Go Back   Hardware Canucks > PC BUILDERS & TWEAKERS CORNER > New Builds
Reload this Page What graphics card?
Mark Forums Read
Media Gallery Register Members List LAN Calendar Search Today's Posts

    
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old September 4, 2009, 02:54 PM
Rookie
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 45
Default What graphics card?
Here's my current build:

Motherboard: ASUS M478 PRO
CPU: AMD Phenom II X3 720
PSU: 500W OCZ StealthXStream
RAM: 4GB OCZ DDR2-800 Platinum 5-5-5-12
GPU: XFX 8800GT 512mb

I want to upgrade my GPU and I'm thinking of trying out an ATI card this time. I was very happy with my 8800GT's performance so far, but it's starting to choke up a bit with all the new games coming out (a bit, it's still a very capable card). I was thinking about buying a 4870 or 4890, but I'm not sure if that would be overkill for 1680x1050 resolution. I'm also curious as to what impact the 512mb versus 1GB of video ram would make at that resolution. Maybe there's another card coming out I should wait for?
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old September 4, 2009, 03:35 PM
geokilla's Avatar
Hall Of Fame
F@H
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,759

My System Specs

Default
What games are you playing? Budget? Since you're deciding between a 4870 or 4890, I'd say around $200 max. At 1680X1050, 512MB is usually enough.

Consider getting the ATI 4870 or 4890 like you said. On NVIDIA's side, consider the GTX260 Core 216, and GTX275. If you don't mind waiting, wait for NVIDIA and ATI's next gen cards.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old September 4, 2009, 07:11 PM
JD's Avatar
JD JD is offline
Moderator
F@H
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 8,053

My System Specs

Default
HD4870 or HD4890 would be a great upgrade and cheaper than NVIDIA counter parts typically.

I'd suggest overclocking your CPU as well if you're up to it.
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old September 4, 2009, 10:12 PM
Rookie
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 45
Default
Quote:
Originally Posted by jdrom17 View Post
HD4870 or HD4890 would be a great upgrade and cheaper than NVIDIA counter parts typically.

I'd suggest overclocking your CPU as well if you're up to it.
I was going to wait until I upgraded my PSU because it's only 500W.
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old September 4, 2009, 10:41 PM
jcmaz's Avatar
Hall Of Fame
F@H
  
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 2,437

My System Specs

Default
Good idea, then upgrade the video card when the next gen cards come out. :)
__________________
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”

-Plato
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old September 4, 2009, 10:54 PM
geokilla's Avatar
Hall Of Fame
F@H
  
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,759

My System Specs

Default
Your PSU will be fine. It can probably handle Crossfire and SLI as well, but I wouldn't risk it with a OCZ StealthXStream.
__________________
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old September 5, 2009, 12:17 AM
Rookie
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 45
Default
What would you guys recommend as a good PSU upgrade? I may add more HDDs and such too in the future.
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old September 5, 2009, 12:46 AM
Safearus's Avatar
MVP
F@H
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SSM, Ontario
Posts: 326
Default
I would advise going with a Corsair TX750 (on sale right now if I remember correctly) or even a TX850 if you really want to run a possible tri-GPU solution in the future
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old September 11, 2009, 06:04 AM
Rookie
  
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 33
Default
Quick word on PSU's... get a single rail design, and probably the best and quietest being Corsair, my preference being the HX850, 7 year warranty.
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old September 11, 2009, 07:42 AM
Cowboy's Avatar
Hall Of Fame
  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 1,375
Default
I've got 4870's for sale, cheap too.

Let me know :)
__________________
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2 >


« Previous Thread | Next Thread »
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
graphics card? Generic User #2 HTPC Systems & Software 4 July 25, 2009 07:50 PM
[WTB] A really cheap graphics card that will.... Apollo4g Buy/Sell & Trade 11 May 27, 2009 07:05 PM
Graphics Card Guide Cranky Video Cards 1 December 8, 2008 08:06 AM
The 4870 1 GB Graphics Card! bojangles Video Cards 4 September 27, 2008 06:26 AM
Need Graphics Card dozer951 Buy/Sell & Trade 1 September 9, 2008 11:43 PM