Graphics card for under $200 for gaming (D3)

[jeff880]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to pick up a graphics card at the $200 range or less, mostly to play D3 and maybe some GW2. I want to play on at least 1680x1050 resolution with max settings.

Upgrading from my Radeon 4850 and looking to go somewhere between a 6850 and 560ti. Is the 560ti (or any other more expensive card) going to be that much noticeably better than the 6850, given the significant price increase?

I’m also not sure exactly which card to choose, especially when each manufacturer makes 6+ versions of the same card with marginally different specs, and prices vary so much between manufacturers.

For example: This Zotac 560ti is overclocked and cheaper than This 560ti. Why would I buy the second one?

My system is:
i5 2500k
Corsair 650w PSU
Gigabyte UD3H mobo
Radeon HD 4850

Thanks!

 

[blazorthon]

The Radeon 6770 would offer the most performance for the price in Diablo 3. It keeps a minimum frame rate of over 60 even in maxed out quality and AA at 1080p.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/diablo-iii-performance-benchmark,3195-5.html

Here's one for under $100 and it has a very high rating by buyers:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150540

 

[maui67]

For under $200 I would have to recommend an HD6870 such as this one:
SAPPHIRE 100314-3L Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102948

It has the best bang-for-buck at that price range.

The HD6850 would be a good choice as well, but the HD6870 is generally only about $20-30 more and would be worth it. I have an HD6850 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125353 but got it for a final price of $119 after rebate and sale price at newegg.com. I upgraded to the HD6850 from an HD4850.

 

[moornix]

Some of the price difference is due to brand name and perceived reliability of the manufacturer. Sometimes it has to do with a subtle design difference, like an extra fan or more memory.

These deals end today and tomorrow (unfortunately). Both cards are better than the 6770, but more expensive.

XFX Radeon 6950 ($190.79 after coupon code and MIR)

XFX Radeon 6870 ($140.99 after coupon code and MIR)

 

[ohyouknow]

I would recommend the 6870 as others have suggested above. However, if you can fit a 560 TI in your budget I would go with that. Cheers.

 

[jeff880]

Thanks for the replies. Sounds like the 6870 is the best option, especially for $140!

I have read the review that blazorthon posted on D3, but IMO it's a pretty bad judge or performance. Running around town alone is not a good judge of minimum FPS. My computer handled that fine during the beta but tanked hard with 4 players and a screen full of monsters.

I'm tempted to go with the 6950 or 560ti just to be on the safe side and be a little more future proof.

 

[computernewb]

if you have the money for a 6950, get the 7850. Lower power consumption, better performance, and can overclock to the performance level of a gtx 570
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/549?vs=510

 

[photonboy]

I agree.
The HD6870 is a great card and amazing value. If you play more demanding games and have the money the HD7850 is an excellent card (not sure of price).

 

[jeff880]

The 7850 looks pretty awesome but the only reason I considered the 6950 is the one moornix linked on sale for $190. All the 7850s seem to come in at $250+

 

[supremeusa]

This will usually perform better than a 560 non-ti. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161389

 

[blazorthon]

The 7850 is slightly faster than the 6950 and has double the VRAM, hence the higher price. Compare it's price against the 2GB 6950s for a more fair comparison. It can overclock well past the GTX 570.

Also, keep in mind that the 7850 would cost less to power in your electricity bill than the 6950 would.

 

[computernewb]

The 7850 looks pretty awesome but the only reason I considered the 6950 is the one moornix linked on sale for $190. All the 7850s seem to come in at $250+

ok just remember, you still have to pay $260 upfront minus the 8% discount for that 6950. Mail in rebates arent always honored and sometimes can take months if at all to come. Im still "waiting" on some mail in rebates from early this year.