Need Graphics Card Advice

[Freegrazer]

Hey.

So I'm doing my first build atm, it'll mainly be a HTPC. I have all/most of the components already, here's what I've got so far -

MOBO - Asus Z77 Sabertooth Intel Z77 (Socket 1155) DDR3 Motherboard

CPU - Intel Core i3-3225 3.30GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (55W)

CPU Cooler -BeQuiet Dark Rock Pro 2 CPU Cooler

RAM - Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2x4GB) 1600MHz (CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9)

HDD - 2 x Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache

SSD - Samsung 128GB SSD 840 PRO SATA 6Gb/s

PSU - Cooler Master Silent Pro Modular 2 720w '80 Plus Bronze' Modular Power Supply

Case - Sharkoon Tauron ATX Midi Tower - red


I will definitely be upgrading the CPU to an i5 or i7 at some stage, but I just wanted to get the thing up and running asap and price was a factor for the most part, but I did not scrimp on other not so easily upgradable components.

As you may have guessed I have been aiming to build a fairly quiet HTPC. However, I would like to be able to do some gaming on it as well, which brings me to my question -

What graphics card :

(a) is suitable/compatible with my current CPU + MOBO + PSU?

(b) could be used to achieve the best possible graphics on this machine assuming I upgrade to a better CPU?

(c) same as question (b) but if I upgrade the PSU as well?

I would like to be able to keep the noise level at a minimum but it's not really necessary with the graphics card as I will be wearing a headset when it is most likely to erupt with noise!

Would appreciate any advice, cheers lads.

*Note* I will be outputting to a HDTV.

 

[mickyflinn]

7850 or 650ti boost for gaming at 1920x1080, preferably the 2gb version, whats your budget ?

 

[Freegrazer]

Budget not really a problem, willing to spend more for results

 

[mickyflinn]

It helps to have a budget,so whats your max ?

 

[Freegrazer]

Ok lets say no more than £800

 

[mickyflinn]

Thats massive overkill for full hd, you would need to upgrade your psu as well if you go for top of the range gpu.


Take a look at this it will help you decide.


Best Graphics Cards For The Money: April 2013


http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/gaming-graphics-card-review,review-32671.html

 

[Freegrazer]

I understand that I'd need to upgrade. I just haven't a clue about SLI setups vs single cards.

Okay - £800/£900 for new PSU, and new CPU, and the Graphics card

Let's say :

New PSU - Corsair Professional Series AX1200 High Performance 1200W Modular '80 Plus Gold' Power Supply (CMPSU-1200AXUK) @ £219.99

New CPU - Intel Core i7-3770K 3.50GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - OEM @ £269.99

Total £489.98

So £900 - £489.98 = £410.02 left to spend on Graphics card(s)

I am completely unsure whether a single card or a SLI/CrossFire setup is the way to go. But I would be willing to spend a little more if necessary, so for arguments sake let's just say between £400 and £500 for either a single card or a two card SLI setup.

This is where I need the advice

 

[Drangueos]

I7-3770K and a HD 7950 (msi, his or gigabyte with custom cooler)
Your PSU is enough even if you want to run 2 graphics cards.
Total will be around £500.00 with one graphics card or £750.00 with 2.