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Video Card Advice?

Started by Grim.Reaper, April 27, 2012, 05:46:57 AM

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Grim.Reaper

I apologize if this is the wrong place, but didn't see another forum that would be more appropriate.  I am pondering getting a new video card and was hoping someone could answer a couple of questions I have.  In my quest, I am only looking for an affordable card such as in the price range of $100-$150 or less and I prefer ATI over NVidia.  What confuses me is what specs should I be looking at to know if a good card?  Is having 2GB of GDDR3 memory better than only having 1GB of GDDR5?  Does having 2GB really get you that much more, especially if it is a different memory type?  Is there minumum clock speeds to look at? etc.

I currently own an old HD 3870 and to be honest, I can play most games to an acceptable level, but of course always looking to squeeze out a bit more:)  Therefore, not really looking for any high-end model, just a reasonable upgrade that can last me a few years.

Shelldrake

"Just because something is beyond your comprehension doesn't mean it is scientific."

Dean Edell

LongBlade

No worries - I'll move this to the tech forum.

Migsy might have some good insight. I haven't kept up on desktop GPU tech so I can't speak to your question. One thing I would caution - make sure your power supply is up to the task. I upgraded a video card once and discovered that the 400 watt PSU wasn't enough to make it go.
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

Shelldrake

Radeon 6850 (1 GB GDDR5) available for around $150 will run on a 450W power supply and would be a nice upgrade from your current gpu. In addition to making sure that your power supply is up to the task make sure there is room in your case but I don't expect the 9"" 6850 to be a problem

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-6850-6870-review/1
"Just because something is beyond your comprehension doesn't mean it is scientific."

Dean Edell

DeltaCharlie

Tomshardware is an excellent site.  The link below has always been very helpful for me.  It gives you a fast and easy way to directly compare cards.  Please note that it does not provide feedback for things like stability, noise, heat generation, etc.

http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/high_end_gpus.html

MIGMaster

I think Shell has hit it right on the head. I tend to lean towards Nvidia products, but ATI is defintely in vogue right now with good reason -they have a great line going right now. An option from the other side of the field would be the GeForce GTX Ti 550 or 560. Both of these cards are in the same price range. But to be completely unbiased, I would say go with the ATI card.

Like was mentioned above make sure you have decent power supply and some room in your case for sufficient air flow. I have one older small form factor system that I need to keep open all the time due to the heat generated by a Geforce 8800 GS -which is an old and extremely tame card.

Grim.Reaper

Thanks everyone, I will take a look at all the links....power supply won't be a problem because I believ mine is 700+...I was planning for the future:)   Space shouldn't be an issue either since my current card is one of those old long profile cards and seems most cards are at least smaller than that.

I am considering this one, which I can get for about $129.

Diamond 7750PE51G AMD Radeon HD 7750 1024MB GDDR5 PCIe 3.0 16x Video Card

Grim.Reaper

Also, maybe a dumb question...on my main forum page, I do not see this forum listed as an option and that is why I missed it in the first place....do I have to get some kind of access?  Thanks!

Shelldrake

The 7750 looks good - just don't expect to play any demanding games at high resolution.
If you are interested here is a link to a pretty good review.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/51543-amd-radeon-hd-7770-hd-7750-review.html
"Just because something is beyond your comprehension doesn't mean it is scientific."

Dean Edell

Grim.Reaper

Quote from: Shelldrake on April 27, 2012, 11:29:31 AM
The 7750 looks good - just don't expect to play any demanding games at high resolution.
If you are interested here is a link to a pretty good review.

http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/51543-amd-radeon-hd-7770-hd-7750-review.html

Is the 6850 you mentioned earlier actually better than the 7750...I thought the bigger numbers would mean better and newer:)

Shelldrake

6850 is definitely faster than the 7750. Just have a look at the benchmarks in the review. :)
"Just because something is beyond your comprehension doesn't mean it is scientific."

Dean Edell

Grim.Reaper

Quote from: Shelldrake on April 27, 2012, 12:09:43 PM
6850 is definitely faster than the 7750. Just have a look at the benchmarks in the review. :)

Just saw it and certainly seems good...why can't they make sensible numbers:)

MIGMaster

For God's sake man ! Listen to yourself - if numbers were used in a sensible fashion then anyone would be able to go get a decent video card with very little confusion or falling for deceptive marketing. Can you just imagine what would happen! Soon people would be demanding to know how gas prices worked !  ;)

Grim.Reaper

Quote from: MIGMaster on April 27, 2012, 01:28:44 PM
For God's sake man ! Listen to yourself - if numbers were used in a sensible fashion then anyone would be able to go get a decent video card with very little confusion or falling for deceptive marketing. Can you just imagine what would happen! Soon people would be demanding to know how gas prices worked !  ;)

too funny and very accurate:)  Really likeing what I am readin on the 6850, only slight complaint I have heard is it can be a little loud.

Shelldrake

You can probably use ATI overclocking utility to reduce the fan speed if you are not playing anything too demanding.
"Just because something is beyond your comprehension doesn't mean it is scientific."

Dean Edell