs?

 

[Jaysin]

Thanks for the responses BlueScreenDeath and jaguarskx. I'm currently looking around at these:

4670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125277

4770
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150369

4850
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161297

Is the 4770 better than the 4850 as some say? And do you think this is a bit overpriced for the 4770 or 4850 currently? As I've read older threads and people were getting cheaper prices somewhat. So at around these costs, would you still consider getting the 4770 (or 4850?) ~$110 over a 4670 ~$70? jaguar, I recall you said "HD 4770 should last you another 1 - 2 years on top of the HD 4670", but in your opinion what would you consider? Even at that price range, the 4770 over the 4670 worth it with my current specs?

Considering your specs, unless you plan upgrading your CPU and LCD before getting a card after this one I would just go with the 4670. No need for that extra juice when it will probably go to waste

 

[dougie_boy]

i would pick the 4850 as it is faster than the rest. you might need to overclock your CPU slightly to get the most out of it.

say from 2.5ghz to 2.8-2.9 which should be easy.