Wanting to upgrade from Nvidia 9500gs to Radeon 4850 or 5750

[undr458]

Hello,

I'm looking to upgrade the video card in my computer, unfortunately I don't understand much in the way of video cards and am having a hard time figuring out what would work with my setup and what wouldn't. I currently have an HP m9340f, which comes with an Nvidia 9500 gs...and it sucks. I was looking at getting either the 4850 or 5750 from Radeon, but I'm not sure which one or if either would even work in my computer. I have spent a bit searching on the internet, but I honestly don't understand half of what I'm reading. I dont' know if I will have to increase my PSU, I think it's currently at 350. From what I learned I'm pretty sure that the 5750 is what I'm looking for. If anyone has any thoughts/suggestions they would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Here is a link to HP's website that has the specs of my comp on it, don't know if it's needed or not.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01465973&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3740326

 

[Timop]

You'll need a PSU upgrade for sure. Whats your budget? a 450W+ from a name brand would do it.
Other options include the 4870 and GTS450.

 

[The_OGS]

Hi there,
Those two vidcards will offer similar performance, but one of them uses much less power, gives off less heat and therefore makes less noise.
It also offers DX11 (although you'd probably need 2 vidcards to properly run it).
The HD5750 would be a good choice for you, the 4850 is old tech.
If I didn't need DX11 I'd buy a GTS250 GeForce instead of a 4850, they're very affordable right now.
Personally I prefer nVidia driver software - ahhh, it's heaven.
I have both brands of vidcards and the ATIs are a pain.
Regards

 

[ram1009]

Hi there,
Those two vidcards will offer similar performance, but one of them uses much less power, gives off less heat and therefore makes less noise.
It also offers DX11 (although you'd probably need 2 vidcards to properly run it).
The HD5750 would be a good choice for you, the 4850 is old tech.
If I didn't need DX11 I'd buy a GTS250 GeForce instead of a 4850, they're very affordable right now.
Personally I prefer nVidia driver software - ahhh, it's heaven.
I have both brands of vidcards and the ATIs are a pain.
Regards

I agree completely with your assessment of ATI drivers. They have always been buggy and still are. I own a 5750 and it's the last ATI I'll ever buy. The difference was obvious immediately.

 

[Timop]

I agree completely with your assessment of ATI drivers. They have always been buggy and still are. I own a 5750 and it's the last ATI I'll ever buy. The difference was obvious immediately.

Not really, Nvidia drivers have its problems also.
ATI/AMD just needs some tinkering and the rule that "newer isn't better."

 

[megamanx00]

The 5750 is faster and has DX11, but the 4850 can generally be found a little cheaper. If you can afford to get a new PSU and a 5750 then go with that. The best you can do without getting a new PSU would be a 5670, as long as you don't overclock it anyway .

 

[megamanx00]

I just want to add that even though that PC with a 5750 would still be under 350W, I wouldn't trust that cheap OEM PSU to consistently supply the power your system would need. If it dies it could take out other parts of your system with it. So yeah, either get a new PSU with your card or just get a 5670 for now and save up some money

 

[ram1009]

Not really, Nvidia drivers have its problems also.
ATI/AMD just needs some tinkering and the rule that "newer isn't better."

Any product can have an occasional problem. With ATI drivers problems are the rule not the exception.

 

[Timop]

Any product can have an occasional problem. With ATI drivers problems are the rule not the exception.

Really, How about the other 95% of ATI/AMD users that are happy and not complaining?
Don't generalize something just because you had a bad experience.

 

[jaguarskx]

Without upgrading the 350w power supply, my recommendation is the HD 5670.

Never had a problem with ATI except my X1900XT which died after 3 years.

 

[undr458]

Wow, thanks for all the replies, great info! : )
So it's either the 5750 or GTS250? Definitely sounds like an upgraded PSU is in order then, any recommended brands? I appreciate all the quick responses.

 

[Timop]

GTS450 is the one yo want, the GTS250 belongs with the 4850, generations old cards that's at a nice price.

 

[Mousemonkey]

Really, How about the other 95% of ATI/AMD users that are happy and not complaining?
Don't generalize something just because you had a bad experience.

I've seen it mentioned in a recent THG article that ATi's drivers can be problematic so it's not just the one or two people moaning about them because they had a bad experience, their drivers and CCC package needs work period.