Advice on Video Card
Closer — Thu, 01/01/2009 - 15:33
I will be upgrading my computer next week hopefully and I have no clue really what video card would be best for my computer. I also need to get a better power supply. I don't want to spend a bunch of money either. Here's my comp's spec. Does anyone have any suggestions on what would be best to get?
- General Features:
- Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic pre-installed w/CoA
- AMD Athlon 64 X2 3600+ 1.9 GHz dual-core processor
- Socket AM2
- 2000 MT/s HyperTransport
- NVIDIA MCP61 (GeForce 6150SE nForce 430)
- 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM (expandable up to 4 GB max)
- 160 GB SATA hard drive
- DVD±RW SATA drive w/LightScribe
- Integrated GeForce 6100 graphics
- Integrated 6-channel audio
- 56k PCI modem
- Integrated 10/100 Fast Ethernet
- Built-in Memory Card Reader
- Expansion Slots:
- Two (2) DIMM slots
- Two (2) PCI slots
- One (1) PCI-Express x1 slot
- One (1) PCI-Express x16 slot
If there is anything else I need to post let me know please.
monthly best video card or the money column
moriella — Thu, 01/01/2009 - 23:37This is generally pretty 'spot on'
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-geforce-graphics,2086.html
$100 is too much for 3850.
Shinzwei — Thu, 01/01/2009 - 19:21$100 is too much for 3850. For that much an nVidia 8800GT/9800GT will do better. Or maybe for a few bucks more you can snatch an ATi 4830. An ATi 4670 can be had for less than $100 and is also great card. An nVidia 9600GSO can be had for around $100 or less depending on the manufacturer. Theres a ton of video cards that will do the job at ~$100.
That's why I recommended a
starstalker — Thu, 01/01/2009 - 23:56That's why I recommended a 3850 for $69.99 =)
But you're right, the 4670's are only a little bit more, around $80, and would also be a heck of a card.
100$ cards
Adwarflol — Thu, 01/01/2009 - 19:07http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Edp...
The GeForce 9800 is a pretty good deal at 99$
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Edp...
The 4650 which is equivilant to a 3870 (roughly) is also only 99$
Those are the 2 best cards from the leading competitors I could find for around 100$, I hope you find it helpful ;D
The best card for under $100
starstalker — Thu, 01/01/2009 - 17:51The best card for under $100 right now is any card based on the Ati 3850. Do a search over at newegg for "3850" and you should see 4 or 5 under $100.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131096 <-- $69.99. Fantastic card at that price.
As for your power supply, I tend to stick with the higher end brands.
Antec Earthwatts 430w for $69.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
PC Power and Cooling 420w for $64.99 (also has a 20 mail in rebate, making it $44)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703017
Both of those will be able to power your current rig, and any future upgrades you probably plan with no problems.
Edit: just saw an Antec True power 430w for $39.99. Seems like a really great deal as well.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817103942
I am about to order Matthew
Closer — Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:30I am about to order Matthew and my things for our comps but before I do i wanted to ask a question. I am so afraid that I am going to order something that doesn't fit or/and a bad brand video card for my comp. I'm not sure what the best brands are to go with. I just need so opinions on that I guess.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102804
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814141081
Are these good brands? I have no clue.
My personal preference is
starstalker — Fri, 01/02/2009 - 15:01My personal preference is with the sapphire (the first link), but really they are about the same.