[Solved] Best GPU compatible with Corsair 430W PSU ($50-$100 budget)

Here's my system:

* Corsair CMPSU-430CX CX Series 430-watt Power Supply
* Intel Core i5 Processor i5-2500K 3.3GHz 6MB
* MSI H61M-E23 (B3) Intel H61 Micro ATX DDR3 1333 Motherboard
* Crucial 4GB 2GBx2 240-pin PC3-10600 DIMM DDR3

My monitor supports up to 1280x1024 resolution (old sony flat panel). I can't afford to upgrade my monitor at the moment, but I know it's dated. Any new graphics card I purchase must have DVI support.

Right now I'm using integrated intel HD 3000 graphics family. It's actually surprisingly good for what it is, but I want to be able to play modern games without framerate issues. I don't care if I have to play them on lower(est) settings.

The only problem is that I don't have much budget. Basically, I'm looking for a decent upgrade at the lowest possible price point available. Something in the $50-$100 range (if cheaper than that, even better). Does anybody have any suggestions? I want to be able to run any Xbox 360 or PS3 console port (don't mind low settings) without ANY framerate issues. What card do you suggest?

Amazon would be my preferred site to purchase from. I plan to purchase as soon as possible, but definitely would wait a few weeks for the right bargain.

Thank you very much. This community has been successfully guiding my hardware purchase decisions going back to late 90s/early 2000s. Thank you.

Message edited by crabapple on 10-13-2011 at 01:14:17 AM

Reply to crabapple

Well.. you could find a killer card like a Radeon 4890 on eBay for super cheap.. probably even as low as $60-80 if you're lucky.

Reply to Syndicat3

Here.. check this out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sapphire-A [...] 500wt_1156

Here's more to check out:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_tr [...] p=15&_sc=1

It's a DX10 only card... but it's still a beast. I actually sold my Radeon 4890 for $70 because I'm looking to upgrade to a GTX 570. I could play BF3 beta on the max settings with full anti-aliasing at 1440x900 and I got close to playable frame rates.

This card can even handle Crysis 2 at lower resolutions:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR2ByKY_PKs

Message edited by Syndicat3 on 10-12-2011 at 11:02:41 AM

Reply to Syndicat3

I found a HIS ATI Radeon 4890 1GB for sale on craigslist in my area for $80.00, is that one equally as compatible/good?

Reply to crabapple

Also, I'm far from a final decision, so anybody with any more card recommendations ... i'm all ears.

Reply to crabapple

Yep.. sounds good. It's clocked at 850 or 900 Mhz?

To be honest, in that price range I don't think you will find anything comparable.

4890 is the best single gpu radeon card from a few generations back. Only drawback is no DX11.

See if he will take $70 for it.

Message edited by Syndicat3 on 10-12-2011 at 11:20:19 AM

Reply to Syndicat3

I will have to ask him what it's clocked at... his ad reads as follows:

TITLE: ATI Radeon 4890 1GB - $80 (Gardena)

For sale is a used HIS ATI Radeon 4890 1GB. Used from May 2009 to June 2011 and in great working condition! Never overclocked or modded.

I upgraded so I'm selling.

Reply to crabapple

If you're in the States and you want this card, check out this ad:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HIS-ATI-Ra [...] 500wt_1361

Not sure how much shipping is though.

Message edited by Syndicat3 on 10-12-2011 at 11:25:25 AM

Reply to Syndicat3

BTW: I don't have a lot of room in my case ... I need a card that isn't completely overbearing. I have a NZXT Beta Evo Classic Series ATX Mid Tower steel chassis (Black )

Reply to crabapple

thanks for the link -- that looks really good -- i'm definitely going to see if the craigslist guy will go down to $60ish and bid on this card if nothing better comes along. I really appreciate your help -- how can i leave you reps/credit?

Reply to crabapple

another quick question -- will that card be ok with a 430W power supply?

Reply to crabapple

Hm...no, sorry, forgot about that.

