Lookimg for a good video card for my computer.

riahim

Distinguished
Jan 13, 2012
138
0
18,680
Hello, I'm looking to upgrade my video card (preferably get a good gaming card) and I am willing to spend at most $200. I would prefer not spending over $150 if possible.
My specs are as follows:
Windows 7
CPU: AMD Phenom X4 9550 Agena 65nm Technology

RAM: 6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 401MHz (6-6-6-18)

Motherboard: ECS Nettle3 (Socket AM2 )

Graphics: HP w2408 (1920x1200@59Hz)
256MB GeForce 9300 GE (It's either GE or GC. Don't know if there's a difference)


Thanks for everyone's help and let me know if you need any other specs.
 

riahim

Distinguished
Jan 13, 2012
138
0
18,680


What other specs do you need? How does the 6870 compare to the 550 ti? Will I be able to run like skyrim on max settings or close to max settings with the 6870?
 

DM186

Splendid
spec's needed is what type of mother board, CPU, Power Supply (PSU), and what OS you are running (Windows)? On the PSU brand name also.

I have two of the 550's and the 6870 is a lot better than they are. They charge to much money and you get a pop not a bang. And depending what your specs are can't tell about Skyrim
 

DM186

Splendid
I don't think your 350w PSU will work with the 6870. Your card requires 145w and the 350 is not putting out enough watts to run the card. I believe. I have been wrong in the past.

According to AMD a 500w or better would be ideal for this card. To be able to use your PSU now you could try a 6670. But I don't know what it will do on Skyrim

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150542
 

Koolg223

Distinguished
Jan 13, 2012
37
0
18,530
That processor is definitely going to be a giant bottleneck for a 6870 in some games. I would consider a new cheap PSU and a 6850. Don't buy anything expensive until you upgrade your processor.
 

riahim

Distinguished
Jan 13, 2012
138
0
18,680


If I get one of the power supply units you mentioned, will I be able to buy the 6870? or?
 

riahim

Distinguished
Jan 13, 2012
138
0
18,680


For the power supply unit what wattage do you think i'd need? 500W?
What's wrong with my processor? I thought it was quad core right?
Sorry I am a complete noob at stuff like this.
 

asye288

Distinguished
Sep 29, 2011
16
0
18,510


May try the hd 6670 or hd 6790. They are cheaper and can play most games. Existing psu could be ok too.
 

diec4st

Distinguished
Mar 16, 2010
339
0
18,810
Skyrim is CPU limited and this CPU is trash. Get a 5670/6670 on that psu and once you need to upgrade again build a new computer. This CPU won't keep up with any current games, unfortunately.
 

OP's CPU should keep up okay in most games 2010 and older, but Skyrim will be limited to 30-35fps even with an HD 6870, unfortunately.
 

riahim

Distinguished
Jan 13, 2012
138
0
18,680


So is there any use in even upgrading my video card or should I just stay with what I have?
 

riahim

Distinguished
Jan 13, 2012
138
0
18,680



So how does the 6670 compare with the one I currently have? Is it just slightly better or a pretty big upgrade?
If It's just slightly better I might just save up and build a computer next year or something.
 

zabuzaxsta

Distinguished
Jan 14, 2012
41
1
18,540
I think it would be better to save up and build a computer next year, as you suggested. Your system is already somewhat out of date and to add a better graphics card would, yes, give you some gain. However, it would do little to keep your system capable of playing current games.

Not to be overly dramatic or anything, but it would be like putting a band-aid on a slit neck. Games are going to keep progressing, so you might be able to play some of the newest games on low settings for awhile, but in 6 months or a year you're going to be in the same boat. Also, if you saved up, you might be able to buy an even better graphics card.
 

DM186

Splendid
It will give you a better graphics then you have now. But the best Idea is to build a new computer. If you do it them buy the parts as you go along. To find out what type of parts to get go to Cyberpower.com and use there configurators to put to gether a rig then simply take that info and use it to buy your hardwear.

Here are two links to help you along. There is a lot of good advise on this thread. so I hope it helps you.

http://www.cyberpowerpc.com/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=New+CyberPowerPC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_56kyib-Ls