Which Video Card Would Be Best?

[trickynick]

First, let me tell you my system.

I have a Dell Inspiron 531s. (don't ask)

Yes, I know I will need a new PSU, I already bought one to go into the new case (atx mid tower).
New PSU linky: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.aspx?item=n82e16817341010

I am looking to spend as little as possible, I want it to last for a few years. I will be using it for gaming, most one MMO in particular (Star Trek Online) but I would like to play it with high settings.

Doesn't matter if it's ATI or NVidia, just want it to last a few years.

Current System (if you didn't look it up when I gave you make/model):
Windows Vista 32-bit
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4000
2 GB Ram
250w PSU (read above)
Monitor: 1440x900

Thank you for your time in answering

I know I didn't list a budget, but it's not much, I would like to stay under 175 if possible, heck, under 100 would be best but know nothing under that price will last 2 years.

 

[jay2tall]

A 5750/5770 is probably what you want to look at. they are about $140/$160. There really isn't anything Nvidia that I would recommend in this range unless you start approaching $200. But the 5830 is coming out on Feb 3 and depending on performance it will probably take over this spot, but it will be around $200 $220.

 

[trickynick]

I am looking at the 5770's and figured that's what I would be going with.
But I have 2 questions
First, Come Feb 3, will that lower the prices on the 5770's so I could get a better deal then?
Second, Which brand would you recommend?

 

[trickynick]

To be honest, I doubt I'll keep it for 2+ years, but would like one to have the chance to at least.

 

[jay2tall]

I am looking at the 5770's and figured that's what I would be going with.
But I have 2 questions
First, Come Feb 3, will that lower the prices on the 5770's so I could get a better deal then?
Second, Which brand would you recommend?

The 5830 will fill the gap between the 5770 and 5850 cards. Currently the only thing filling that gab by ATI is the 4890. It will not effect the price of the 5770 cards. The only thing that will effect this is if Nvidia shows face and has a competing card,until then do not expect prices of 5xxx series ATI cards to come down. The best you can do is look for rebates and other deals.

 

[trickynick]

Where would be a good place to look for rebates and such?

What brand names would you recommend?
Been looking at XFX and Sapphire, both seem to be decent cards, but looks like the XFX requires less power?

 

[jay2tall]

If you are in the US, Newegg is a prefered place. If nothing else because they are easy to return items if they don't work. They are awesome to work with.

Sapphire and XFX are both good brands. XFX carried a lifetime warranty. Look foro free shipping, that's usually a nice $10 savings. This XFX is frees hipping and comes with a game. Battle Forge is a fun RTS game, I played the free version, which is only fun for so long. They get you with the free version as you are stuck with the standard units and get rocked by people who bought the booster card packs or full game that gives you booster packs. It uses "cards" to make units, its actually pretty fun.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150462&cm_re=5770-_-14-150-462-_-Product

 

[trickynick]

Best answer selected by TrickyNick.

 

[trickynick]

Thanks for your help, guess it'll be the XFX 5770
Off to order

 

[lmanlo]

Thanks went with the XFX 5770 and works really good. Now playing games around high settings.