What graphics card to buy...

[pcspecialist]

I have a slight problem. I want to buy a graphics card because mine is..well..i sucks. I have an FX5500 OC. It lags on lots of games. I want a card that won't lag on games. I was thinking abouit buying the Nvidia 6800, but I don't know now. It's a little pricey. I have 250 dollars. I also have a 250 watt power supply (stupid HP...came with it). I was also thinking abou buying a new case because they come with a power supply, plus, I don't like the case I have right now. Another problem is that I've never put a computer together, just change parts. Can someone help me decide what to get. Also, is it hard building a computer..like...transfering ALL of the parts from one computer to the other (except for the power supply.)

 

[KorKwin]

Well first before you upgrade your graphics, you will need a better power supply. The power supplys that come with cases usually suck, but they can run your computer (if it's not too demanding). I'd recommend a power supply from Antec or Thermaltake.

Just about any case would do you good, so I'd go for one that you like.

As for the video card, I'd recommend a 6800gt which runs around $310+.

 

[haGGard]

Firstly, you dont really want a PSU that comes with a case, they're usually cheap and nasty. Buy one seperatly. Thermaltake make decent PSUs for around $60 i believe? Second, its pretty easy to transfer all the componants from one case to another. I did it for my first time like you about 4 months back. Just remember where things are plugged in! If it helps, draw diagrams/take photos. Lastly, dont bother with a 6800. Get the 6800GT. Though if thats too expensive get the 6600GT for best performance for you money.

 

[DoomUK]

As the new generation of desktop video cards are emerging (GeForce 7 is available, ATI's R520 is due out later this year), current top-of-the-line cards (i.e GeForce 6800 GT/Ultra and Radeon X8** XT/PE) are likely to plummet in price soon, in fact there's already been some great one-off offers on the 6800 GT here and there. Keep an eye out.

Otherwise, the GeForce 6600 GT is a great 'budget' card, that'll be a huge improvement on an FX5500.

 

[Dan DeVille]

Get a 6600GT.

 

[pcspecialist]

Hey, thanks for the responces guys. Like I said, I can only spend about $250.00. Plus, I believe my motherboard is a micro-atx, so I would need to have a Mirco-ATX case, correct? (I buy things off of newegg, and they charge tax because I live in New Jersey.) So, yeah. 250 is the limit. I know it's not a lot, but that's all I got. I could always sell my 5500, but I don't think anyone would want it. LoL. So, about the case, do I need to get a Mirco-ATX because my motherboard is a Micro ATX.

 

[grego]

Hey guys, I think he was telling us he has $250 for a reason...


Here is what you can do.

I recommend this power supply:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153006

With one of these videocards:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130220

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814122206

That falls well within your budget. If you go with the first video card you will have plenty left over to buy a cheap case. If you don't need a new case, you can put a little more into the psu. Hope this helps. Any questions, ask.

 

[grego]

Oh yea. Those 6600GT video cards that I linked you are the absolute best bang for your buck cards at the moment. They handle even the most demanding games (Doom III, etc), though not at high settings like the 6800GT. They deliver solid performance.

 

[grego]

A few more questions. You have an AGP slot correct? Also, can your PSU be taken out of your case? Nevermind the psu I recommended if you have a MircoATX case. What size is your current case?

If your psu can be taken out, I recommend just keeping the same case and replacing the PSU. Now the question is whether you need a microATX psu or normal ATX psu. I'm not sure on the compatibility between those psu/case/mobo combos.

 

[PC Man Brian]

Speaking of video cards. Does anyone reccommend anything for a price range around $150-200?