What is the best graphics card I can get (Bottleneck?)

[mraulert]

What is the best graphics card I can get without it being overkill? I would like to be able to game to the highest level my machine can manage without upgrading any parts, other than the GPU.

I have:
Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 @2.66 GHz
4GB DDR2 1066
1TB 7200 RPM HDD
Windows 7 64 bit
19" screen 1600x900
My mobo has a PCIE x16 slot, but I don't think it's 2.0.

I was looking at a used 8800GT 512MB, but if I can go better, I definitely will.

I am only looking to buy one card, no SLI or Crossfire.

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

what PSU do you have? games do you play?
though i am thinking you will be best served by a 7770

 

[mraulert]

Right now I have a 365W PSU, but I could upgrade that as well, so don't view that as a limiting factor.

I would like to play Company of Heroes and Empire: Total War on the highest possible settings.

 

[Guest]

a 7750 will get you there w/o worrying about that PSU

ASUS HD7750-1GD5-V2 Radeon HD 7750 1GB $109.99
$99.99 after mail-in rebate card

 

[mraulert]

Thanks!

 

[Guest]

Thanks!

no problem. i did a quick check:
http://www.game-debate.com/games/index.php?g_id=31&game=Empire%3A+Total+War&p_make=Intel&p_deriv=Core+2+Duo+E8200+2.66GHz&gc_make=ATI&gc_deriv=Radeon+HD+7750+1GB+GDDR5&ram=4&laptop=0&checkSubmit=#systemRequirements

 

[mraulert]

Best answer selected by mraulert.