Radeon 4890 requires a 500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended (600 Watt and four 6-pin connectors for ATI CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode)

Should be able to get one for about $20-30. Still, I'd look for at least a 600 watt PSU.

Message edited by Syndicat3 on 10-12-2011 at 12:35:11 PM

Reply to Syndicat3

I can't afford to upgrade my PSU at the moment, so what do you suggest given the limitations of my power supply?

Reply to crabapple

Well, I thought you said your budget was $50-$100? The Radeon can be bought for close to $60 and a PSU for $20.

I don't really have any other recommendations because I can't think of any other cards that are even close to as good or in your price range. You could find a GTX 460 used for close to $100.

Maybe somebody else could help.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Syndicat3

That Radeon will likely close at $80ish shipped ... then you add the PSU (600 W or greater and you're looking at something well over my budget). I have to keep this 430 W PSU ... and I'd like to stay as close to $50 as possible.

Reply to crabapple

Syndicat3 wrote :

Well, I thought you said your budget was $50-$100? The Radeon can be bought for close to $60 and a PSU for $20.

I don't really have any other recommendations because I can't think of any other cards that are even close to as good or in your price range. You could find a GTX 460 used for close to $100.

Maybe somebody else could help.

A psu for 20 dollar is rubbish, only suiteble for a cigarette lighter.

With shipping and rma, 65 dollar ; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150542, it will run on 430W.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to robjordy

Thanks for the suggestion rob, does anybody have any other recommendations before I pull the trigger?

Reply to crabapple

It sounds like the 6670 is your best option. You don't need a pcie connecter, (it's powered through the pci slot). And it won't kill your 430 watt power supply...
Link: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121442

------------------------------ Amd 1100t| 3gb DDr2 800mhz| powercolor 6850|
Ocz modular 500 watt
Reply to Djentleman

robjordy wrote :

A psu for 20 dollar is rubbish, only suiteble for a cigarette lighter.

With shipping and rma, 65 dollar ; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150542, it will run on 430W.

Radeon 6670 is pretty much a joke card in comparison to the 4890. As long as you're not expecting to upgrade in the future.

http://www.hwcompare.com/10896/rad [...] 0-oem-1gb/

You can bid on something cheap like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sapphire-A [...] 500wt_1156

...and get a 550-600 watt PSU that will do the job:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817159079

But I mean, it's your choice. Buy a relatively weak video card that works with your existing PSU or spend a little bit more, closer to $100, and get a beast that will last you a good while. I guess it depends on whether or not you're willing to pay closer to the high end of your budget for superior technology.

Message edited by Syndicat3 on 10-12-2011 at 09:50:42 PM

Reply to Syndicat3

Syndicat3 wrote :

But I mean, it's your choice. Buy a relatively weak video card that works with your existing PSU or spend a little bit more, closer to $100, and get a beast that will last you a good while. I guess it depends on whether or not you're willing to pay closer to the high end of your budget for superior technology.

I would agree. I was about ready to buy the 6770 because it work for my psu. But i went ahead and bought a new psu and went with the 6850. And i've been gaming 1080p pretty happily. :bounce:

------------------------------ Amd 1100t| 3gb DDr2 800mhz| powercolor 6850|
Ocz modular 500 watt
Reply to Djentleman

At that resolution a 5670 will be FINE!!

Reply to deathengine

Yeah, I mean, I was maxing out games like Crysis at 1440x900 with natural mod with my 4890... and even BF3 with a few tweaks to make it more playable.

For $100 or less, I personally think buying a second hand card in good condition is your best option, but that's just my opinion.

Reply to Syndicat3

Syndicat3.

That 600W PSU is probably worse than his current PSU.

@OP, just get this : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814131434 HD 6770 for $95 after shipping an rebates and be done with it.

Message quoted 1 times

Yummerzzz wrote :

Syndicat3.

That 600W PSU is probably worse than his current PSU.

