Best price/performance used card for 140-160$

[maxidodies]

Hi, I am looking for a new (well,used) gpu for my i7 920 system. I was looking at the gtx 480 and 6950, they seem to be both on par with each other. I was leaning towards the 480, but I hear lots of noise and heat issues, although unlike amd it has decent drivers. What would be the best card ( I will be buying used) for around 150$?

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within the month, 140-160$ budget

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Hard gaming

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: Ati 5570, ocz mod-X-stream 600w

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: i7 920, x58 sli le, 6gb ram

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: buying used, so [H] forums, OCN or tomshardware

PARTS PREFERENCES: doesn't matter

OVERCLOCKING: Yes, only if needed in the future

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920:1080

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Using a Cm storm scout case, would be preferable if the card was under 10.6'', but don't mind using the dremel.

 

[GI_JONES]

The 6950 is not a powerful as a GTX580, it more comparable to the 570

 

[17seconds]

The 6950 is comparable to the GTX 560 Ti, not the 570. The 570 is on par with the 6970.

For used, the GTX 560 Ti or GTX 560 Ti 448 cores should be in your price range, maybe a GTX 570.

 

[danker8]

I would get something like a HD 6850, HD 6870, GTX 560 or a GTX 560 Ti. If you can find a second hand HD 7850, that would be the best. Which games do you play?

 

[maxidodies]

I would get something like a HD 6850, HD 6870, GTX 560 or a GTX 560 Ti. If you can find a second hand HD 7850, that would be the best. Which games do you play?

I play a variety of games, like skyrim,crysis, battlefield, LoL, TF2,HL2. I'm really just looking for the most powerful card with the best bang for buck under 160$.

 

[Ironslice]

First of all the GTX 480 is $239 and the 6950 is $229 (after rebate), so I don't know where you were looking.

Get the GTX 560 (non-ti), for $159 (after rebate): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130660

 

[danker8]

I play a variety of games, like skyrim,crysis, battlefield, LoL, TF2,HL2. I'm really just looking for the most powerful card with the best bang for buck under 160$.

Is there a minimum fps that you want? All the gpu's could max all those games out, but (probably) only the HD 7850 can play with 30 fps minimum or more. But the HD 7850 costs 250$ new, and there are probably no second hands. After that the GTX 560 is the best one, I would recommend getting that one then.
This is a new gtx 560 ti with a good cooler, only a little above your price point: 190$: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127565.

 

[danker8]

Also, if you want cheap, you could get a gtx 550ti. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPddsNUHG_M . In this video you can see the guy play Battlefield 3 maxed out at 1080p.

 

[maxidodies]

Lol, I don't know if you guys read my thread or not, but I was looking at used cards. If you know where to look, you can find used 480's for 140$ and 6950's for 170$.

 

[danker8]

Lol, I don't know if you guys read my thread or not, but I was looking at used cards. If you know where to look, you can find used 480's for 140$ and 6950's for 170$.

Do they have a HD 7850 gpu there then?

 

[maxidodies]

Do they have a HD 7850 gpu there then?

I wish lol

 

[danker8]

I'd recommend a GTX 560 ti or HD 6950, and choose the one that's cheaper.

 

[maxidodies]

I'd recommend a GTX 560 ti or HD 6950, and choose the one that's cheaper.

Okay, I'll for one then. Thanks.