GDDR2 GPU with DDR3 mobo? Advice pls

[DennisMenace]

I've recently bought a new i3/DDR3 PC (from here, of course!), a Primo Ignition :
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-270-OK&groupid=43&catid=1078&subcat=
which has adequate onboard graphics for my needs (ie NOT gaming). The only limitation is the lack of DVI/HDMI, as I am aiming to upgrade my 19" VGA to a 22-24" widescreen LCD/LED monitor.

Hence I need a (cheap) graphics card to get a digital connexion, and something that won't strain the 450W PSU. I was considering a XFX ATI Radeon HD 5570 1024MB DDR2 PCI-E as it is "energy efficient & low-profile", but could this actually REDUCE performance? (It has 1000MHz DDR2 versus 1333Mhz DDR3 system memory).

Also, could anyone suggest a more suitable card? It has to be :
1. Cheap (<£75-ish)
2. Low power
3. DVI & HDMI
4. Preferably DX11
Alternatively, would I be better to wait until I can get a "half-decent" card, eg GTX 460 or HD 5770 (if my PSU would support them), as they become cheaper?
As I said, I'm not a serious gamer, although I would like to play a few (eg Fallout 3/NV, DAO) and will be using my new monitor for BD/1080p playback. Any ideas/suggestions appreciated.

 

[dcsarge]

The memory on the GPU has no link to that of the main system. It only effects the bandwidth of the GPU itself. IGNORE previous bit about 5770, I miss-read the model number.

I can't tell from the system spec which version of their 450w PSU OCuk have used in that system. I wouldn't be very happy putting a 460 or 5770 in along side the very basic version.

If you prefer to run the games listed at a decent detail level (especially on a 1080p monitor) you may be better off saving for one of the above cards plus a decent PSU (Corsair CX 430 would do).

I ran Fallout3 on my system at mostly medium settings and my 8600GTS was the weakest link in performance. A 5570 will run it if you are willing to tweak the settings but I can't say how DAO would run.

 

[Orcvader]

I would go with a 5670 seeing as it's the OcUK 450w PSU, shouldn't strain it too much. It should also be decent as well for the games you plan to play on low settings.

 

[Xelene]

I would go with a 5670 seeing as it's the OcUK 450w PSU, shouldn't strain it too much. It should also be decent as well for the games you plan to play on low settings.

A 5770 would be fine on that PSU also, and would be a lot better choice for a bit of Fallout or other games at the resolution a 22/24" monitor will run.

 

[coupe69]

A 5770 would be fine on that PSU also, and would be a lot better choice for a bit of Fallout or other games at the resolution a 22/24" monitor will run.

A 5770 would be great, but a new one would be substantially more expensive than the ops £75 budget. A 5750 on the other hand might be perfect?

 

[DennisMenace]

Thanks a lot for the advice (wise)guys.

Looks like I might have to start saving up for a better GPU - my original plan was to get a super-cheap card (£30-ish) just to get HDMI, but I'm still not sure if this could reduce performance.

Also, it's hard to find exact data on power usage, as a 450W PSU doesn't give me a lot of leeway. Generally, are ATI or Nvidia lower power??

My first priority is to get a decent monitor - if I can make a saving on that, I could have enough to get a half-decent card too. (And if I can spam like crazy for 3 months, I'll get the free shipping too!). Guess I'll keep a close eye on those "this week only"/"today only" deals and hope for something suitable...