@OP, just get this : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814131434 HD 6770 for $95 after shipping an rebates and be done with it.

Fair enough... I just quickly looked for a PSU but this one looks like it would do the job:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817159088

$29.99 after MIR

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Syndicat3

Syndicat3 wrote :

Fair enough... I just quickly looked for a PSU but this one looks like it would do the job:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817159088

$29.99 after MIR

How do you figure that one is better ? Because it's black ? Because it's modular ?
They slapped a couple more sata connectors on it and gave it a 5 year warranty, maybe that's it.
It's specs are exactly the same as the last pos you linked to.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to delluser1

delluser1 wrote :

How do you figure that one is better ? Because it's black ? Because it's modular ?
They slapped a couple more sata connectors on it and gave it a 5 year warranty, maybe that's it.
It's specs are exactly the same as the last pos you linked to.

What do you think you need to pay for a PSU that will work with a Radeon 4890, since you think you know so much about them?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] llFullInfo

This one works well even with crossfired Radeon 4890s and it's only $34.99 after MIR, so stfu please and thank you.

I mean, just read the comments and look at the user reviews.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by Syndicat3 on 10-13-2011 at 12:22:03 AM

Reply to Syndicat3

Best answer

Your PSU is pretty good. Even so while you could go with a 4890 I probably wouldn't. For your budget I say go with a 6750

DIAMOND 6750PE51GSB Radeon HD 6750
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814103190

If you wanted to go with something a little cheaper or a little lower power you could step down to a 6670 but it is significantly slower and it's worth it to spend the extra $10 on the 6750.

HIS H667F1GD Radeon HD 6670
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161375

Syndicat3 wrote :

What do you think you need to pay for a PSU that will work with a Radeon 4890, since you think you know so much about them?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] llFullInfo

This one works well even with crossfired Radeon 4890s and it's only $34.99 after MIR, so stfu please and thank you.

I mean, just read the comments and look at the user reviews.

What I know about power supplies has nothing to do with it, it's all about what you apparently don't know.
God I love noobs.

Message quoted 2 times

Reply to delluser1

I think the best GPU your PSU can handle is 6670. At 89$ after rebates this is the best I can find considering the PSU limitation (Watt: 430, DC Output +12V1: 28 A, Efficiency: 80%)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814121442
edit: Here are some benchies: http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6670-review/3 of COD MW2 (console port on graphics )

Message edited by Memnarchon on 10-13-2011 at 12:53:10 AM

Reply to Memnarchon

delluser1 wrote :

What I know about power supplies has nothing to do with it, it's all about what you apparently don't know.
God I love noobs.

The PSU I posted above works well with the Radeon 4890. You're just trolling or something. :ange:

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to Syndicat3

That PSU can handle a HD 6850 with ease.

I recommend the HD 6770 as it's the best GPU in OP's budget.

@ Syndicate, why don't you go read the reviews, someone who has a HD 4870X2 couldn't even get into games as it immediately shut down due to inability to supply power. Take your own advice.

Message quoted 2 times

Yummerzzz wrote :

@ Syndicate, why don't you go read the reviews, someone who has a HD 4870X2 couldn't even get into games as it immediately shut down due to inability to supply power. Take your own advice.

Yeah I saw that but that could have been something else like a CPU issue. One other guy mentions he has no problem running them in crossfire.

Reply to Syndicat3

CPU issue?

Failing to be able to play 3D games (which btw, means the GPU's go into load, drawing more power) but working fine with a single card.

That, my friend, is what we call a PSU issue.
Either recommend good PSU's, which I highly doubt you know the criteria of which to do so, or don't recommend PSU's at all.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by Yummerzzz on 10-13-2011 at 01:02:47 AM

Yummerzzz wrote :

That PSU can handle a HD 6850 with ease.

I recommend the HD 6770 as it's the best GPU in OP's budget.

@ Syndicate, why don't you go read the reviews, someone who has a HD 4870X2 couldn't even get into games as it immediately shut down due to inability to supply power. Take your own advice.

