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Which graphics card?

M.Bowker

M.Bowker

M.Bowker

Associate
Joined
15 Nov 2008
Posts
13
First of all let me apologise for posting what I'm sure is a very common question, but I really am a total pc ignoramus and need help.

I think I need a new graphics card. I like to play games such as Oblivion, CoD4 and (soon!) Left4Dead. My system can handle all of these games but only has good performance on their lowest settings and I would like them to be pretty :P
My specs (I am not totally sure what is necessary, so I will just give you everything I can):-

Main Board Make: ASUSTek Computer INC.
Main Board Model: LEUCITE3
Main Board Version: 2.00
Main Board: BIOS Phoenix Technologies, LTD Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG HP-CPC - 42302e31 20060915
Processor Description: Intel Pentium D
Number of Processors: 2
Processor Clock Speed: 3000 Mhz
Graphics Description: NVIDIA GeForce 7500 LE
Memory Installed: 2048 MBs
Memory Slots: 4 slots
Memory Configuration: 1024+1024;DIMM Synchronous

I think what is letting me down is my graphics card, although I think that my soundcard is nothing special (perhaps Realtek High Definition Audio). I would expect to spend £150-200 on a new card but if the bennefits were great enough I could go higher. Any advice greatly appreciated, as is any general wisdom so that I dont have to bother anyone next time.

Thank you very much, and please be gentle :P
Mark
 
Thanks. So are these just enough to make my system acceptable, or would you say that there is absolutely no point in getting anything more expensive?
 
i'm saying that there's no point in getting something more expensive as the rest of your system will hold it back.

I recommend the 8800GT...also, at which resolution do you game?
 
Ah I see. Well I have a widescreen but have never been able to use it to its full potential:
Monitor Model SyncMaster 206BW(Digital)
Monitor Resolution 1680 x 1050 pixels
Monitor Screen Size 16.8 x 10.5 inches
19.8 inches (diagonal)

Does this change your recomendation?
 
M.Bowker said:
Ah I see. Well I have a widescreen but have never been able to use it to its full potential:
Monitor Model SyncMaster 206BW(Digital)
Monitor Resolution 1680 x 1050 pixels
Monitor Screen Size 16.8 x 10.5 inches
19.8 inches (diagonal)

Does this change your recomendation?
Click to expand...

Gurusan's recommendation of a 512mb 8800GT is perfect for that resolution. It will be an exponential upgrade over what you have.

However, bear in mind this card needs external power. A Radeon 4670 might be a better choice.
 
Thanks guys. reflux, when you say "external power" do you mean that i will need to plug one of the little white plugs dangling inside my computer into it? If so, why is that a problem?
Gurusan, I am not really sure what AA and AF settings are (sorry!) but I would spend the extra £15 or so if its worth it.

Thanks a lot guys.
 
External power meaning the gfx card needs additional power from a connector

It needs a connector like the one on the left, but if you dont have it you can get an adapter like one on the right.

pcie6.jpg
 
Ah ok. Yes my computer has only the white plugs such as on the right. So the card wouldnt come with an adapter? If not, where could I get one?
 
At 1650 x 1050 it might be an idea to get a 8800 GTX if your on a tighter budget, if you stretch to a 9800 GTX + (the + bit is the model, if you do go for one get the 9800 + over the 9800 plain) it would give you great performance
 
Again, thanks to old and new posters.

So any thoughts on the 9800 GTX+? Gurusan thought anything more than the 8800 GT would be wasted on my system and reflux seemed to agree.
Also, it looks like there are a few makes of card with the same name (e.g. EVGA and Gainward), is there any real difference between them or do they give the same result?
 
So I posted the same question on pcformat forum and their main concern was my PSU wattage, which it turns out is 300W max. They were recommending a minimun of 500 for the best cards. What can my system handle with that in mind?

I really appreciate all of your advice, especially given that this forum is pounded by self-indulgent questions like this all the time.
 
Sounds like a 4670 then mate. Is your PC a pre-built...do you know what model the PSU is? Some low-rated PSUs such as Dell or Shuttle actually punch quite a bit above their weight.
 
M.Bowker said:
Ah I see. Well I have a widescreen but have never been able to use it to its full potential:
Monitor Model SyncMaster 206BW(Digital)
Monitor Resolution 1680 x 1050 pixels
Monitor Screen Size 16.8 x 10.5 inches
19.8 inches (diagonal)

Does this change your recomendation?
Click to expand...

You should be playing at 1680x1050 on that, 800x600 must really look bad, its not even the right ratio!
 
Actually I dont think it looks too bad - things arent noticably fat, i think.
Yes my PC is prebuilt and I think my PSU is HIPRO. I would be willing to get a new PSU if that is not too expensive and the switch its a simple matter of screws and plugs.
Other than that I would still really like to hear more thoughts on 9800 GTX+ vs. 8800 GT on my system. Of course if there is nothing I can do about my PSU/no point maybe I should just go for the 4670.
 
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