Need help deciding on new gpu

[sammey123]

I recently built a new computer, was saving up for an i5 build but after computer died, with a looming coursework date, i built a phenom x4 840, Asus M5A78L-M mobo and 4gb Mushkin ram as it was what was locally available.

I want to do some gaming on the new computer and have to buy a graphics card but after trying out HDMI from PC on my tv, i found that its native resolution is not 1080p but 1680x1050 and that 1080p comes out blurry and not very nice. I wont be able to buy a new tv/monitor, so what card should I get for 1680x1050 gaming, being able to max all settings at 1680x1050 resolution at all games. Would i see any benefit in getting a 6870 over a 6850 etc.

Power Supply is an Antec 550W and has 1x8-pin and 1x6-pin connector, 30A on 2 12A rails (as max output)

GPU should preferrably have vga, but if not, will there be a noticeable quality drop in using a dvi to vga adapter?

Thanks in advance

(Will not be overclocking any parts)

 

[alvine]

if your tv is blurry make sure the display mode is set to a PC, not tv
for your power supply i would suggest a 7770

 

[sammey123]

if your tv is blurry make sure the display mode is set to a PC, not tv
for your power supply i would suggest a 7770

TV does not have a PC/TV setting, tried different refresh rates and colour modes and none displayed great, blurry or partly blurry, 1777x1000 res was better but blurry in some areas.

7770 because limited by PSU? I wouldve though it could handle a bit more...

 

[sammey123]

PSU is a week old, bought it new, so no aging...

 

[alvine]

its not about how old is the psu its about the voltage rating
look at 7770's because of the single pcie connector, you can get the 7800's
7900's like the 7950 use two pcie connectors. a beast card if you can accord it

 

[sammey123]

I could stretch to 6850 or 6870, but i know that 7850 and 7870 are gonna be too pricey when they come out

 

[exeedorbit]

With 2 12A 12v rails... you should have 288 Watts. You should be able to handle even the 7870s with that. 7850 takes 150 watts, and 7870 takes a max of 190 watts. So you're fine.

I personally would wait a bit for the new 78xx series.... they perform on par with, and in some cases, outperform the 69xx series. So be patient. Plus, they're more power efficient than the 69xx series.

 

[exeedorbit]

I could stretch to 6850 or 6870, but i know that 7850 and 7870 are gonna be too pricey when they come out

In that case, i'd get the 6870.

 

[sammey123]

i read the TH article on them, but i wont be able to afford them when they come out, but at my res (1680x1050), would a 6850 or 6870 be ok to max or nearly max most games including AA etc?

 

[exeedorbit]

With newer games, you probably won't be able to max them. But you could probably still play them at an above average image quality at 1680x1050. In this case, again, I would go with the 6870. More bang for your buck.