I was about to post 6770 at 94$ or galaxy soc 450 at 99$ both on newegg. But then I checked the corsair cx 430 specs. This psu cannot handle such powerful cards especially when it has only 28 A at 12V1. 6770 surely needs 40A and possible 500watt. 450 dunno how many A needs but it needs same watts.
Both source:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/rade [...] ew-test/11 6770 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150560 94$
http://www.guru3d.com/article/gefo [...] roundup/15 450 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814162063 99$

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by Memnarchon on 10-13-2011 at 01:09:28 AM

Reply to Memnarchon

Yummerzzz wrote :

CPU issue?

Failing to be able to play 3D games (which btw, means the GPU's go into load, drawing more power) but working fine with a single card.

That, my friend, is what we call a PSU issue.
Either recommend good PSU's, which I highly doubt you know the criteria of which to do so, or don't recommend PSU's at all.

Right.. but he could have done something like overclock his CPU which could also cause a game to crash and have nothing to do with the video card.

If one guy says he can run two Radeon 4890s with it and the other says he can't run 1 4870x2, I guess you have to pick one of them to believe.

Reply to Syndicat3

I have an older monitor that only supports up to 1280x1024. I simply want a graphic card as close to $50ish as possible that will allow me to play modern games at 60 FPS -- even if I have to have everything on low settings.

The real "kicker" here is budget. I only want to push $100 if it's absolutely necessary.

Any advice on a really nice low end card that can play PS3 & Xbox 360 ports (consoles are far behind current pc hardware) within the constraints of my system (430w PSU, 1280x1024, i5-2500k, 4gb ram, etc.)?

The HD 3000 intel graphics family is pretty nice integrated graphics (what I have now) ... so whatever card you recommend would have to be an upgrade from that.

Thanks again for the immense feedback. Its been very educational.

Message quoted 1 times
Message edited by crabapple on 10-13-2011 at 01:17:56 AM

Reply to crabapple

Memnarchon wrote :

I was about to post 6770 at 94$ or galaxy soc 450 at 99$ both on newegg. But then I checked the corsair cx 430 specs. This psu cannot handle such powerful cards especially when it has only 28 A at 12V1. 6770 surely needs 40A and possible 500watt. 450 dunno how many A needs but it needs same watts.
Both source:
http://www.guru3d.com/article/rade [...] ew-test/11 6770 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150560 94$
http://www.guru3d.com/article/gefo [...] roundup/15 450 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814162063 99$

40 Amps?
That's hardly possible considering :

"Single GPU 5770

System in IDLE = 228 Watts
System with GPU in FULL Stress = 321 Watts
Difference (GPU load) = 93 Watt
Dual GPU 5770

System in IDLE = 249 Watts (= 21W added over single GPU)
System with GPU in FULL Stress = 423Watts
Difference (GPU load) = 174 Watt"

These recommended PSU specs are outrageous, I'm not sure why though.
The recommendations that Newegg sue are the one's on the box, these apply to crappy generic PSU's (Such as the ones Syndicat3 posted) and not high quality one.

Use a website like this, to find the full power draw : http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/296

Also, I'm running my system, which you can see in my sig, with a much more power hungry GPU, and max draw is around 345 watts, and my PSU has 34 Amps on the +12V rail, which equals around 408 watts of pure power.

@ Syndicat3 : He stated it worked with a single GPU but not with dual, thus proving your point wrong.

Message quoted 1 times

crabapple wrote :

within the constraints of my system (430w PSU, 1280x1024, i5-2500k, 4gb ram, etc.)?

As previously stated, you could run a 6850 with that psu, your only " constraint " is your budget.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to delluser1

Check this. I think this can play console ports like crysis 2 dx9 and its cheap:
HIS 6670 79$ after rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814161375

Reply to Memnarchon

delluser1 wrote :

As previously stated, you could run a 6850 with that psu, your only " constraint " is your budget.

