Replacement Graphics Card for an Ageing System

[northenstar]

Hello all,

I plan to replace my PC from scratch, but not until at least February next year, funds allowing

In the meantime my Graphics Card (GeForce 8800 GTX) has broken for a second time, with very little hope of the "baking" trick working again - so I need a replacement asap to fit my existing PC (which is 4 years old).

It is an:

Intel Core Duo E6600 (OC'd)
EVGA nforce 680i EVGA 122-CK-NF68 Motherboard
OCZ Fatal1ty 550w PSU
Has a decent Case, and Cooling

I am very out of date with graphics cards that maybe suitable for a replacement, even having spent several frustrating hours on the internet last night and getting confused with 460GTX's, 6770, and refurbished 9800's from OC'ers.

I play WoW, and will be playing SWTOR (my old 8800GTX handled the graphics nicely on Beta).

My budget is about £100 - looking for best bang for the buck, and compatibility with my old PC - hopefully on a par with the graphical performance of the 8800GTX. The card will not be "wasted" when I do eventually buy my new PC, as the old one will be used by my kids. I only have a budget for the card (not motherboard etc) at this time.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and received

 

[Idleman]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-131-MS&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1576

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-265-AS&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1576

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/productlist.php?groupid=701&catid=1914&subid=1830

Anyone of these would be an improvement, the 460 is the cheapest price i`ve found online and the one i would choose on your budget, if you can stretch another £20.

 

[northenstar]

Thanks for the reply, really liking the look of the 550 - don't mind if it's a little bottle-necked; just need to make sure it is compatible before I spend my cash.

 

[TheMorningStar]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-174-OK&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1866

I think the 6850 is a bit better than the 550ti 5-10% maybe dependent on game. Dead on your budget also.

 

[arc@css]

Try to aim just a little higher than the 550ti. Btw, you mention your cpu is overclocked, but what to?

 

[deuse]

Get a second hand GTX 295...it's still a awesome card.

 

[northenstar]

Thanks for all the replies - going to take a look at that 6850.

Processor is 6600 @2.4 OC'd to 2.93.

 

[TheMorningStar]

toms hardware is usually a good place for gfx card comparison

 

[oweneades]

Get a second hand GTX 295...it's still a awesome card.

On a 550w PSU that is four years old?

I would just get the OCUK (read Powercolor) HD6850 for £100 or if you want to stretch your budget a little there are HD6870's available for a little over £120 (can't say from where).

On that system though I would stick with the HD6850.

 

[northenstar]

Thanks again for the replies; the original PSU was replaced Summer 2010 to the listed OCZ (sorry if that was not clear).

Baking the 8800GTX has worked for a second time (for now!!!!) - going to grab the 6850 for standby.