I need better a better graphics card

[Grymmas]

Hello,

I currently have:
Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU E2220 @ 2.40GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
4096MB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GT
Windows 7 Professional 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600)
Resolution of 1826 x 1006 at 1080p 30hz refresh rate

I'm currently looking around to find a powerful graphics for around $500 dollars max that will run on my HP Pavilion.
I can support a dual slot, and would prefer something quiet though noise isn't too important.

With my current set up I'm surprisingly able to run Fallout 3 at ~mid graphics though my system has trouble with Call of Duty: World at War.

 

[yesitsmario]

You can build a new PC with an amd quad core for a little more money. Any recent video card over $120 will probably be bottle-necked by your processor.

 

[Timop]

If you have $500, you could sell everything except the RAM and HDD (perhaps case also if you want) and start over.

However, if you don't want to fiddle around this much, a GTS450/HD5750 should do you fine.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859&cm_re=HD_5750-_-14-102-859-_-Product http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125342&cm_re=GTS_450-_-14-125-342-_-Product

The CPU is a bit weak though, and since you cant OC on a HP, Id suggest that be your next thing to upgrade.

 

[iam2thecrowe]

Seriously? $500 is a waste to spend on a graphics card with such a slow CPU. You could upgrade the CPU to a faster core 2 e7500 or e8400 or something and then get a gtx460 to pair it with and it should be running sweet. First you should check the Power supply ratings. How many watts? how many amps on the 12v rail/rails. That may be the limiting factor as to what GFX card you can use. You may need a new PSU.

 

[Grymmas]

Well, i have been considering building a computer myself, possibly case and all, though I have no idea where to start...
Honestly, I think I'd prefer an NVidia card, mostly because many of the games I have are "designed" to work best on them.
Another idea I was considering was getting an AlienWare and taking out the standard graphics card and placing something a bit more powerful in it.
Any ideas on motherboards, CPUs, ram, etc?

 

[Timop]

Whats your full budget? Also the planned usage? Parts you don't need? Parts you want?
We should be able to whip up complete builds if you gave us enough information.

 

[jyjjy]

Resolution of 1826 x 1006 at 1080p 30hz refresh rate

These numbers make no sense besides 1080p so I'll go with that.

You don't really need to build a new system, just upgrade the one you have. If your motherboard can handle an E2200 it can almost definitely use core 2 quads. One of those will run you $150-200. An HD6850(recommended) or GTX 460 is $180-200. You will likely need to upgrade your power supply as well. A 500w of a good brand can usually be had for $50-60. Does your current motherboard have overclocking options in the BIOS?

 

[iam2thecrowe]

well e2200 is only 800fsb and most new quad cores are 1333, which I doubt the MB supports. so motherboard specs are needed. Its a HP so the computer is likely to be limited in both motherboard and PSU power.