Choosing a Video Card

[logdog86]

Hi, I realized I don't know much about video cards. I do know I want a good gaming card and 3-monitor display.

Here are my specs:

Asus P5Q Pro ATX LGA775 P45 DDR2 2PCI-E16 2PCI SATA2
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 LGA775 3.0GHZ 133FSB 6MB
4GB DDR2
750 Watt Psu
GeForce 9500 GT

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as I know what to buy

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming - Total War, Civ IV, TF2

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 LGA775 3.0GHZ 133FSB 6MB, Corsair TX750W

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Preferably from Canada. NXIC, tiger direct, new egg.ca, ebay, craigslist

PARTS PREFERENCES: Whatever works man

OVERCLOCKING: I'd like to be able to have overclocking capabilities. Future proof ect.

SLI OR CROSSFIRE: It's all about bang for buck. Whatever works

MONITOR RESOLUTION:currently 1680 × 1050. I think this is my max. I am running a syncmaster 2253lw. I just ordered a Acer V243H Ajbd 24IN Widescreen LCD 1920X1080 2MS 80000:1. I also have a 46" Samsung LN52A650 LCD TV. I would like to connect all three of these monitors together to my video card.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The best bang for my buck, preferably something that is tried and true. Also, I would really like to impress my friends with my bad ass display.

Budget - I would pay up to $600. It all really depends on what is the best card for my needs. If I only need to spend $250 then I will go with that. I'd like to know my options.

Thank you,

 

[esrever]

well your cpu is going to limit you if you pay more than $200 so forget about spending that $600.

I'd suggest the 6850 or 6870, it supports 3 displays and offers the best performance for your money right now.

I'd suggest OCing that c2d as much as you can as well.

 

[logdog86]

Thank you for the very helpful information esrever

 

[sewalk]

I'd suggest OCing that c2d as much as you can as well.

Much better to replace it with a Core 2 Quad.

 

[logdog86]

What is the best version of 6850 or 6870?
If I were to order off http://ncix.com/search/?categoryid=0&q=6870

 

[logdog86]

Yes, I now realize that my CPU needs to upgraded, any recommendations on a specific CPU?

 

[Gman450]

High end C2Qs are a bit too expensive these days.

And yeah, you're CPU is a limiting factor. The highest you can go with that, would be a HD 6850 or a GTX 460, and too, with slight bottleneck.
You'll need to either overclock your current CPU, or change the motherboard and buy a new CPU. That'll cost more, but it will be more, future proof...

Since you're willing to spend $600, I'd suggest you get a better CPU and motherboard. But, if that is the case, ten you'll need to change your RAM too.


Bottom line:
Cheaper way - overclock your CPU, buy a Radeon HD 6870 or HD 6850
or
Future proof - Buy better motherboard, CPU and RAM.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i5-overclock-performance-gaming,3097.html

For almost $600, you can buy yourself a good rig too.

 

[logdog86]

I want to build a new machine anyway. So I want to keep this system as a LAN machine for friends. So what I think I will do is overclock the processor and purchase the recommended video card.

 

[sewalk]

Check the Asus website to see what your motherboard supports and start looking. Newegg.ca only shows one c2q available, the Q9505 at C$250. Not exactly cheap. I'd look for one elsewhere that's a bit less pricey. StarMicro is a good place to get older CPUs that have fallen off of the mainstream shopping sites. They have the QX6700 for US$170 but it looks like they don't ship outside the USA.

 

[Gman450]

@OP
Good choice.

 

[logdog86]

Thanks guys

 

[logdog86]

Best answer selected by LogDog86.

 

[Gman450]

Thank you.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey