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Upgrade from X1800XT

Tigjaw

Tigjaw

Tigjaw

Associate
Joined
6 Oct 2005
Posts
669
Location
West Midlands
Hi guys,
Been looking for a graphics card upgrade, my X1800XT is slowly beginning to show its age.
I'd really appreciate any suggestions, my current system is in my sig. X-fire isn't an option with this mobo of course.

Just in case it is significant to know; I'm running Windows 7 x64, I know some of the ATI 5*** cards have some issues with Windows 7.

I don't really fancy spending above £150 unless the difference is going to smack me in the face. Although I could afford more I'd really appreciate a bargain primarily because I could now build my computer (bar the HDD) for less than £550 so to spend that much, half of that, or even a third may be a bit silly.

I've had a look at the Sapphire 5770 which has tempted me.

My PSU is Enermax Liberty-620W (model ELT620AWT).

Thanks in advance,
Regards,
Tig
 
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You will see easily double performance from a second hand 8800 series card/4850/47870/

You will be slightly cpu limited from anything faster imo.
 
I would get the 57xx series.

Notable mention to 48xx series too. However 57xx is more future proof being DX11 compliant.

5770 would be my choice!

Edit: He might a "bit" CPU limited but it doesnt matter, being CPU limited means you can turn AA on for "free". What res will you be gaming? 57xx is very similar to 48xx performance wise, they just offer more features and DX11 compliance.
 
Sorry forgot to mention that..
res is 1680 x 1050.

I'd also like a quiet graphics card if possible. It's crazy that my processor only came out three years ago and I'm already CPU limited! :)
 
Tigjaw said:
Sorry forgot to mention that..
res is 1680 x 1050.

I'd also like a quiet graphics card if possible. It's crazy that my processor only came out three years ago and I'm already CPU limited! :)
Click to expand...
anything £150 pounds you would see huge gains.

The 5850 if u can get one would be a HUGE jump. Its around £220 i think right now.
 
Tigjaw said:
Sorry forgot to mention that..
res is 1680 x 1050.

I'd also like a quiet graphics card if possible. It's crazy that my processor only came out three years ago and I'm already CPU limited! :)
Click to expand...

To be honest you wont be that CPU limited. If you can stretch your processor to 3.2GHz and above you should be fine. Its the fact that its a dual core that its going/started to make your processor "old".

Don't worry about it too much though, you should be fine for now!
 
Tigjaw said:
Sorry forgot to mention that..
res is 1680 x 1050.

I'd also like a quiet graphics card if possible. It's crazy that my processor only came out three years ago and I'm already CPU limited! :)
Click to expand...

I bet your poor old x1800XT is making a racket if you're running at that res, it was never particularly quiet when I had one gaming at 1024x768 :eek: I would definitely recommend the 5770, you'll see a massive performance increase, they don't use a great deal of power considering their performance, they're quiet (even quieter than the 5850 and I can't even hear mine!), you get DX11 etc etc.
 
El Jimben said:
I bet your poor old x1800XT is making a racket if you're running at that res, it was never particularly quiet when I had one gaming at 1024x768 :eek: I would definitely recommend the 5770, you'll see a massive performance increase, they don't use a great deal of power considering their performance, they're quiet (even quieter than the 5850 and I can't even hear mine!), you get DX11 etc etc.
Click to expand...

Ah no I got rid of that train chug of a stock fan a long time ago! :) I put a zalman on it and it's been completely mute ever since. X1800XT has served me well and that zalman was an amazing investment.

Just a small note, it's my birthday on wednesday (no that's not a hint! hehe) which means - this just in - that I've got £70 that I could put toward my card if required. Does this change anything?

Now I could theoretically get a 5770 for £50 or a 5850 for £150. I'm still leaning toward the 5770 especially considering I'm a fan of Sapphire and the Sapphire 5770 is on this weeks offer (but not for much longer!!).
 
5850 is great but you are going to wait until availability improves. 5770 are more readily available.

With 5850 you might start hitting CPU limits harder too. Its quite a strong card.
 
Thanks gang, I've taken the plunge and ordered the Sapphire 5770 for my part-birthday present. :)

Very much appreciate the swift replies here.
 
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