Choosing a video card

[dave929]

I'm customizing a Dell XPS 630 for gaming purposes, but I'm having difficulties deciding on the video card.
My options are:

■SLI™, Dual NVIDIA® GeForce® GTS 240, 2048MB
■CrossFireX, Dual ATI Radeon HD 4850 512MB (add $100)
■ATI Radeon HD 4870 1024MB
■CrossFireX, Dual ATI Radeon HD 4870 1024MB (add $300)

I'm on a pretty tight budget, I'm willing to pay $100 more for the dual 4850, but the last one is out of the question unless I hear some really convincing arguments for it.

Personally I'm leaning toward the ATI Radeon HD 4870 because of the cost and, from what I've read, the better stability of using a single graphics card.

Also if it helps, I'll be on a 22" monitor with a maximum resolution of 1680 x 1050.

 

[darkvine]

You will save money with buying the cards yourself. 2 4870's are only around 280 dollars.

I think you really only want one at 1680 res though so it would be $140.

If you really want to go with one installed by Dell though I would still say 4870.

 

[megamanx00]

Building the computer yourself would be the best option, but since you really seam to want to buy a Dell anyway.....

The dual 4850 512MB setup is generally a better option but as games consume more and more vRam soon 512MB will hinder such a setup so going with a 4870 1GB now would be a good option. Also you can just add another 4870 1GB down the road for even more performance. As it is another 4870 1GB would only cost you $145 so it makes sense to add the second card yourself and not have to pay that insane $300 "upgrade" price.

 

[Leafy]

Personally, It hurts to hear the prices of the "add". I will be answering your question,
Instead of the usual " HEY NOOB BUILD IT ITS CHEAPER"
It's a rude remark as it doens't answer your question, but true that it does benefit building.
Anyways, Gts 240 2048mb you say? What the hell is a gts 240? Well googling it real fast i think it was discontinued, i know of the gts 250 tho.
You also say tight budget, but willing to pay 100$ MORE is not a tight budget anymore by the way, tight is $20-30.
Depending on the games you play, is what you'd want. personally i game, but i don't see the reason to dual.
Well if you wan't go for the 4870 then, it's awesome performance at a great value. cheaper then the gtx 260

 

[dave929]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'm gonna pick up the 4870 and maybe add another one in myself later down the road.