upgrading from GTX280 (old I know)

[stevemoores]

Hi.

I built a decent PC about 4-years ago, my current video card seems to be failing with random crashes, so I was looking at upgrading (any excuse), but am very out of touch with the current gear, so please forgive the newbie questions.

I have a GTX280 and was looking at a 500 or 600 series, but have a couple of questions.

1. My MB is the Gigabyte EX58-UD5. I see cards listed as single-slot or dual-slot. My MB will support up to 3 SLI (or crossfire), but I don't know if this is the same as single-slot or dual-slot

2. My MB supports PCie 2.0, some of the new cards are 3.0. Is that a show stopper or will 3.0 work in a 2.0 slot. I couldn't see any BIOS updates that change this.


Other than that, I'm guessing that any 500 or 600 series card would be an upgrade over a 4-year old GTX280, correct? I only run at 1680x1050,and have a good PSU and Antec 300 case which should support a longish card.

Thanks
Steve

[rjbarker]

GTX 660 ti should do you fine at that Resolution, all compatible with your gear.

[GT7R]

A 660Ti or a 7870 will fit you well.

[stevemoores]

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback.

How about a GT610? Not as cutting edge, but it should still be a few steps above my old card (and 1/4 the price of a 660).

[great_big_abyss]

Originally Posted by stevemoores

Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback.

How about a GT610? Not as cutting edge, but it should still be a few steps above my old card (and 1/4 the price of a 660).

No, it wouldn't. A GT610 has minimum gaming pedigree. It's a tiny, tiny chip. Your 280 would literally blow it out of the water.

The only thing a GT610 is good at really, is decoding video, and possibly playing older games at low-mid settings.

[stevemoores]

OK, that makes sense. Like I say I've been away for a while and am out of touch with the new generations. I'll plop down for a 660Ti.

Thanks again.

[Bond007]

pcie 2.0/3.0 doesn't matter for you. Don't worry about single slot/dual slot etc, since you will be running a single cards (its how thick the card is).

For your resolution I would actually recommend a gtx 660 non-ti or hd7870. I would only go more expensive than that if you plan on getting a higher res monitor anytime soon.

[elmorejohn46]

I would agree the GTX-660 would probally be plenty for that resolution .Just check out the review sites of the GTX-660 non TI versions.