Optimal Graphics Card for 1440 x 900

MKBL

Splendid
Nov 17, 2011
429
3
24,565
Since a GTX 460 just failed on me, I am stuck with an old 9600 GT (glad that I kept this as a spare). I have Samsung Syncmaster 932BW 19" 1440 x 900, and will not upgrade until it start flickering or blurring or color-changing. Having said that, I'm looking for an optimal graphics card for this resolution, and cannot choose among GTX 560 / GTX 560 Ti / GTX 560 Ti 448. Since my case/mobo has kind of limited space, I am not considering Radeon. There are pretty good deals for 560 and 560 Ti right now, but if the 448 can make a noticeable difference, I am willing to pay the extra $100 for that. However, at the same time I don't want to pay that much money for mere 5% improvement. Right now the best prices I found are $165 / $190 / $ 290 for each after rebate. I appreciate any meaningful advice/lessons/tips.

CPU: i5-2400
Mobo: MSI H67 MA45 (1 PCI-E 16x)
Memory: Corsair 4GB x 2 1333MHz (2 additional slots free)
HDD: Samsung F3 500GB
Case: Antec 300
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64
Games: CIV 5, Crysis 2, Witcher 2, Diablo 3, Batman if the DX11 issue resolved, maybe MW3 once I'm done with BF3 on PS3
 
My vote is for 560 Ti. http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/geforce-gtx-560-ti-448-core-benchmark,review-32329-4.html
According to the review, 560 Ti 448 is around 10% faster, and in your resolution I doubt it is worth extra $100.

GTX 560 Ti is considerably faster than GTX 560, especially overclocked versions, which I suggest you get. Their cooling tend to be better.

I am using Gigabyte GTX 560 Ti, and it's working like a bee. I can play all of the games on maximum graphics on full HD (though in some games I have to turn AA down). Although I am pretty happy with, I heard MSI has better cooling solution.