Thinking about upgrading the graphnics card

[arkons_71]

Currently running a BFGTech GeForce 8600 gts but was thinking about upgrading.
Also running a AMD Phenom II x2 Gigabyte MA770T-UD3P (only one pcie slot) and 4 gigis ddr3 ram.

How much marginal performance can I expect with an upgrade to a sub $100 or a $100 - $200 card?
Which would you recommend for both those price ranges?

Thanks

 

[anarchy4sale]

I think you could expect quiet a bit of performance increase. How fast is your x2?

 

[coozie7]

^ Also monitor size and PSU specs, please.
There is a huge difference between a 100 and 200 dollar card-They are not even in the same Solar system, yet alone on the same planet in terms of performance, or, in some cases, power consumption

 

[arkons_71]

575 Watt PSU
CPU is 3.1 GHZ
Monitor is a 24 inch with native at 1920x1200

 

[rolli59]

9800gt for a sub $100 but better still a HD4870 1GB can be picked up these days for about $150 and would work great with your resolution.

 

[xrodney]

I think 5770 for 160-190$ is best option, its slightly slower then 4890 but is more future-proof as it support DX11 and eyefinity is also nice option if want use multiple monitors in future.

 

[Mousemonkey]

I think 5770 for 160-190$ is best option, its slightly slower then 4890 but is more future-proof as it support DX11 and eyefinity is also nice option if want use multiple monitors in future.

You forgot to mention the (expensive) active display port adapter that may be required to be able to use Eyefinity.

 

[xrodney]

You forgot to mention the (expensive) active display port adapter that may be required to be able to use Eyefinity.

No i didnt.
You need to use adapter only if you want use 3 displays (2 are fine/2xDVI/DVI+HDMI) and only if you dont have displayport on monitor (number of displays with displayport is growing).