Suggestions please!

[Ringiho]

I am currently in the process of getting a computer together for my girlfriend as she has decided she'd like something of her own.

Currently got a Core 2 Duo 2.13Ghz, 2GB RAM and a motherboard - so I am on the hunt for a graphics card.

I have been hunting around on the MM for a second hand card but I wanted some input. Any suggestions for graphics card? I am a little out of touch as the last card I got was my GTX260 2.5years ago.

Budget is around 50 quid. Need are:

• Resonable size - don't want a huge case
• Run 'The Sims 3' at a resonable level @ 1440x900 (This is a must, apparently!)
• Not similar to a jet engine in any way!
• Not fussed if its new or second hand - would like a good warranty though

 

[cmndr_andi]

For around £50 this is the best new card you can get. The GT 440 is £60 and a bit more powerful.

However, if you can stretch to £80 the HD 5770 literally blows them out of the water (It is over twice as powerful as the GT 440).

As for second-hand, you have to be weary for the warranty as often it isn't transferrable - so if the card breaks you need to send it back to the seller who then RMAs it and sends it back to you when he recieves it.

If you do want to go down this road then the cards I would suggest looking at are the HD 5770, HD 6850 and the GTS 250, 450 and GTX 460.

That said, may I ask what make and model PSU she is using?

 

[Ringiho]

Currently not got a PSU, its a build in progress. Looking to keep the build as close to free as possible.

Suggestions for PSUs are welcome as well

Edit: Comparing the 5770 to my GTX260 and its pretty damn good! Considering I paid £250+

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=577&card2=615

 

[Moothead2]

I've just bought an ATI 6950 (The 1GB version even though there was an offer for the 2GB version for a fiver more Grrrr, that's really annoyed me, I know you don't care but I need to vent) so I won't be using my Asus 4850 that plays even the latest games at decent speeds in a couple of days if you're interested. I'm not sure if it has warranty though but I'll be sure to test and clean it if you want it. I'll put it on eBay and send you the link if you want. I'll be willing to sell for around 40-50 quid.

 

[cmndr_andi]

I would go for the BeQuiet Pure Power L7 530W or this one (depending on what graphics card you go for in the end).

This PSU is a good option if you want to buy one of the more high-power cards but keep the costs down.

 

[Ringiho]

The inner gamer in me wants to get all the awesome stuff, my wallet doesn't. I'll take a look at the reviews and see what I can get as a good compromise.

Any other suggestions? Thanks to all for the suggestions so far

 

[cmndr_andi]

Edit: Comparing the 5770 to my GTX260 and its pretty damn good! Considering I paid £250+

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=577&card2=615

Yea, it's a really good card for the price. Here is a set of head-to-head benchmark results with the GTX 260. Here and here are some reviews of the specific XFX single slot 5770 card, the cooler is noted in each as being nice and quiet.

Also, because the HD 5770 is a relatively low-power usage card (maximum power usage 108W) then you can use a cheap (yet decent quality) PSU like this corsair. Here is an in-depth review.

 

[Cleeecooo]

You might be able to get 8800GTX SLI for that budget. However, I would go for the 5770 as single card options are normally best.

 

[Leezor]

Yeah the 5770 is a good shout.

 

[Ringiho]

Yea, it's a really good card for the price. Here is a set of head-to-head benchmark results with the GTX 260. Here and here are some reviews of the specific XFX single slot 5770 card, the cooler is noted in each as being nice and quiet.

Also, because the HD 5770 is a relatively low-power usage card (maximum power usage 108W) then you can use a cheap (yet decent quality) PSU like this corsair. Here is an in-depth review.

Those reviews do make it sound awesome. Maybe I might stretch to that then, bring on payday!