Need Graphics Card Advice

[Afry33]

Hey there,

My graphics card is fried for unknown reasons maybe from aging maybe from climate changes I don't know. I also don't know much about them I've got average knowledge when it comes to computers but don't know much about graphics cards specifically, but I can install and remove them along with the drivers fine just need some help picking a new one that is decent and reasonably priced. Was leaning towards NVIDIA since that's what came with the computer and assume compatibility with them wouldn't be an issue. But am open to any suggestions I hear Radeon is good as well.

Currently not really playing any comp games occasionally SC II, but once it's out I want to be able to run Diablo III with at least very high settings if not higher with no lag. I've also been thinking about trying out SWtoR and would like to have high settings there as well.

Here are my comp specs: (bought it about 3.5 years ago)

Brand
CyberpowerPC
Model
Gamer Infinity 6313
Type
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400(3.0GHz)
Processor Main Features
64 bit Dual Core Processor
Cache Per Processor
6MB L2 Cache
Memory
4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800
Hard Drive
500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 7200RPM
Optical Drive 1
22X DVD±R/±RW Dual Layer Drive
Graphics
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260 896MB PCI Express Video Card
Audio
Sound card - Integrated
Ethernet
10/100 Ethernet
Power Supply
680W
Operating System
Windows 7
Special Features
Coolermaster Elite 310 case
Motherboard
Chipset
Intel G31
CPU
CPU Type
Core 2 Duo
Installed Qty
1
CPU FSB
1333MHz
CPU Speed
E8400(3.00GHz)
L2 Cache Per CPU
6MB
CPU Socket Type
LGA 775
CPU Main Features
64 bit Dual Core Processor
Graphics
GPU/VPU Type
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Graphics Interface
PCI Express 2.0 x16
Memory
Memory Capacity
4GB DDR2
Memory Speed
DDR2 800
Form Factor
DIMM 240-pin
Memory Spec
2GB x 2
Memory Slot (Total)
2
Memory Slot (Available)
0
Maximum Memory Supported
4GB
Hard Drive
HDD Capacity
500GB
HDD Interface
SATA II
HDD RPM
7200rpm
Optical Drive
Optical Drive Type
DVD±RW
Optical Drive Spec
22X DVD±R/±RW Dual Layer Drive
Audio
Audio Chipset
Integrated
Communications
LAN Chipset
Integrated
LAN Speed
10/100Mbps
Front Panel Ports
Front USB
2
Front Audio Ports
2
Back Panel Ports
COM
1
LPT
1
PS/2
2
Video Ports
2 DVI
TV Out
1
Rear USB
4
RJ45
1 port
Rear Audio Ports
3 ports


Any help is appreciated.

 

[randomkid]

What is your monitor resolution & how much is your budget for the new graphics card?

 

[Afry33]

Can't go over 200$ (not including tax). Have a 19" HP w1907 can do 1440x900 or 1280x800.

 

[Deemo13]

I would go for the 6870 or the 560 at that price point. The 6870 is almost always cheaper, but its a matter of preference at that point.

 

[randomkid]

Can't go over 200$ (not including tax). Have a 19" HP w1907 can do 1440x900 or 1280x800.

Agree with Deemo13 on both options ie HD6870 or GTX 560. I suggest you pick a card with dual fan as it will spell a difference in temperature & noise versus single fan.
I myself is inclined on the XFX which comes with a free game at $189.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150521
But you can pick something else according to your preference.
GTX 560: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600030348%20600094002%20600158457&IsNodeId=1&name=GeForce%20GTX%20560%20%28Fermi%29
HD 6870: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&IsNodeId=1&Description=hd%206870

 

[Afry33]

Sounds good to me, should I be worried about the reason of the card getting fried before I install a new one? Or just assume old age, do cards just die sometimes?

Of those 3 which would you say gives you most bang for your buck?

Thank you both very much for your help.

 

[subrata4web]

Grab this
XFX Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 $190 newegg price

Though 1440x900 or 1280x800 at this resolution GTX460 is enough.

 

[randomkid]

Sounds good to me, should I be worried about the reason of the card getting fried before I install a new one? Or just assume old age, do cards just die sometimes?

Of those 3 which would you say gives you most bang for your buck?

Thank you both very much for your help.

If Dirt3 game is of value to you, then the XFX should be fine.

 

[Afry33]

Alright I'll go with the XFX thanks for the input, appreciate it.

And when I install this isn't there a part of the hardware I shouldn't touch or it will ruin it, can't remember.

 

[randomkid]

You might be referring to the CPU installation. You should not touch the pins.
Video Card installation are more straight forward & less sensitive.

By the way, if your motherboard have a built in graphics, turn on your computer & uninstall the nVidia graphics driver that was for your GeForce GTX 260 to avoid any remnants of the driver affecting your new video card.

If there is no built in graphics, then you just have to plug in the new video card & do the clean up afterwards.