New GPU for an old build.

[Lightbulbie]

Okay so I'm currently running a Nvidia GT 220 in my 4 year old desktop and I'd like to play Crysis 2 on more than 800x600.. Same with BF3..

I'm looking for a GPU that'll work with my system, yet cost under $200..

Here is my baby.

AMD Athlon II X4 620 @2.6
8.00GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 400MHz
PEGATRON CORPORATION VIOLET (M2N78-LA)
HDD is a 1TB, doubt that makes a difference..
CoolerMaster 460 (Probably spits closer to 440w by now)
NVIDIA GT 220 DDR2 1GB (I'm playing BF3, Crysis 2, Medal of Honor on this thing.. I'm okay with not getting to maxed settings, I care about performance)
Enough fans to keep this thing from topping at 55C* anywhere..

This is the last upgrade for this old build, after this I'm saving up for a newer build but for now, this has to stay alive.

I need something that won't bottleneck everything, but is strong enough to take the loads. I have tuned the software pretty well to the point that it runs faster than the day I got it.

Any ideas?

ALSO, if I have enough cash left over, I could bump in a better PSU for a higher-end card if needed.

 

[kirilmatthew]

The PSU quality isn't that good so I'd consider a future upgrade to that. Its not necessarily, but its something to consider. As for the GPU, I'd consider no more then a radeon 7850 or GTX 650Ti Boost. I'd go with the 7850. It starts at around $140 and is a very good value. Anything more will run into a bottleneck on your CPU. Hope this helps!

 

[Lightbulbie]

So should I go for a 500w PSU?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152028

 

[kirilmatthew]

You will want to have a 500W PSU for about any current GPU. The CX 500 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092ML0MY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0092ML0MY&linkCode=as2&tag=b0b929-20 is a great GPU for the money and Corsair is a top quality PSU manufacturer.

Agreed. This PSU is a better choice though: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx600
I have some guy on another thread trying to convince me/ the OP OCZ is a better PSU then corsair...

 

[Mattyice47]

I recommend this card paired with one of those CX 600, or higher so you can always use it in a future build

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n660tf2gd5oc

 

[kirilmatthew]

I recommend this card paired with one of those CX 600, or higher so you can always use it in a future build

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-n660tf2gd5oc

I don't really.. It will bottleneck and it is barely within budget. Not only that but the 7870 beats it for $25 less.

 

[Lightbulbie]

I'm at a $200~ budget, I think the PSU I picked with a 7850 would be pretty good, unless someone finds a good PSU for $50~

 

[Mattyice47]

It will bottleneck with the CPU but he will always have it for a future build. And as for the GPU the 660 does beat the 7870 in some games.

 

[kirilmatthew]

It will bottleneck with the CPU but he will always have it for a future build. And as for the GPU the 660 does beat the 7870 in some games.

In most things the 7870 wins( http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/660?vs=548 ) for $25 cheaper it is a better deal. It also comes with free games. I wouldn't buy anything that will bottleneck unless plans for an upgrade very soon. It doesn't seem like the upgrade will happen in the next few months.

 

[Lightbulbie]

It will bottleneck with the CPU but he will always have it for a future build. And as for the GPU the 660 does beat the 7870 in some games.

The 660 seems a tad much for the current build, but I will be saving up 1,500-1,900 for a completely new build, but this is for current.

 

[Mattyice47]

Ok...

 

[coozie7]

Get a HD7750 or GTX650 (non Ti).
Either will run off the existing PSU, the HD 7750 needs no PCI-E power lead, neither do most of the GTX650s'.
If you're even slightly happy with the GT220 either of those will blow your eyes out!
See how big the upgrade is:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-graphics-card-review,review-32740-7.html

 

[kirilmatthew]

It will bottleneck with the CPU but he will always have it for a future build. And as for the GPU the 660 does beat the 7870 in some games.

The 660 seems a tad much for the current build, but I will be saving up 1,500-1,900 for a completely new build, but this is for current.

Get the $140 7850 then, it should be perfect for you!

 

[Lightbulbie]

So the 7850 and the 530w PSU?

 

[kirilmatthew]

So the 7850 and the 530w PSU?

Your PSU is fine, as long as it has a PCIe power plug on it! It's poor quality but no point wasting money as you already have it!

 

[Lightbulbie]

So the 7850 and the 530w PSU?

Your PSU is fine, as long as it has a PCIe power plug on it! It's poor quality but no point wasting money as you already have it!

I'd rather be safe than sorry.

 

[kirilmatthew]

So the 7850 and the 530w PSU?

Your PSU is fine, as long as it has a PCIe power plug on it! It's poor quality but no point wasting money as you already have it!

I'd rather be safe than sorry.

If you have the budget them upgrade. Probably to this: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-power-supply-cx600

 

[Lightbulbie]

Budget for a PSU is $50

 

[kirilmatthew]

Budget for a PSU is $50

$38 on new egg including rebate!

 

[Lightbulbie]

Budget for a PSU is $50

$38 on new egg including rebate!

I'm waiting on something to sell so it has to be $50 or less at a real price.

 

[kirilmatthew]

Budget for a PSU is $50

$38 on new egg including rebate!

I'm waiting on something to sell so it has to be $50 or less at a real price.

What company is it? I wouldn't go with anything other then corsair, XFX, seasonic or antec. I think that the one I linked is the actually the cheapest 500W+ one.

 

[Lightbulbie]

Budget for a PSU is $50

$38 on new egg including rebate!

I'm waiting on something to sell so it has to be $50 or less at a real price.

What company is it? I wouldn't go with anything other then corsair, XFX, seasonic or antec. I think that the one I linked is the actually the cheapest 500W+ one.

Raidmax

 

[Lightbulbie]

Okay, so I'll get the PSU that was given, the Corsair.

 

[kirilmatthew]

Okay, so I'll get the PSU that was given, the Corsair.

Good decision. I know that its a bit more money upfront, but it's worth it when that thing could cause problems for you. It probably wouldnt, but better safe then sorry!