Very cheap temporary graphics card

[jongo1]

I've just finished custom building the desktop below (with a lot of help from you guys, thanks!). Works a treat, but I didn't realise the mobo doesn't have a VGA port, so I'm currently running this rig through my HDTV.

I need a cheap graphics card just to get me by, that has a VGA port, until I can get something better. I wouldn't mind one that can run the latest video games (BF3 etc...) at medium specs, if games are pretty much a no go then that's not a big deal. Thinking of spending £30-40.

Build below:

Midi Keyboard------Akai Pro MPK Mini USB MIDI Keyboard With Drum Pads (collect in store)
Audio Interface----Focusrite Saffire 6 USB Audio Interface (collect in store)
Operating System---MS Windows 7 Home Premium with Service Pack 1, 64-bit (OEM)
Motherboard-------- Asus P8Z68-V LX Motherboard (Socket 1155, DDR3, 2 x PCI Express 2.0 x16, ATX, LucidLogix Virtu)
Hard Drive---------SEAGATE Barracuda 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - 500 GB (ST500DM002)
Memory-------------Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600MHz Low Profile Vengeance Memory Kit CL9 1.5V
CPU----------------Intel Sandybridge i5-2500K Unlocked Core i5 Quad-Core Processor (3.30GHz, 6MB Cache, Socket 1155)
PSU----------------Cooler Master Silent Pro Modular 600W '80 Plus Bronze' Power Supply
Case---------------Cooler Master Elite 430 Windowed Case - Black
DVDRW--------------LiteOn IHAS124-19 24x Internal DVDRW Black Bulk SATA – Software Included
Data Cable---------Wired--Up 1 SATA Power Adapter Cable and 1 SATA Data Cable

Total inc. delivery £746.33


Thanks.

 

[lomez]

2nd hand 5750 or something of similar stamp you may get lucky and get one for around £40 delivered.

 

[cmndr_andi]

+1 on the second-hand 5750. Even a 5770 if you get lucky.

It would also be worth keeping an eye out for GTX 260 or HD 4870 - these perform on a similar level to the HD 5770 but are of the older generation - so use more power and are DX10, not 11 (though tbh at this power level DX11 is going to be hassle than it is worth).

Looking even further down the line, cards like the HD 4850, GTS 250, 9800GT, 8800GT 9800GTX, 9800GTX+ and 8800GTS 512MB are available for very good prices second hand these days and can handle games like Skyrim and BF3 - so long as you are prepared to turn the settings down to low (I can attest to this with a 9800GTX in skyrim and BF3 on a 1920x1200 monitor).

If you are wanting a new card then only low-powered HTPC-type cards (like the HD 5450 and GT 430) are affordable in this price bracket. These cards will do great for playing HD videos and general desktop stuff (plus they don't use much power) but they are not very good for playing modern games.

 

[jongo1]

What would you say a good price for a 2nd hand 5770 is?

I've seen a brand new one (Sapphire 11167-04-20R HD 5570 1GB DDR3), just over my price bracket for about £43.

Seems to good to be true. Obviously they aren't as good spec as some of the pricier £100+ gfx cards but surely still a bargain... right?

 

[lomez]

that does seem a bit too good to be true, even second hand ones go for 60 ish from my observations.

 

[cmndr_andi]

No, not really a bargain- the 5570 is a MUCH slower card than the 5770. It's not really up to playing modern games (this review compares it to a range of cards in many games ). It is basically just a HTPC card and a bit faster than a GT 430. If you are happy with this - then it's not a bad deal. However, if you are prepared to look for second-hand cards then you will be able to get a card 200-300% faster than the 5570 for the same money.

For a second hand 5770 I would be looking to pay no more than £55. The GTX 260 and HD 4870 should cost less than this and offer the same level of performance - but use a bit more power.

 

[jongo1]

Ah, it was a used card, probably still worth getting though, might look in to that.

I found a "Sapphire 11166-02-20R HD 5450 1GB DDR3 PCIE HDMI" at £28, but apparently it's not for gaming what so ever, terrible gfx chip. But how can I even tell that this card is poor without looking at reviews... Going to have to be careful I think.

[EDIT] I've only just realised the 2 products I posted aren't even 5770's

 

[cmndr_andi]

Yea, as I mentioned in my first post the HD 5450 is a low-end HTPC card - it really isn't any good for gaming since the chip has been cut down so much. For reference, you can buy these new for £24. For a temporary card to run windows and videos it is great - but don't expect to be able to play any modern games on it.

Here is a list of cards that are worth considering buying second hand if you want to play modern games on low settings and can be had for on or slightly above your budget:

AMD/ATI:

HD 4770
HD 4830
HD 4850
HD 4870
HD 4890
HD 5750
HD 5770

Nvidia:

8800GT
8800GTS 512MB
9800GT
9800GTX
9800GTX+
GTS 250
GTX 260

As a rule it is generally much better to go for cards that were mid to top-end products in previous generations instead of going for newer low-end cards.

 

[jongo1]

I'll check these cards out, see what meets my needs. Thanks for that.