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Need Help Making PC Better at Gaming: think its an issue of video card

Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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Alright so here is my pc that I got http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item... yeah its refurbished and yeah its an emachines, but it was cheap and its been working well so far. Except as far as gaming goes.

Now while yes the game does start up quicker and load times are better, I get cruddy framerates when I turn up the graphics. This is an issue, as the rest of pc seems that it would be able to handle the strain I'm asking it (I'm not that knowledgeable about hardware, I understand RAM and processor power and the basics but not comparing two different video cards of similar make, however).

I have a feeling the video card isn't up to snuff, but I'm not sure what I should get. I have a radeon HD 4650, which I wasn't sure if it was better or not, as I had gotten it pretty cheap when I bought it. Its in my little brothers pc.

Is that a good card? Will it make the most of my system?

I have 160 to spend this boxing day, so I can't get any high end cards. If the radeon will do and let me game in HD I'm fine. Also, will the nvidia I have in my computer work with another pc (Its removable, but it has a connection to the fan I believe).

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Graphics card Authority

The 4650 is a big step up from the GT 120. If you already own this card it is a good option for you to try--it will boost your performance significantly.

If you plan to purchase a new card, the one rolli59 is a good one for a basic PC gaming upgrade. It is the next level up from the 4650.


Luckily your Gateway comes with more than just a minimal power supply--so if you wanted to spring for a little more you could push up to a higher card without replacing it.
Personally I have seen some good deals on 9800GTs lately-- which would probably be the highest performing card you could run on the power supply. They have been running $80-90 US. You want to look for one of the energy efficient ones--as they do not require an extra 6-pin power plug.

If you want to put all graphic cards in perspective read this article from toms. Its really helpful for finding the best value.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-310-5970,24...
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Graphics card Authority

The 5750 uses less power than the 9800GT, but is quite expensive relativity speaking.
The 4770 performs slightly better than the 4830 which is on par with the 9800GT. So the 4770 could be a better option.

This might help you:

Best Graphics Cards For The Money: December '09

$50 - HD 4650
$65 - HD 4670 / 9600 GSO
$85 - 9600 GT
$95 - 9600 GT / HD 4830
$110 - GTS 250 512 MB
$120 - GTS 250 1 GB
$155 - HD 5770 / GTX 260
$200 - HD 4890
$240 - 2 x GTS 250
$310 - No winner (HD 5850 Honorable Mention)
$330 - 2 x GTX 260 / 2 x HD 5770
$400 - 2 x HD 4890
$410 - No winner (HD 5870 Honorable Mention)
$465 - No winner (GTX 295 Honorable Mention)
$625 - No winner (HD 5970 Honorable Mention)

Crossfire is basically just adding multiple ATI GPUs to 1 system. You will need a crossfire bridge for it. Read the FAQ about it in this forum section.

paperbard said:
Alright so here is my pc that I got http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item... yeah its refurbished and yeah its an emachines, but it was cheap and its been working well so far. Except as far as gaming goes.

Now while yes the game does start up quicker and load times are better, I get cruddy framerates when I turn up the graphics. This is an issue, as the rest of pc seems that it would be able to handle the strain I'm asking it (I'm not that knowledgeable about hardware, I understand RAM and processor power and the basics but not comparing two different video cards of similar make, however).

I have a feeling the video card isn't up to snuff, but I'm not sure what I should get. I have a radeon HD 4650, which I wasn't sure if it was better or not, as I had gotten it pretty cheap when I bought it. Its in my little brothers pc.

Is that a good card? Will it make the most of my system?

I have 160 to spend this boxing day, so I can't get any high end cards. If the radeon will do and let me game in HD I'm fine. Also, will the nvidia I have in my computer work with another pc (Its removable, but it has a connection to the fan I believe).


I have a gateway DX 4720-03, I changed everything but the motherboard which will be next. First off if you have around 160.00 to spend buy a new ATI 5770 and that will solve all your problems. You have more than enough processor and Ram. Its the graphics card that is lacking. I had a 4650 and a 4670 and they both sucked. I'm a Nvidia guy but I haVE TO SAY, THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK IS THE 5770. IT WILL PLAY ANY GAME OUT. YOU DON'T NEED TO SPEND HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS AND CROSS FIRE 5870'S OR 5950'S ITS OVER KILL. THATS FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THERE MONEY. YOU NEED TO UP YOUR POWER SUPPLY TO AT LEAST 550 AND BUY A 5770 AND YOU'LL BE FINE.
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