Need a decent graphic card (not hardcore)

[zurih]

Hey guys,
I would like to receive some recommendations on a decent graphic card.

I play games here and there, when I have time, nothing hardcore. It's not necessary for me to have everything on max to play a game, but I still want to enjoy some graphics when I play one.

My current PC spec:
-------------------------
MB: Gigabyte GA-P55A-UD3
CPU: i5-760 8mb cache
Storage: Crucial M4 128gb
RAM: 4gb 1333mhz
Monitor resolution: 1680x1050 (might upgrade it in a year or so to a 1080p monitor)
GPU: ASUS GeForce EN210 (not for gaming).
PSU: Seasonic 500W SP-SS500.

I have no plans overclocking the GPU.
Something that is important to me is power consumption. I don't want a GPU that uses too much power with too much heat.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[xtreme5]

first thing is what is your budget?

 

[dudewitbow]

1st question is how much you are willing to pay, 2nd is quality of 12v rail line on psu, 3rd is # of 6/6+2 pins on the psu.

 

[zurih]

Around 120$... maybe a bit more

 

[xtreme5]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664
HD 7770 is best of best.

 

[zurih]

1st question is how much you are willing to pay, 2nd is quality of 12v rail line on psu, 3rd is # of 6/6+2 pins on the psu.

I got: Seasonic 500W SP-SS500 Active PFC Power supply (I initially wrote 450W, that was wrong).

 

[dudewitbow]

the psu has 34 amps max on the 12v rail, so it can probably run a single card give or take capacitor aging. from your budget of 120, that sits around

GTX 460, HD 7770, HD 6850

 

[zurih]

Something I forgot to mention, I would like it to be quite GPU as it could be..

And, if my budget was 100$, what would be my options?

 

[xtreme5]

MSI HD 7770 non noisy with biggest coolers.

 

[dudewitbow]

if your budget is 100$, hd 7750 would be where i would lookish

 

[xtreme5]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127664&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Video+Cards-_-MSI-_-14127664

again.

 

[zurih]

I guess nVidia GPU is out of the question? AMD is better at this price segment?

 

[xtreme5]

not at all HD 7770 over the HD 6850 in some games and in some they are neck to neck. .
lower is better from down section of anandtech.

 

[zurih]

By the way how can I see their power consumption and heat on idle/load?

 

[zurih]

All of these cards need an external power cable right? is there any "good" graphic card that doesn't need external power cable?