Looking to Upgrade GPU. Help

[starchildben]

Specs:
LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
250GB 7200RPM hard drive
Windows 7 Pro
2x2GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 2.5GHz 4MB L2 Cache LGA 775 95W Quad-Core Processor
nVIDIA 9500GT 512MB
500W power supply (needs upgrading also based on GPU)

I am interested in upgrading multiple things but first I would like to grab a new GPU and power supply as needed. I'm thinking about to GTX 260. Would like to go 2x9800 GTX SLI but my mobo doesnt have that capability so I would need a new mobo also... I dont think I plan on overclocking or anything. Just looking for some suggestions i guess.

 

[rolli59]

I would recommend a HD5770 for that system since GTX260 is costing to much these days. Your PSU will be fine with that card

 

[starchildben]

really? I have seen the 260 get slightly better results on benchmarks and I can find then for pretty similar prices. Also, my Power supply isnt a corsair PSU or anything. Its fairly generic i would say so I just worry about not having enough juice ha

 

[rolli59]

If you can get the GTX260 at a simular price as the HD5770 it is a good buy the performance difference between the two is minimal in favor of the GTX but it draws more power. Upgrading your PSU is your decision but I would recommend a good quality unit of 600-700watts(for future) if you do.

 

[eylee86]

+2 on HD5770. GTX200's are obsolete/discontinued and I believe that's why the price is going up on these becuase there arn't that many left in the market. I just built my housemates pc with hd5770 and it runs BFBC2 on 1080p resolution cranked up all the way perfectly. granted he has i5 but you're cpu should be fine as well.

As for the PSU, since your mobo can't CF/SLI i'd think ~650 should be good. I recommend Corsair. I believe they have a 650W unit for $90'ish. I used Antec earthwatts 650 on my friend's pc and it runs well and it's cheaper.

good luck!

 

[starchildben]

yea, I see that the HD5770 is amazing for the price. Its a little bit more than what I was hoping to spend but it would be worth it.

for the PSU, is there anything wrong with going with more power even if you dont need it? could that cause problems? like I wanted to get a 750W corsair but I found an 850W corsair for like 5$ more. Would it be worth it if? Just curious. Thanks!

 

[rolli59]

The size of the PSU is fine whether it is 750 or 850 both would be an overkill for your system since both corsair 550 and 650 would be enough to run 2xHD5770 in crossfire but it will not hurt anything.

 

[starchildben]

Thats what I was hoping. I just like to leave some room in case I decide to make some serious upgrades.

 

[rolli59]

Not a bad idea!