Yet another advice requested thread

[OTZ]

I'm in the market for a new video card, and I need some input.

My current set up is as follows:

Q6600 @ 3ghz
4 GB RAM
OCZ 520W Modstream
1680x1050 res

Here are my vid card choices:

XFX 4870 1GB @ $157
XFX 4850 1GB @ $130
4850 512MB @ $90 w/ Rebate

What's best for my setup? I assume the 4850 1GB is, but for an extra 30 I can get the 4870...will my PSU be enough for a 4870?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[SKYMTL]

What resolution do you game at?

[CMetaphor]

Originally Posted by OTZ

1680x1050 res

I'd say go for the 4870. Or wait tilll the new-gen comes out and get a midrange card then.

[gingerbee]

4870 cheap great card simply choice

[bojangles]

-4870 for budget
-GTX260 216 SP to game AND fold
-4890/GTX275 for a little extra punch to keep those min frame rates high

[SKYMTL]

I say forget about 1GB cards altogether at that resolution.

[OTZ]

Next gen cards will be beyond my budget (which is $175) I believe. I'm operating under the assumption they'll force the price down on curent stuff.

Just to confirm a couple of things then - my PSU would be fine for a 4870, but I don't necessarily need a 1GB card? I should mention I do hook my PC up to 50" TV once in a while.

Thanks for the input so far!

[CMetaphor]

The resolution on your 50'' TV is at most 1080p, which isn't that big of a jump from your 1680x1050 panel. I agree that a 1gb card may be overkill, but its only a $30 difference between a 4870 1Gb and a 4850 1Gb, You might as well go for the more powerful GPU and be able to turn on extra eye-candy.

[Skyllz]

I have close to that exact setup(q6600@3.2) however I already had a GTX260, it runs anything and everything at decent details level and instead of upgrading to I7 to get more performance, I went with a second one in SLI, It should get it this week.

i5/i7 is really nice but I do not beleive we are at a point where we are even cose to being CPU limited yet for gaming.

[rjbarker]

I have close to that exact setup(q6600@3.2) however I already had a GTX260, it runs anything and everything at decent details level and instead of upgrading to I7 to get more performance, I went with a second one in SLI, It should get it this week.

Hate to burst your bubble but yes..your 260 SLI arrangement will be "held back" by your CPU...OC that sucker to 3.6 - 3.8 (higher the better) and unleash those GPU's ;) We are at the stage now where the GPU's are fast...start going with Multi and you want a potent or highly OC'd CPU to unleash the full potential of those Cards.
Core I7's rip multi GPU's apart...thats why we have em !