I can run that, but is it recommended? And if so, what variation of the 6850 would you suggest?

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to crabapple

Yummerzzz wrote :

40 Amps?
That's hardly possible considering :

"Single GPU 5770

System in IDLE = 228 Watts
System with GPU in FULL Stress = 321 Watts
Difference (GPU load) = 93 Watt
Dual GPU 5770

System in IDLE = 249 Watts (= 21W added over single GPU)
System with GPU in FULL Stress = 423Watts
Difference (GPU load) = 174 Watt"

These recommended PSU specs are outrageous, I'm not sure why though.
The recommendations that Newegg sue are the one's on the box, these apply to crappy generic PSU's (Such as the ones Syndicat3 posted) and not high quality one.

Use a website like this, to find the full power draw : http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/296

Also, I'm running my system, which you can see in my sig, with a much more power hungry GPU, and max draw is around 345 watts, and my PSU has 34 Amps on the +12V rail, which equals around 408 watts of pure power.

@ Syndicat3 : He stated it worked with a single GPU but not with dual, thus proving your point wrong.

Well both sites guru3d and anandtech say the same thing about power consumption. On the other hand guru 3d also suggest psus instead of showing only charts...

Reply to Memnarchon

crabapple wrote :

I can run that, but is it recommended? And if so, what variation of the 6850 would you suggest?

15 minutes before they had 5 in stock at 82$
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 814121419R

Reply to Memnarchon

Yes, and since when did 262 watts = 40Amps?

262 Watts is ~22 Amps, add a couple for headroom, and you need around 25 Amps to run it comfortably.

Message quoted 1 times

http://www.amazon.com/PowerColor-R [...] 295&sr=8-2

No rebate hassles with that one.

Reply to benski

Yummerzzz wrote :

Yes, and since when did 262 watts = 40Amps?

262 Watts is ~22 Amps, add a couple for headroom, and you need around 25 Amps to run it comfortably.

I was running too a GTX275 on a psu that shouldnt run, but this is a chance that I took. I cant ask others to do the same. Also AMD too does NOT suggest corsair cx 430 for 6770.

■450 Watt or greater power supply with one 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended (600 Watt and two 6-pin connectors for AMD CrossFireX™ technology in dual mode). http://www.amd.com/us/products/des [...] iew.aspx#3

These are just recommanded it may run on others ofc too...

Message edited by Memnarchon on 10-13-2011 at 01:56:26 AM

Reply to Memnarchon

That's a good PSU with 28A on the 12v rail, not some generic POS, a 6770 will work fine.

Reply to benski

I never said they recommended it.

I said the power supply rating was recommend for Generic PSU's.

Unfortunately no. Its not about generic PSU's. Here is the specific list from AMD: http://support.amd.com/us/certifie [...] sting.aspx
And as I said it might run on the corsair cx 430, I would try it, but I cannot recommend it.

Message edited by Memnarchon on 10-13-2011 at 02:21:37 AM

Reply to Memnarchon

Actually yes, it is about Generic PSU's
Clearly, my PSU which is 450W,made by XFX, OEM is Seasonic, with two 6pin PCI-E connectors, is not the same as this : http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0040EJ [...] B0040EJRJ2

Is it?

It does not matter what the label says, or even what GPU recommends, a 380W Antec AE380D(?) will easily power it.

You would know this if you knew the basics of a power supply.

I have a channel well made psu, i already knew a lot before tom's made the article about who is who...
But this is different. As I said before I cant tell someone to be a test subject of an "x" psu cause I had a similar "y" psu on a "b" card while the other use "a" card.

Reply to Memnarchon

Forum Graphics & Displays : Graphics Cards [Solved] Best GPU compatible with Corsair 430W PSU ($50-$100 budget)

Graphics Cards

TV Tuner Cards

AMD Radeon

Diamond Multimedia

Matrox

Nvidia

Palit

PowerColor

Please mind