Help: Upgrade to Budget GPU

[vishwap]

Hi all

I'm quite new to the world of gaming. Looking to buy a graphics card and i need some help. Recently i bought a new CPU:

Amd Athlon 2 X2 250
Asus M2N-68AM Plus
2gig X1 ram DDR2 800

I'm thinking of buying a new GPU now. Pls suggest a good budget GPU.

And my smps is 450w. Should i upgrade it to a 600w to run a GPU? MY smps doesnt have 6pin pci-e supply only one sata power cable and one 5-pin ATA cable. Can i use the current smps or should i upgrade? And if i upgrade should i go for a brand like CoolerMaster or will the cheaper ones (available at 1/4th the price) do?

Thanks in advance.

 

[shadow187]

What's your budget for a PSU+GPU? You could buy an HD5670 at $100, and you won't need a new PSU.

 

[jyjjy]

What is the native resolution of your monitor and how much do you have to spend?
Most low end cards will be ok on even a sketchy 450w PSU.

 

[vishwap]

I currently own a 15" CRT but i might upgrade soon but no plans as of now.
So resolution is 1024x768.

And budget is around $80 GPU+PSU. If i dont need a new PSU then i can go for a better GPU. But i'm really clueless abt the PSU power supply stuff. How do i get the 6pin supply from the single 5-pin ata cable?

 

[shadow187]

You don't need a PSU. Just get a $95 HD5670.

 

[jyjjy]

With only $80 to spend just keep your current PSU. If you need to fit a PSU in that budget the only cards you'll be able to afford are very weak.
Are you sure you can't stretch the budget a lil? This would be very nice;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127452
much better than the cards available at $80 and should be ok for a 450w psu.

 

[Bluescreendeath]

Even a 5770 would be fine on your PSU since it consumes less energy than a 4870 or 4850 I believe.

A 5670 is great for your budget range and performs close to a 4830 or 8800/9800GT

 

[jyjjy]

The HD5670 is slightly more powerful than a 9600GT. That HD4770 is a much better card for gaming and is $7 cheaper than any of the HD5670s on newegg.

 

[vishwap]

I cannot stretch my budget further

And i know a person selling HD 4850 (1.5 years old). I might be able to strike a bargain at $80. Shall i go for it? And since it's a high-end card does it require a better PSU and cooling unit?

And 9600gt looks to be inside budget. Does it render high end games?

 

[jyjjy]

The HD4850 would be nice and may be ok on your PSU. How many amps does the PSU claim to have on the +12v rail(there's a chart on the side of the PSU.) What brand is it?

 

[Bluescreendeath]

I cannot stretch my budget further

And i know a person selling HD 4850 (1.5 years old). I might be able to strike a bargain at $80. Shall i go for it? And since it's a high-end card does it require a better PSU and cooling unit?

And 9600gt looks to be inside budget. Does it render high end games?

I believe someone on the forums is selling a 4850 for $75?

 

[vishwap]

Cant check the amps now since i'm at my friends place. What ratings do u recommend?

And it's UMAX npower (Not sure if it's a brand). It Came quite cheap.

And thanks for all the replies everyone and for being super fast

 

[vishwap]

I believe someone on the forums is selling a 4850 for $75?

Ya i checked that.