Need help finding affordable upgrade GPU!

[Magikaltrevor]

Hey everyone, first time posting here, was hoping for some real help. I bought a custom made PC off a friend a while back but it had no GPU, so i borrowed this one from a friend..it really has felt like im lacking in the gaming community when it comes too graphic performance. Im looking for an upgrade card, possible between $50-$150. I have posted my specs below, hope its enough info, im here on stand by if any questions or tips!


Motherboard: Supermicro C2SBA
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad CPU Q9550 @ 2.83GHz (4CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Operating System: Windows 7 64-Bit

Current GPU: ATI Radeon 4650 HD


Thanks - Trevor

 

[bigshootr8]

Would you by chance know how large your power supply is? And perhaps the brand and 12v numbers are if there are more then one 12v rail. I would be inclined to either recommend either the 7750 or the 7770 depending on the answer.

 

[locomoco321]

What's your budget?
And just as a helpful note, you only have 1 CPU with 4 cores.

 

[locomoco321]

Geez, I didn't even see the price... my bad, but like @bigshootr8 said, it depends on your power supply and around that range of cards is what your looking into. I'll let him help you.

 

[bigshootr8]

naw dude you can help to haha! Don't run away! Its good to have more then one voice when advising people it stirs constructive reasoning its helpful.

 

[Magikaltrevor]

650W Power Supply.

 

[locomoco321]

Alright, I think I'll dabble here and see what I can contribute.

According to this: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html (Tom's Hardware Graphics Card Heirarchy), the GTX 650Ti is slightly more powerful than the Radeon HD 7770GHz Edition, at 1920x1080 (I'm assuming that's going to be your resolution), and they can be found for less than $150.00 USD, like the Radeon HD 7770GHz Edition. Both these cards are good, and have their pros and cons. Both have similar memory configurations, and around a similar core, but from what I have seen, personal experience, nVidia drivers tend to roll out and patch more, more frequently than AMD drivers. The thing is that AMD does a good job with their drivers, allowing them to continue to deliver better and better performance in modern games.

At this point, the Radeon HD 7770GHz Edition or the GTX 650Ti are your best bets. Either card will bring the performance you want, and are significantly better than the card your have now. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, AMD or nVidia.

*EDIT: Your PSU seems powerful enough, but can you give a brand and model for the PSU you have. It's the best way to see if it will properly hold up, even if it is a 650W PSU.

 

[Magikaltrevor]

Yes 1920x1080 is what i use, Significantly you say? I like the sound of that. Let me get you the brand and model, one minute!

 

[Magikaltrevor]

LSP ULTRA 650W ATX Power Supply

Model No. : ULT-LSP650

 

[fkr]

http://mail.ultraproducts.com/product_details.php?cPath=103&pPath=653&productID=655

I believe this is the right one for those that are helping

 

[locomoco321]

Your PSU is good, so go ahead and choose the card you would like, and you will still have room for a second GPU if you wish to add one later. All the best!

@fkr Thank you for the link, I didn't know you posted that until after I posted, but thanks again!

 

[Magikaltrevor]

Wow awesome, Thanks a ton for all your help! =]

 

[Magikaltrevor]

Best answer selected by Magikaltrevor.

 

[Magikaltrevor]

Oh one last question about those two GPU you mentioned, They say GDDR5, This is compatible with my Motherboard? From what i understand i though i was GDDR3 , And not an Express 3.0.

 

[bigshootr8]

Correct both standards of memory are compatible with your computer. Video card memory is completely independent from the rest of your computer and will not create any issues with your setup.

 

[Magikaltrevor]

Alrighty thank you