Upgrade Recommendations

[++MadMatt++]

I am currently running a x1950xt his graphics card (don't laugh) I have had this since I built my computer 3-4 years ago. I would like to upgrade, as it is now starting to fail (graphics are all weird etc).

I love HIS products as it was a very quiet unit, and lasted pretty well, can anyone recommend a reasonable upgrade?

I had a look at the Sapphire 5850 Toxic, but that's so expensive, so I can't justify that. Im looking for a mid to high end card...

Thanks.

 

[Sukh]

5770?

 

[Alex74]

another vote for the 5770. Can you post the rest of your rig though?

Also, I've used all HIS cards with ATi only concern i'd have with getting one of theirs is i dont -think- they have the best warranty offerent at the moment.

Also I've never had much luck with HIS Support..

 

[++MadMatt++]

Thanks for the quick response...

Machine Specs -

Asus P5B Deluxe Wifi-AP MB
Enermax Infiniti 720
4 GB DDR2 Patriot PC2-6400
Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 running at 3.4GHZ
3 x 1gb WD hard drives
and the HIS x1950xt

I have just been looking at the HIS HD 5850 iCooler V Turbo 1GB GDDR5, that looks pretty good! Any thoughts on that?

 

[Alex74]

If you're really keen on the 'Turbo' mode and the cooler, then fair enough..

However, I'd edge towards that ASUS myself: 3 year warranty (2 for the HIS), if you're that keen on overclocks, then the ASUS will be great and the 'turbo' on the HIS just wont get to where you'd want to take it Also it's cheaper

 

[++MadMatt++]

The reason I love the HIS is the massive heatsink and fan arrangement, and the amount of overclock you can get out of it. What Asus do you recommend then Alex?

 

[Alex74]

Well, if the cooling and quietness is important to you, then the ASUS DirectCU would probably be the way to go. Also it's the one in stock

Would be wary also that your 6600 is now the weak part of your rig, so you probably wont need to bother overclocking the 5850 until you get something with a bit more power behind it

 

[++MadMatt++]

Thanks Alex for the information Will need to do a complete overhaul soon, when funds allow. But for the time being a new graphics card is what i need, I will have a look at ASUS DirectCU now.

Many Thanks!

 

[Alex74]

No worries mate, enjoy the enormous boost moving from the x1950

 

[jorzeh]

Biggest question is what res do you play at.
Honestly tho 5770 will serve most peoples needs.

 

[Sukh]

Maybe pick up a Q6600 from MM as well?

 

[++MadMatt++]

I'm running MW2 @ 1440 x 900 res.

And would it be worth buying a Q6600 when I could just go straight to an i9 with new mobo etc?

And who's MM?

 

[Alex74]

Actually at that resolution a 5770 would be more than enough power, for MW2 at least..

As for your first question, what are you thinking with regards to the long term upgrade? You'd need more than just an i9 and new motherboard. New RAM, probably new monitor for lovely nice high res, and something certianly more powerful than a 5770 would be natural.

MM is the Members Market, will be unlocked when you hit 150 posts IIRC. If you look in the FAQ all the info is there.

 

[++MadMatt++]

Thanks Alex

I'm not really sure for the long term upgrade, but I do know when funds allow I will be doing a ton of research and seeing what you guys think before purchasing. I'm fully aware that I will also require new ram etc, that goes without saying.

Thanks for the info about Members Market, I'm a bit of a newb to these forums, but I live and breathe computers. It's just good to get people's opinions on things, as graphics cards i'm not really up on.

Thanks again!

 

[Sukh]

If you can get a Q6600 for £80 then OC it to 3.4-3.6 you will be happy days for a few years imo.

 

[++MadMatt++]

Ok thanks Sukh, I have always heard good things about the Q6600 since it's release. So I am fairly tempted, and I wouldnt have to upgrade my mobo either, which would save a bit of cash. I think I will have to look on the well know auction site, for a good price.