Graphics Card

[ncantara]

I'm looking for a high end graphics card that can play most new games at max extreme performance settings and need some help determining which ones are really good. I'm only looking to spend between $200-$300 if possible. I have a 1 GB graphics card now that cost me $40 but it can't run games at max settings without some sort of lag. Any help would be appreciated, thanks. I'm also running 8 GB of DDR2 memory and a quad core processor.

 

[patonb]

Most importantly, how big is your power supply? Watts and Amps

Memory size is nly useful for screen size.

 

[ncantara]

I believe I have a 400W or 450W power supply. I can always upgrade that if need be as they are not too expensive.

 

[b1gapl]

Speaking of screen size, what resolution do you normally play your games at? As that will also determine your graphic card options.

 

[ncantara]

Running my monitor at max settings, so 1920 x 1080 I believe. I'm not home to check, but it is around there. Maybe I should try reducing the resolution when gaming?

 

[Roark]

Really depends what games you're looking to max, but I think <$300 your best bet is a 6950.

XFX 6950
+
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W
= $345 - $10 promo on PSU - $55 in rebates = $280.

 

[ncantara]

I was looking at the 6870 model to save a little bit of money, what do you think?

Newegg.com - ASUS EAH6870 DC/2DI2S/1GD5 Radeon HD 6870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card with Eyefinity

 

[Druid]

It'll max most games. Not like bf3 or anything that comes out in the future that isn't chopped down due to consoles, which most games are.

 

[Roark]

You will probably still need a new power supply.
From the AMD website:

500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended