Help choosing a graphics card for gaming, Around $200 budget

gt139

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Jul 15, 2011
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Hello, I'm planning to put in a new video card in my computer to replace crappy integrated graphics (got the computer from my dad, re purposing it for gaming)

I do mainly plan on using this computer for gaming at 1920x1080 resolutions. I'll be playing games like Mass Effect 2, Shogun 2, COD:Black Ops, and the Old Republic and Mass Effect 3 when they come out at mid to high settings, and maxed out if possible. I don't really have a preference when it comes to ATI or Nvidia and I don't plan on doing Crossfire/SLI, and don't plan on overclocking either


Specs:

AMD Phenom x4 9650 @ 2.3 Ghz
MSI MS-7548 motherboard
650w Corsair PSU (recently put this in to replace 300w)
8 GB RAM
Windows Vista 64 bit

By budget is about $200, although I prefer to spend less than that if I can. So, basically, I'm looking for good performance for the price and any recommendations would be greatly appreciated
 
Solution
you should be ok as long as you plan on upgrading in the near future, but for now, even with a bottleneck the 6850 will most likely perform better than the 6750, and even better when you upgrade

gt139

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Jul 15, 2011
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Hm, I guess I could overclock my CPU if necessary. I do plan to replace it by Christmas.

Looks like I can get the 6850 on Amazon for around $165
 
Your motherboard does not allow for overclocking and those processors don't OC very well anyway. From what I'm reading you can actually upgrade to an AM3 processor on that motherboard with the latest BIOS.
http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware/A6850F-MS-7548-Bios-Question/td-p/55679
It's a good idea. Phenom II x4 955s are down to around $100 lately and would be a good upgrade. Your current processor will struggle with a lot of current games and cards in your price range.
 
It's not that hard to do and a good learning experience. Give it a try if you ever have a proper CPU/motherboard.
BTW it is even easier to OC a video card and that is also recommended. It can be done in Windows rather than the BIOS like you would need to do for the CPU. I recommend MSI Afterburner if you want to give it a try.
 

gt139

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Perhaps when I get the money for a new motherboard, I'll buy get an aftermarket cooler too and try my luck with overclocking.

I'm going to be getting the Sapphire 6850, so will MSI Afterburner work with that?