Suggest a cheap replacement

[TheDiceman]

So my 3870 is getting ready to die; the other day I had to reboot a few times before it pumped out any video and this morning it kept trying and failing on startup over and over off a single boot although I eventually got it running. What would be a cheap card of comparable performance I could shove in my rig to keep it going? I do not want to get anything really nice because I plan on building completely fresh with my tax returns next year and just need this rig to last me until then.

 

[james.wired]

Maybe a 4650 to last you?

Newegg.com - POWERCOLOR AX4650 512MD2-LHV2 Radeon HD 4650 512MB 64-bit DDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

$44.99 w/ free shipping.

 

[farinha]

Why don't you buy a good GPU so you can use it on your future build? Like a 5850 or 5870? Of course you're PSU must have enough juice to support it.

 

[james.wired]

^ I'm sure that he will do both of those things with his tax return when he gets it. But for now he needs something to hold him over until he has enough money for all that.

 

[TheDiceman]

Why don't you buy a good GPU so you can use it on your future build? Like a 5850 or 5870? Of course you're PSU must have enough juice to support it.

Because I still want a working GPU in this computer since I am going to keep it up and running as a secondary system after I get the new rig.

 

[Trotter]

The 4650 is a pretty good sized step backwards. The 4670 is still a step back, but not as far ($65). The 4770 would be a step forward ($110), and the 4850 would be a bit better ($120).

Go with whatever your budget will allow.

 

[james.wired]

Silly me going by numbers. Fail.

 

[newbiebuilderguy]

Here it is!! Newegg.com - PNY XLR8 VCG98GTEE1XEB GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards



Or , if you can find a used 4830 or 4850, they are very good. I've seen 'em for $40-$60

 

[TheDiceman]

At that price the 9800 is the best for my buck I have seen thus far. Going to scout for some used ones tonight, a cheap 4830 would be perfect for my immediate needs.