Help with Video Card vs Intergrated Graphics

[StumpyDaGr8]

Hi,

I'm a first time builder and I just got the i5-2500 CPU and I know that comes with HD 2000 graphics, I have a video card that I got many years ago. It is a 9600GSO so I'm just wondering which one is better. I watch a lot of videos and movies and only play games lighty such as CIV, CS, L4D, and FFXI so high end card isn't something I think I need. Thank you in advance for any input.

take care,stumpy

 

[omnisome]

The 9600GSO is very weak but I think it would beat the HD2xxx series.

 

[IH8U]

Honestly I'd go with a fairly cheap 6xxx series from AMD/ATi that way you at least have DX 11 capabilities.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150543
$80 XFX Radeon 6570 (also would do well for HTPC)

 

[k1114]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card-radeon-hd-6990-geforce-gtx-590,2912-7.html The 9600 gso is about 4 times more powerful. It's the same tier as the 5570 which was in this test. http://www.anandtech.com/show/4083/the-sandy-bridge-review-intel-core-i7-2600k-i5-2500k-core-i3-2100-tested/11

 

[jaguarskx]

Use the 9600GSO. If you find the performance to be less than what you expect or want, then buy a new card.

 

[StumpyDaGr8]

hax everyone for the input, gonna go with the 9600gso which i know isnt that great but should be enough for now till i buy a better card

 

[Helltech]

It might not be great, but its decent, and a heck of a lot better than the Intel graphics.

 

[StumpyDaGr8]

Best answer selected by stumpydagr8.