Graphix Card

Hi, I plan to upgrade my computer for gaming and my problem is the graphics card

Right now I am running

Windows 7 (64bit)
CPU = Athlon II X4 640
GFX = GeForce 9100
RAM = 6GB

If you need any more specs just ask (Cause I have no idea)

So basically I want to get a new graphics card and I have no idea what is compatible. I am shooting for either something better than
- GeForce GT 240
- Radeon HD 5570 512MB

Im planning on spending around $75-$100 and trying to get the best, compatible, affordable graphics card (Planning on playing Shogun 2 hehehe)

EDIT: There is the power supply I think, if you think you need more (like a clearer picture) just ask ~ Also I have no idea what any of that means

Thank you in advance

HD 5770 for $100 after rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161338

GTS 450 for a few $ cheaper:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162062

Either one will spank the two that you mentioned. The 5570 should not be considered for any semi serious gaming, as it's intended for media centers and office computers, not gamers. The 240 is quite a bit better, but is still entry level and 2 generations old now.

One thing you will need to check into, is you Power Supply. You can take of the side panel of your computer and it will be the box with all the wires coming out of it, either in the top left or bottom left corner in most cases. It should have a sticker with info on the side of it... post everything it says here.... or take a picture and put that here.

This hd4850 is also pretty nice

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-482-_-Product

$59.99 after rebate

I'd get a 5770 or 768MB 460 (note it needs 2x 6 pin plugs) if you can scrape together a few more dollars and and take a rebate. The 450 is ok too but the 5770 @ $100 is a better deal. 56xx, 55xx, 440, 430, 240...all of those are not suitable for current gaming.

A HD4870 is pretty fast (roughly HD5770 levels) if your budget is tight and you find one second hand or in the bargain section (wouldn't spend more than $60 on one though). It's not DX11 though, takes more juice, louder.

Failing that, a HD5770, or the GTX460.

to put this into perspective, a HD5770 / GTX460 is about on level terms with a HD5870 mobile chip, the stuff you find in gaming laptops.

UPDATE power supply picture is up

I'm looking at the 5770. But I'm not sure at all if my power supply can handle it

Thank you

Well my friend, I'm afraid you are in trouble with that Power Supply. It's very low end at best. To get any kind of gaming graphics card you are going to need a new power supply to run it.

What is the make/model of your computer btw? I just want to make sure it isn't a Dell Slimline or some other abomination that uses proprietary parts or all low profile parts...

*I'll post in a few with some options for you*

___________________________________

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817153113

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131381

After Rebate and Shipping that combo will have you within a couple $ of your budget. It's not as good as a 5770 but it's a little better than the 240 and way better than the 5570. Unless you happen across a really good sale you won't do a whole lot better than that if you need to replace your power supply and video card both.

If you can go $5-10 over budget the following is a better video card all the way around.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...20110325083844

I wouldn't touch that Thermaltake, the TR2's aren't good. The Antec EA-500D is only around $5 more and much better. The Rosewill RG-530 and OCZ Stealthxstream II 500w are other good options. I would go for the Antec though, as the build quality is solid.

Before you can even consider upgrading your video card, you are going to need to update your power supply - 268Watts (max) is just not enough. I really don't think you PSU can handle anything more than what you already have and still function.

newegg is your friend, look for a 500W PSU or better, then look for a new video card.

I'll agree that the Antec and the OCZ are better, however they are $15 more not $5.... if you count rebates and promo codes anyways. If you can swing the extra cash then by all means get one of those instead. I can't recommend the Rosewill as long as it's in the same price range as the other two (actually a little more at the moment).

Thank you guys much so far - you've been very helpful

Just ordered the Antec Earthwatts

Will probably get the $60 radeon

King, push for this card if you can:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16814131330R

It's open box and Powercolor... but it's way better than what you've selected.

Or this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...2E16814121393R

I usually ignore rebates... but if you wanna count rebates then the Corsair CX500 is better than a TR2 (although still not great) and $40 AR.

At $60 the 4850 is a pretty decent deal for the money (little slower and less efficient than a 5770), but I would strongly advise against getting a non-reference XFX card (what that is). They are known for cost cutting on what you might call end of life cards, like this 4850 where they just make it as cheaply as possibly. In fact if you look at the first review on newegg it indicates they used mobility 4850 chips.

If you're in that much of a cash crunch look around on tech forum classifieds for a used 9800GTX / GTS 250 (same card) or 4770 which shouldn't be tough to find around $60.

4850 for $60 and 5770 for $100 both sound like excellent deals.