Opinions wanted: Video card..

[LarkStarr]

here are the requirements:


LOW PROFILE

less then $100

Starcraft 2 capable.

Hopefully available locally at Canada Computers or NCIX in Toronto/Scarborough.




I know starcraft is playable on an 8400GS for $30, there's also a GT 430 for $60, but I'm not sure how that performs (but I'm assuming not that bad.)



opinions?


Thanks!

[dma0991]

I am in between a GTS450 or a HD5770. But I choose the HD5770 over the GTS450 as it is cheaper and performs better.
NCIX.com - Buy Powercolor Radeon HD 5770 PCS+

NCIX.com - Buy Gigabyte GeForce GTS 450 OC

[LarkStarr]

You missed the low profile, and the less then $100 requirements.

[CMetaphor]

How about this? (9800GT)
Newegg.ca - SPARKLE SX98GT1024D3LNM GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

Or this (GT430)
Newegg.ca - Palit NEAT4300FHD01 GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

Performance Comparison:
----------Texture fill rate/Bandwidth/MemType/MemBus
9800GT---33.6/57.6/GDDR3/256
GT430----11.2/28.8/GDDR3/128

So the 9800GT is the clear winner in performance, so I would it over a GT430 Unless you need DX11.

[LarkStarr]

hmm thanks. it is an option.. not exactly locally available though, and a touch pricy. the 430 for $65 (evga $85 -$20 MIR) might still be the better buy, in near linear line of performance. the gap in performance can be relieved with some nice overclocking anyway :P

It doesn't need to be epic, just playable. I just don't think my friend would go for the 9800gt in this case.

[dma0991]

Originally Posted by LarkStarr

You missed the low profile, and the less then $100 requirements.

Well the HD5770 is still $99.99 after mail in rebate so at least I met one of the requirements. But a half height GC would usually be of the lower range GC's. What are you using it in? A HTPC?

[LarkStarr]

Originally Posted by dma0991

Well the HD5770 is still $99.99 after mail in rebate so at least I met one of the requirements. But a half height GC would usually be of the lower range GC's. What are you using it in? A HTPC?

It doesn't matter if you met one of the requirements, if the card won't fit in the box! ;)

No, it's a free box my friend got and wants to upgrade. (it's currently using integrated intel mobo stuff) I think it's an IBM thinkcentre. either way it takes low profile cards only. (Those horizontal workstation types.) It might be used as an HTPC in the long run, I dunno. I know it's in lower end, like I said, it doesn't need to be epic.

[dma0991]

Then consider the HD5670 as well. It performs better than the GT430 but at a slightly higher price as well. But considering the performance you get I suggest that the HD5670 is a better choice.

Newegg.com - MSI R5670-PD512 Radeon HD 5670 512MB

[LarkStarr]

Aye, a good choice.. I'm trying to find it locally since I think he wants to go out today to pick it up. Nothing at CC or NCIX.. I'll link him to this to see if he doesn't mind online.

[johnnyblazzwa]

both msi and saphire make a low pro 5670 for around 80 bucks. pricebat for the cheapest

Newegg.ca - MSI R5670-PD512 Radeon HD 5670 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card with Eyefinity


edit, sorry late to the game