GPU upgrade?

[sjm80]

My system:

Intel E4500 2.2ghz (OC@3ghz) /w ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro
4gb G.SKILL 4GB (4 x 1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L
EVGA GeForce 8800 GT Superclocked
CORSAIR CMPSU-550VX 550W
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
LCD native 1920x1080

I have a $200 budget. I was planning on buying a new CPU first but more people are telling me GPU would be a better upgrade. Is there a card in that range that would be worth the money? Would I be ok with current psu also?

 

[gkay09]

^ For that resolution, the GPU upgrade would be better...But I would suggest you to wait for some time and get the HD 5850(Cost ~$250) because it is a better upgrade to say - HD 4890(~$200) And you would get a good deal during Christmas too...

And you will have no issues with your PSU - It can handle any single-chip graphic cards out there (Even the GTX 285/ HD 5870)

 

[Jaysin]

Holding out for a 5850 would be a wise move though you will obviously need more money or wait for a price drop.

A CPU upgrade would be nice but the GPU, with that overclock, would be the smarter of the two choices.

 

[alikum]

Since your motherboard does not allow crossfire at x8/x8 or dual x16, go with what they say. However, if you plan on using the rig for a year and then changing it entirely, you can always consider 5770.

 

[hallowed_dragon]

Hands down for 5850.
-DX11 capability.
-Reasonable price.
-Perfect performance at 1920x1080.
-Low power consumption
-Single card.

 

[1ce]

+1 5850

 

[sjm80]

hmm. Even though that's only $50 more I really intended to stay under $200 (total). I'm also buying a Laptop and already going a bit over on that.

Is the 5850 considerably better than the 4890?

Would the prices really decrease around x-mas? I bought the 8800gt just as they came out and i felt lucky since the price only seemed to increase as time went on.

 

[gkay09]

^ Yes the HD 5850 is considerably better than the 4890...
As for the price decrease, most probably yes...it would decrease because by end of year, Nvidia might launch newer GPUs, so ATI would reduce the price and by then availablity would also become better...

 

[witcherx]

+1 5850
DIRECTX 10 VS DIRECTX 11, see the differance for your self.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR40GwRtFyw