Video card upgrade

[superkillrobot]

Hello,
I currently have a HD 6770 and I am trying to decide if an upgrade is worth it or not, I am currently considering the following:

GTX 560 SE
HD 6850
GTX 460 1gb

or if its really worth the extra dough I could swing a GTX 560 or HD 6870

Just need help deciding.

 

[nafoni]

What games do you want to be playing?

At which screen resolution?

At what graphics?

Your max budget?

What's your current specs?

 

[superkillrobot]

Sorry, in my haste this morning I left out quite a bit of information,

My current system is
Intel pentium G860
4gb DDR3 1333
HD 6770
160gb Western Digital 7200

I play a wide variety of games, I can run most of them no problem, I start having trouble when trying to record gameplay, I use a program called Bandicam which seems to be a lot better than fraps when it comes to system usage. I always record and play in 1280x720

My budget is 130-160 USD

 

[dish_moose]

Very important info - what psu do you have?
Edit: Also - do you plan to play at such a low resolution or is a monitor upgrade in the future?
-Bruce

 

[superkillrobot]

This is my power supply: http://www.zumaxpower.com/products/zu500w.htm

As far as monitors go, I'll probably stick with what I've got for a while, if I'm not recording gameplay I use 1440x900 I may use my TV at some point in which case I would be at 720p or 1080p

 

[Onus]

Since you record at the same time, and play at a relatively low resolution, a CPU upgrade may do more for you than a graphics upgrade. A HD6770 shouldn't be having any difficulty at that resolution.
Take a look at this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html and note that Don recommends a three tier jump. Personally, I think two tiers is likely to be visible, but that probably means maxing your budget, at least to get a HD6870. Then there's your PSU; is it up to the job of powering a much stronger card?

Edit: My guess is, no it isn't. The little voltage switch gives it away as, at best, an inefficient, overrated older design. I wouldn't try to get any more than 400W out of it, max. A quality modern PSU has full range active PFC (no little voltage switch), and some level of 80+ certification. Seasonic, Antec (their VP-450 is an exception that proves the previous rule), Corsair, XFX, or Enermax/LEPA are among the better brands.

 

[dudewitbow]

definately not worth the upgrade to those cards.

 

[Kamen_BG]

In my opinion you should save upa a bit more money and buy an Intel Core i5.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115089
It will significantly improve your FPS while recording.

 

[superkillrobot]

Best answer selected by superkillrobot.

 

[dish_moose]

I think jtt283 gave you a much better/detailed answer. I was also trying to find info on your psu - like jt283 said - any psu that cannot automatically adjust to voltages from 110-240 vac is an old design at best. Likely inefficient, poor power factor correction and not very good build quality.
-Bruce

 

[Onus]

Thanks for the comment, dish.