Cheapest GPU upgrade for these games

[xcel_jkl]

hi guys would you know what would be the cheapest GPU upgrade for WoW to run without problems?

preferably single GPU setup (no xfire,SLI). Since i dont plan to play demanding games like crysis or farcry etc, i dont need to make my GPU to be that too future proof.

other games i would possibly play in the future however are Civ5 and diablo iii but other than that i'd use my pc for simple daily internet usage and photo editing.

current specs:

amd phenom ii x4 945 (3.0GHz)
asus m2n68-am se2 AM2+ mobo
2GB Kingston ddr2 667 RAM
nvidia 9400GT 1GB
silverstone st50f-es 80+ 500W PSU
20" LED monitor 1600x900 res capable.

thanks!

 

[unknown_13]

First of all things upgrade your ram to 4GB. The throw in a HD 5750.

 

[xcel_jkl]

would increasing my ram benefit me more than a gpu upgrade? i dont have the budget to upgrade them both at the same time unfortunately.

thanks.

 

[markusaurileus]

If you're running Windows 7, especially 64-bit versions, 4GB RAM will help out.

But if you're more interested in upgrading just the video card, go for a 9600GT or higher. However, I would get an Nvidia GTS 250 or ATI HD 4850 since they'll have a decent bang for your buck. To take care of the low RAM problem without any memory upgrading, increase the page file size (google it or search tomshardware). Helpful, but not as efficient as physical ram.

 

[jyjjy]

This would be a great choice for your resolution;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873
If that is too much then the minimum I would recommend is this;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102834
More ram is certainly a good idea but considering you have a 9400GT a new card is a higher priority for gaming.

 

[xcel_jkl]

if i were to choose a 5770, which is over my budget, but would try to get if i had the chance, which of these should i get? (all 5770s, 1gb ddr5)

sapphire, HIS, Powercolor, PC+ OC version, MSI?

thanks

 

[xcel_jkl]

and on a side note, what would you guys recommend as a budget alternative? $80 or less?

thanks again

 

[Helltech]

if i were to choose a 5770, which is over my budget, but would try to get if i had the chance, which of these should i get? (all 5770s, 1gb ddr5)

sapphire, HIS, Powercolor, PC+ OC version, MSI?

thanks

The 5770 jyjjy posted is a great card and at a great price, if you are thinking about picking it up, you should.

 

[killerchickens]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230514071449&rvr_id=131851186264&crlp=1_263602_263622&UA=WXF%3F&GUID=c157136c12a0a0e204f3d463ff26cf36&itemid=230514071449&ff4=263602_263622

 

[TomD_1]

For $80 I'd go for the 5570. Toms did a review on the GDDR5 model recently and the results looked good, given the price range.

 

[xcel_jkl]

hi, i was looking at the 9600GT upgrade from my 9400GT as others have suggested. keep in mind im looking for the cheapest upgrade for my usage: WoW, prolly Civ5 D3 down the road, and photoshop editing and what not.

 

[decode]

I'd pick the 5770 from a brand such as HIS, Asus or Gigabyte.

As for what you've asked, Upgrading your GPU to atleast a 9800GT should alleviate the problem and the ram would be a good idea too, However with the 5770 your future-proofed for a good period, then you can just work on your ram at a later date.

 

[xcel_jkl]

Best answer selected by xcel_jkl.

 

[namelessonez]

For the budget alternative, 9800GT from MSI. It's for $69 after MIR.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127441&cm_re=9800GT-_-14-127-441-_-Product

But so is this 5570, but I'd much rather you got the 9800GT.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127481&cm_re=5570-_-14-127-481-_-Product

 

[xcel_jkl]

thanks. I know my budget is very tight but i should rethink and save more to afford the 5770. thanks again for the info, will probably acquire a bnew 5770 in the next months.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey