New GPU Advice - Replacing HD4850

[taylorjes]

I need to replace a toasted GPU. I've only used ATI and frankly driver support pissed me off
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APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: ASAP (this week)
BUDGET RANGE:Under $200 Before Rebates
USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Design CS5, 2+ screen viewing, limited games (for time being)
CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: Sapphire Radeon HD 4850 and Antec 650W PSU
OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Intel Core2Quad Q6600, Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P, G.Skill DDR2 800 (4 x 2GB), 2x 22" Acer LCD
PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg.com
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
PARTS PREFERENCES: Sapphire (only b/c of previous experiences, not locked in)
OVERCLOCKING: Maybe
SLI OR CROSSFIRE: No
MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1680x1050 (or above)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: ??
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Haven't done much research, but I know anything will exceed my needs.

Pseudo Xmas present

Thanks
-jt

 

[17seconds]

At that price range, I would choose one of these for $199:

EVGA GTX460 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130570

Gigabyte Ultradurable GTX460 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125352

ECS GTX460 Black 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134117
http://www.guru3d.com/article/ecs-geforce-gtx-460-black-review/

Asus DirectCU GTX460 1GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121391

*The ECS Black would be my personal choice for the nice Arctic Cooling heatsink.

 

[eyefinity]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161348&cm_re=hd_6850-_-14-161-348-_-Product

$185 + free shipping makes it very hard to beat.

 

[plznote]

Hey, I thought you were KIA!
Welcome back!

 

[plznote]

Get the 6850 as you can run 3 screens, has excellent scaling and has better driver support than previous cards!

 

[eyefinity]

Yo man, cheers for the welcome back, and for the pm when I got banned.

 

[taylorjes]

Just heard from Sapphire... they may be able to warranty my card... interesting turn of events.... I may try and hold out till i build my new rig... I need some iCore love and holding out for USB3

thanks again tom's crew... always the best source for friendly advice

-jt