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new graphics - mid spec pc

sanderse

sanderse

sanderse

Associate
Joined
16 Jan 2012
Posts
301
Hello everyone,

I'm looking to buy a new graphics card to take the place of my awful integrated graphics..
My PC isn't brilliant and I'm not expecting to play the most modern games on great detail levels. Just would
be nice to have a set up that could run games reasonably well.

I've got an intel 946gz mobo, 4gb ram and dual core intel 2.4 cpu. Also I'm aware that I need
to purchase a new PSU 500w + such as an enermax or corsair so my computer doesnt blow up.

So far I'm thinking of a radeon 4850, or 4870.

My question is, will both of these cards run with the specs I have (especially mobo which
is pci-e x16 compatible) And which one would be worth my while considering that I dont play
games at a high res (usually 1024x768 or the one above)

After some research Ive found that the cards performance may be reduced so much by my spec that
it would be pointless getting them. Is this really the case? I can't afford to update my whole pc so am
looking just at the graphics card and psu on this one.

Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks
 
Welcome to the forums :)

As you play at such a low res and have a fairly low end system (no offence), pretty much any cheap card will be fine. Either the 4850 or 4870 will be more than enough :)
 
If your using win7 or vista get something that supports the higher version directx, you might play at low res but there's no reason you can't have the eye candy. the 5770 or 6770 or equivalent will use less power as well and perform in the same ball park as the 4870.

Check reviews of games tested before you buy them, so you know if your CPU will be a problem.
 
Thanks everyone for such prompt replies :)

So it's looking to be a 5770 or a 4870...
Am I right in saying that 4870 = slightly better performance (very small amount)
and that 5770 = much better efficieny + dx11

also would you say that these two cards would be my limit considering my specs? (I know its faily low end + no offence taken!)

vista
4gb
intel core 2 duo 2.2
200gb hdd

thanks for the comments guys
 
I would go with the 5770:

1. I doubt you will ever notice the slight performance hit at your resolution.

2. If you upgrade your current system at some point to win7/8 you will be able play dx11 games

3. Even if you upgrade your whole system the card is still good at a reasonable res (2 above.)
 
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hehe no worries :)

One other thing, I know it's not directly about graphics but considering my
specs and a radeon 5770 would a 400w psu be enough?
 
Just opened up my pc to have a look. Am a bit worried about the size of a 5770 fitting in to my pci x16 slot. There are two metal parts attached to the motherboard that I'm concerned might stop me from putting a 'dual slot' size card in. Will this be the case? As you all probably know the pcix16 slot is the red one and apologies for the rubbish photograph (was taken on a phone)

thanks for your patience with mr super noob

http://imageshack.us/f/830/img00572201201181936.jpg/
 
Thanks Almight, due to lack of budget I'm wondering whether or not to purchase from ebay or wait a few months until I can check out the members market when I have enough posts.
 
sanderse said:
Thanks Almight, due to lack of budget I'm wondering whether or not to purchase from ebay or wait a few months until I can check out the members market when I have enough posts.
Click to expand...

Well get posting, thats one way to source the card. Also check CEX and Gumtree. I have never been keen on the bay for components. I do prefer new and Overclockers do the 6770 for £89 with full warranty, same card really, how does that card look to you.

Whats your budget?

Edit:

Just looked and there is a this week only xfx 6770 for £75 Here, thats a good price for the performance.

Either way they will still be cheapish when you have the funds.
 
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budget will be around £60-70 although ideally cheaper if I could get a decent one second hand. Thanks for the links to the review and psu calculator. At the moment my psu is a stock 250w. Looking to upgrade to a 400/500w for the new graphics card. After much research it seems it's really important to make sure the PSU is a good brand regardless of its wattage. Brands such as corsair and enermax are in my sights regarding psu, however if I purchase one of these it will cost me roughly the same as the graphics card. Do you have any suggestions on this? I mean are there any cheaper brands that provide safe and stable PSU's or would it be worth picking up a second hand enermax/corsair. Again, limited budget :(
 
You have many psu options, check the psu calculator. If it was me and I needed the cheapest option I would think about something like This and This. With a 5770 In your system you would be looking at 250w at full load roughly. If you do a full system upgrade at a later date you might have to change the 350w psu.

Whatever you decide check reviews of the psu you want to buy and know what cables are attached to the unit. The above are just examples of what's on offer cheapish.
 
Brilliant, thanks spain. Really appreciate your help. The cooler master 450w looks like a great choice. Searched some reviews and have found nothing but good ones. Out of interest though, do you know why the antec and cooler master are the same price considering one is 450w and one is 350? Is the antec slightly better quality?
 
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