Buying New Graphics Card

[reignsupreme11]

Hey All
I want to upgrade my graphics card from a 9600GT to a current generation board. I originally had my sights set on the 5770, but now I have a 225$ HIS 5830 in the mix as well. Furthermore I've heard recommendations on other threads that I should consider a 5850 as well. I'd prefer to spend between 200-250$ with tax and shipping, unless the 5850 is the undisputed best choice.

I'll be gaming at 1920 x 1080 on the most recent games, and I do plan on overlcocking.

What path should I be taking? If you do recommend a card, could you also indicate a brand, or whether or not different brands matter?

Here's my system

Athlon
II X4 620 @ 3.2GHz, OCZ Gladiator 92mm cooler.
4GB Corsair PC-6400
Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-US2H mobo
Asus 9600GT
OCZ 600W ModXStream PSU
Hitachi Desktar 500GB HDD
Case with 3 120mm fans, 1 80mm, so airflow is not an issue right now

Thanks Everyone!

 

[shadow187]

Ahh, so you do plan on overclocking. That's the selling point.

You WILL want an HD5850. Particularly an Asus DirectCU edition, which is $320. This card will outperform the $400 HD5870 when overclocked, and will stay very cool. An HD5770 or HD5830 will struggle on 1920x1080, especially with the more recent games (Metro2033, etc).

 

[rolli59]

HD5850 is worth it over HD5830.

 

[rolli59]

In that case go with the cheapest that you like from a good manufacturer. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%20106793261%201067949753&name=Radeon%20HD%205850

 

[reignsupreme11]

i don't plan on doing tons of overclcoking, and i know the DirectCu has the voltage tweak, but it's unlikely i will use it.

i have my 9600GT OC'd at 733MHz/1850/1065,
up from 650/1600/900

 

[shadow187]

Even without voltage adjustments an HD5850 should go to 850core/1100 memory, so have fun!

 

[reignsupreme11]

i live in canada so i'd be using newegg.ca.
just clarifications, powercolor is a bit of sketchy brand with customer support and stuff right? and HIS is good, so would this be the best buy:

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product

 

[shadow187]

The cheapest is $314, and this HIS one (with good cooling) is $319; http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161330&cm_re=5850-_-14-161-330-_-Product

It may be the same one you linked, but I can't see the link.

 

[reignsupreme11]

it is the same card. is it definitely worth the money over the 5770 (Sapphire Vapor-X, 175$), and the same HIS cooler on a 5830 (226$).