Single slot Video card upgrade

This is my first post. So i hope to get my question answered.

I am upgrading to a newer video card. I currently have an eVGA 8600 GTS OC 256MB. (Factory OC to 720GHz). And the games ive been playing have been pushing my card. But id still like to keep my graphics settings on high if possible.

It MUST be a single slot card. I have a compact cubed case and i need all the room i can get if possible. If necessary i could sacrifice my WiFi for a dual slot card. But that would be last resort.

I am looking for the fastest card within a $80 to $120 range. I will be playing games like Crysis, Just Cause 2, and the upcoming Mafia 2. Along with the less demanding COD games.

I haven't really been a fan of ATi. Although I've heard their cards are....decent. The DX 10.1 is tempting. But is it worth it?

Something Future proof (Like 3 or more years.) and reliable. I have looked at the 9800 GT and the HD 4850. Hard choice.

Here are my specs if it helps.

Windows 7 Home Premium
E6750 2.66GHz. 4MB/1333
2GB PC2-6400
500W PSU.
19'' Monitor - 1440x900 16:10

If also possible, what maker is best? (XFX, eVGA, BFG, etc.)

If you prefer a single slot card narrows it down to HD5670 and 9800GT. Next performance level up you got HD4850, HD4770, HD5750, GTS250 and 9800GTX+ but those cards are hard to find with a single slot cooler although they would be much more noticeable upgrade than the first two. HD5670 and HD5750 both support DX11 so they would be the closest thing to future proofing.
All those cards run on a 500watt PSU

For reference:either will be good for 1440x900. --this chart is the lowest res toms tests at.



However the 5670 will run cooler in your small case because its a newer card

I'm not that worried about temperature. The PSU is directly above and it has a fan underside is that sucks that air out and threw the PSU. Only down fall is sucking up hot air that is trying to cool the PSU.

According to this site(and reviews), the HD 4850 is a bit better than the 9800 GT. But the HD 5670 is underpowered. DX11 wont be popular till my next card dies anyways so i'm not all that for DX11.

http://www.gpureview.com/show_card [...] &card2=575

I basically agree with your assessment. The 4850/5750 is better than either IF you could find one in single slot--but I dont think you will.

As for the game variation-- thats just how it is. Some games run better on Nvidia, some better on ATI.

I've Googled the 4850 and 5750. Results....4850 single, 5750 double.

They are fine, both companies have driver issues (so I guess you could say they both are bad). The original 4850's were single slot (I have one) but I doubt you could get one new now, nor would you want one (they ran Hot!).

At launch the HD4850 had single slot cooling that changed soon after when reports started flowing in from consumers about overheating or loud cards because the only way to keep them cool was to set the fan up to max speed.

Well, they could take the heat (mine hit 110C). I didn't like that though so I replaced the single slot cooler with a dual slot with out vent.

Yep, I think that is the best balance, and it is something you can actually buy. Just keep an eye on temps.

The 9800GT if any is a little bit faster and more energy efficient and runs cooler.

Here's a review if you want to compare 8800GT to 9800GT to 4850. Probably could find a better review, but this is the first I stumbled upon:

http://www.overclockersclub.com/re [...] te_9800gt/

Here's a Temp graph (and another article). Not sure if these are single slot 9800GTs though.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/for [...] it-19.html

Silly i gave you a temperature graph way up there!

The 4850 is not on it

True single slot size.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813128388

That is my motherboard. Right under the PCIe is my WiFi, and under that is my SoundBlaster.

I would prefer the heatsink to rap around and be on the back of the card but i just don't have enough room between the PSU and DVD/PSU bracket.

If only the PCIe 1x was under the 16x 2.0. I do have my old motherboard where the 1x was under the 16x. That was a GF 7050 - 610i. It did not support fast enough speeds as the one i have now. Plus it didn't support 2.0.

So true single slot.

I know right? But whats the price of going portable. lol. I haul it around a lot and prefer if it would be light. But yet still pack as much as i can into it. I do believe there are PCIe 1x WiWi cards.

Alrighty. What brand do you recommend?

I am in the US. Newegg is alright. Tho i wouldn't mind other sites like Amazon or such.

Yes.

In theory it wasn't supposed to, though I haven't found a good review yet. Also, I am not sure if eVGA or XFX have an eco variant. Since you have the PCI-E power cable, it may be best to go with the normal types.

http://www.evga.com/products/moreI [...] ly=GeForce 9 Series Family

Im looking at that one. I like where it blows the heat out the back of the card instead the front. Its also OC'd

eVGA has the lifetime warrenty don't they? And what exactly is step up?

That looks like a nice one. Factory OC'ed too.

I'm sure. But the Sound Blaster made quite a difference than the on board for my 5.1. So I'd like to keep it

I only use the WiFi when I bring it out too the living room or friends house. But yes, an external USB WiFi is logical. Idk why I didn't think of that.

I'm going to have to experament with sound quality between my card and inboard.

Just looked into the 5770. Good price for speed and features. I'm thinking of just getting an external USB WiFi. I knoW ou all are sayig that the on board is better. But idk I I really want to trash an expensive audio card that improved my 5.1