Decent graphics card

[justinm91]

Hello. I'm working out a new build due to the cost of my old idea. The computer I am using is... stoneage comparable. The one I had in mind was also too expensive for my pay rate.

So far I'm looking at a AMD dual BE 3.1 Ghz processor, 4 gigs 1333 RAM, 600 Watt PSU, and a CPU fan with: Air Flow 49.37 CFM
Noise Level <22.2 dBA

specs

As far as graphics, I was looking at the 5750, but it's a bit expensive. It's doable, but I want the best experience possible as far as being able to play most/all games, and DX 11 is NOT a requirement for me. ATI and Nvidia are choices, I don't mind either.

Looking for anything between 50 and 130.

Newegg's my place I use.

 

[jyjjy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127495

 

[justinm91]

Erk. I should also add, after reading a bit, that I'm at 1280 x 1024 at 60 Hz, and will use the same monitor due to the LCD I had giving me major issues.

 

[jyjjy]

The card I linked should be great for that resolution. It's the best you are going to do if you find the HD5750 too expensive.
What is your budget for the build in general? I would recommend this combo for someone on a tight budget;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.382155
The board can be used to unlock the fourth core on the chip. May not work but from what I've read it is likely. If it does you have a quad core for very cheap and if not it's still a good deal for x3 that OCs nicely.

 

[justinm91]

Well, the budget ranges a little bit, but I want it under 550 bucks if I can keep it there. Car insurance, preparing for college.. they're killing me with a part time job, lol.

Here's the chip:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103818

And here's the board:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157176

If I'm correct the board can unlock a BE dual. As far as OCing the chip besides unlocking, I've never OCed before and would rather wait to try until I get a board I was looking at with failsafes to prevent CPU frying.

 

[jyjjy]

It's very hard to fry a CPU these days. The fail safes are in general built into the chip, not the motherboard. Really there's nothing to be worried about with OCing any more. You'd almost have to purposely try to ruin the chip to pull it off and even then it would be tricky to do.
That is the OEM version of the chip BTW. Especially if you aren't OCing you should just get the retail version with the fan/heatsink for $5 more;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103847
it also has a ton of combos such as this one;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.388229
which makes that HD5750 basically $113 before the rebate and only $93 after.
Also on that motherboard the second PCIEx16 slot only runs at x4 which makes it almost useless for crossfire FYI. If crossfire is something you'd like to have an option for in the future then you want a board that is x8 or over.

 

[justinm91]

Problem with that combo is that it is not the BE, and if I am correct, only the BE unlocks.

I am also not sticking with the stock heatsink. From the reviews I've seen it's quite loud. 5750 might actually be what I go for though.

And for crossfire, yeah, I want that. *headdesk* Didn't figure the whole x4 x8 thing when I chose that board. Any recommendations with a core unlock ability?

 

[jyjjy]

No, the black editions have an unlocked multiplier which can make overclocking slightly easier. That is the only difference. Take a look in the reviews and you'll see lot's of people reporting successfully unlocking the cores.

 

[justinm91]

Er, how about the other parts of that? (This shoulda been made in the build forum, I knew it! >.<)

 

[jyjjy]

This is the cheapest I'm seeing with functional crossfire;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16813157152
Some of the reviews mention unlocking cores so it should work for that as well.