GPU + PSU recommendations and advice.

[SkullKid911]

Hello,
Lately I've been looking into upgrading my graphics card. I know that in order to do so I'll need to upgrade my PSU as well to support it. But I'm also wondering whether or not my CPU is even adequate for playing modern games smoothly on high settings/high resolutions (1920x1080). I'm most interested in playing games like Skyrim and Battlefield 3. Some of my specs are..

CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 @ 2.50GHz
GPU: 1024MB GeForce 9500 GT (EVGA)
PSU: 350W
RAM: 4.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 401MHz
MB: ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5KPL-CM (Socket 775)

I know that my PSU is in dire need of an upgrade, so I'd also like some advice/suggestions on that. Of course, ideally it's modestly priced and reliable. Something in the $50-$100~ range.

I'd like to keep the graphics card under $300. I've been looking at the GeForce GTX 570, which seems to be well received. Would anyone recommend this card for me? I usually do my purchasing on either newegg or amazon (I'm in Canada).

And last but not least.. this may be a bit of a broad question, but how does one even know if a card is 'good'? What numbers are the most important in determining this?

Any help is appreciated.

 

[kau1997]

hey man, you totally remind me of myself.
Now, see your cpu? this might bottleneck your GPU in the future, upgrade when possible. Not terrible, ive seen worse, but not great. (Im no expert in this field)
As for the GPU, WHTA games do you like to play?
My recommendation - a HD 7870, VERY power efficient and cool) As for the "numbers' you mentioned, you go to google, type the name of the card , its reviews and benchmarks. Eg- "HD7870 benchmarks" or "HD7870 Review".
An EXTREMELY god PSU is NOT required for this card either, it gives AMAZING proformance at 1080p, ive seen benchmarks,it matches or outperforms the 570 in a LOT of games, SPECIALLY skyrim. It RAPES skyrim.
http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Mini-DiplayPort-Express-Graphics-H787Q2G2M/dp/B007HYIRES/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1342337318&sr=8-7&keywords=hd+7870
Its a bit more than usual, but het, IceQ is TOTALLY worth it, SPECIALLY if you overclock.


Now we get to PSu.
Corsair is great, but nothing says RAMBO PSU like seasonic. My 350W SS handles a 7850 with a i7-2600
So i would recommend a 620W SS PSU, keeping in mind capacitor aging and future upgrades (you probably wont be needing them for a WHILE). NEVER cheap out on a PSU, its one of THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS EVER.
here are some GREAT PSUs (again GOOGLE GOOGLE GOOGLE EVERY DAMN ******* THING, make SURE it suits your needs)
http://www.amazon.com/Seasonic-Modular-Active-Retail-SS-620GM/dp/B003BIEOBY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1342337528&sr=8-3&keywords=seasonic+620
http://www.amazon.com/Seasonic-S12II-620-BRONZE-Supply/dp/B003BIEOCI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342337528&sr=8-2&keywords=seasonic+620
for future upgrades, i reccomend a i5-2500k it works WONDERS with the 7870 (so ive heard) or an i7-2700k (if youre feeling rich xD). 4x2 GB G. Skill is also nice. youre gonna need a new mobo later, too. OS yeah. keep all that inmind, for the FUTURE.

 

[bigcyco1]

Your going to need to upgrade your CPU

 

[SkullKid911]

Unfortunately, that's not an option at the moment.

 

[simon12]

You don't need a new CPU overclocking past 3GHz would improve it but its not essential. The 570 and the 7850 are both good GPUs and both will run fine on a good brand 500W PSU like Seasonic, Corsair or Antec.

 

[Temile]

If you can afford $300 for a gpu and are thinking about the 570/7850, you may want to wait a week and see what the GTX660 is like. It should be a little faster than either and draw less power for about that same price. With any of these cards you won't need a lot more power. The Corsair 430 is a screaming bargain right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

Since you said you'd pay $50-100 you could go modular:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371059

 

[JackNaylorPE]

At $300, Id buy the new 660 Ti, preferable a non-reference version like the Asus TOP.

A 750 watter is more than enough for two 570's, non reference 560 Ti's, 670's however, the 850 watter provides a bit more cushion and is sometimes cheaper than the 750 watters:

XFX Core Edition 750 - $90 after $25 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207015

XFX Core Edition 850 - $85 after $25 MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207011

 

[bigcyco1]

Unfortunately, that's not an option at the moment.

