Upgraded Graphics Card on Older PC

[jenn85]

I bought a computer a couple years ago and want to start playing WoW again and also Diablo when it comes out but really need a new graphics card, thanks for your help. I'd really like to just replace the graphics card, but can get a new setup if it's an absolute must.




APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: this week

BUDGET RANGE: 200

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: WoW and possibly Diablo

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 - 500w power supply

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Hewlett-Packard A6530F(KQ496AA), AMD Phenom X3 8450(2.1GHz), 64 bit Triple Core Processor

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: neweegg, but any really

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA

PARTS PREFERENCES: no preference

 

[Dougx1317]

For that budget, a 6850 is probably your best option. If you can stretch your budget a little, a 6870 would be a step up. Here's a 6870 for $205 after rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161349

By the way, your processor may hold you back in some CPU intensive games. Luckily, GPU intensive games are more common.

 

[accolite]

Whats the resolution you will be gaming at?

 

[jenn85]

Whats the resolution you will be gaming at?

Probably something around 1600 x 1200

 

[Dougx1317]

A 6870 should be fine for that resolution and games. I would say that it is by far your best choice at that budget.

 

[accolite]

Probably something around 1600 x 1200

Well let me ask you this, what resolution does your monitor support?

For 1600x1200 a GTX460 will do fine you might want to overclock your cpu a little to at least get 2.8Ghz out of it, if not upgrade it to something at least 3.0ghz.

Edit:
Dougx1317 recommendation is ok too.

Remember to do your own research to come up with the conclusion.

 

[Dougx1317]

I would still reccommend the 6870. You can see a discussion between the 6870 and GTX460 in this thread. The GTX460 is a little cheaper, but the 6870 is more powerful, newer, and more efficient.
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/307958-33-6870

I don't know if you can get the processor to 3Ghz, but you should overclock it some. 2.1Ghz will be a limiting factor in some games. But that upgrade is for another day.

 

[jenn85]

Thanks so much for your help, I look forward to grabbing the card!