Well it shouldn't bottleneck to badly if you overclock

 

[kau1997]

If you can afford $300 for a gpu and are thinking about the 570/7850, you may want to wait a week and see what the GTX660 is like. It should be a little faster than either and draw less power for about that same price. With any of these cards you won't need a lot more power. The Corsair 430 is a screaming bargain right now:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

Since you said you'd pay $50-100 you could go modular:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371059

see man, the 660ti has 24ROPs, NOT good for MSAAx4. Its an option, was supposed to come out Q3 '12. Idk, id really go with the 7850/70, stay REAL cool and real low TDP, and you can OC like a beast.

 

[SkullKid911]

You don't need a new CPU overclocking past 3GHz would improve it but its not essential. The 570 and the 7850 are both good GPUs and both will run fine on a good brand 500W PSU like Seasonic, Corsair or Antec.

I think I looked into overclocking my CPU once, but apparently my motherboard isn't very overclock friendly?

 

[rybo1227]

Hmm a good gpu that could very well be nice is this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908
For the power supply i would go with this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

 

[SkullKid911]

Hmm a good gpu that could very well be nice is this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102908
For the power supply i would go with this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

I do plan on upgrading more hardware slowly as the money comes in, so it's probably best if I invest in something a little beefier in terms of PSU. I definitely want to go modular. I was looking at this one http://goo.gl/Vr5bt

As for the GPU, I looked up 6850 and it ranks a bit lower than the 570 (http://goo.gl/g4dE2) or the 7870. Those are the two I have my eyes on mainly at the moment.

Thoughts?

 

[rybo1227]

I do plan on upgrading more hardware slowly as the money comes in, so it's probably best if I invest in something a little beefier in terms of PSU. I definitely want to go modular. I was looking at this one http://goo.gl/Vr5bt

As for the GPU, I looked up 6850 and it ranks a bit lower than the 570 (http://goo.gl/g4dE2) or the 7870. Those are the two I have my eyes on mainly at the moment.

Thoughts?

Can you sli? or crossfire?

 

[rybo1227]

Nvm

 

[SkullKid911]

With my current mobo? I don't think so. I do plan to upgrade that eventually, but right now I'd rather focus on the PSU and GPU just so I can play some games to tide me over until I can do things proper.

 

[rybo1227]

I do plan on upgrading more hardware slowly as the money comes in, so it's probably best if I invest in something a little beefier in terms of PSU. I definitely want to go modular. I was looking at this one http://goo.gl/Vr5bt

As for the GPU, I looked up 6850 and it ranks a bit lower than the 570 (http://goo.gl/g4dE2) or the 7870. Those are the two I have my eyes on mainly at the moment.

Thoughts?

Ok so i found this power supply its the same price as the one you posted.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087
And for the video card i think i would go with the nvidia gtx570
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130593
Personally i used to always use amd video cards but im actually getting a 550ti in the near future. Also my friend has a gtx 460 and it runs things perfectly and he loves his card. This gtx 570 is more powerful then the gtx460. I would definately go with the nvidia gtx 570 over the amd 7870.

 

[rybo1227]

Ok so i looked up benchamarks between these cards i found info at this website. http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php And these are the ratings of the cards. Take a look for yourself

 

[SkullKid911]

Ok so i found this power supply its the same price as the one you posted.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151087
And for the video card i think i would go with the nvidia gtx570
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130593
Personally i used to always use amd video cards but im actually getting a 550ti in the near future. Also my friend has a gtx 460 and it runs things perfectly and he loves his card. This gtx 570 is more powerful then the gtx460. I would definately go with the nvidia gtx 570 over the amd 7870.

That PSU looks nice.
What do you think of that one Vs. this one? http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Professional-750-Watt-Certified-High-Performance/dp/B003PJ6QWE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1342923606&sr=8-1&keywords=SeaSonic+X750

Radeon HD 7870 3420 11 11.40 $299.99*
GeForce GTX 570 3630 8 12.96 $279.99*
Ok so i looked up benchamarks between these cards also this is the info that i got from the website. http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_list.php And these are the ratings of the cards. Take a look for yourself

That's the site I've been using for benchmarks (Y)

 

[rybo1227]

The psu you posted is perfect i would actually say to get that one over the one i posted.

 

[SkullKid911]

Best answer selected by SkullKid911.