Graphics Card Decision

[raindrops]

Hey, this is my first post here, and i've recently just been learning about the world of computing hardware and upgrading and have done over 20+ hours of research in the last couple of days. So i just found this community and you all looked like nice people. Well anyway, i need help


On Deciding what Graphics Card to get. I have $100-$200 to spend as a budget, and looking to get the highest card to last me for a while. Also some tips on how to choose the best card for me would help greatly, thanks

I play the latest games on my computer such as COD6 and Mass Effect 2, Assassin's Creed II, things that require higher than what my PC could handle.

Computer Setup:
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 3800+
2.01 GHz (Socket 939)

2GB of RAM

Graphics Card: Nvidia 6800 GS

Motherboard: Asus A8N-E(Regular)

550W (PSU)Power Supply Unit



To anyone that responds, thank you.
Matt-

 

[anonymousdude]

First what is the resolution of you monitor? Second what is the exact model of your PSU? For $100-$200 I would get a 5770, but it would be severely bottlenecked by you processor.

 

[raindrops]

My monitor is 1280x1024,

Psu = TP2-550EPS12V

Oh, and after upgrading my video card i plan on upgrading my processor shortly after when i get the money.

thanks for the quick reply.

 

[anonymousdude]

Currently you'll need something like a 4670 or something that performs similarly. A 5750 or so will serve you at that resolution for quite a while, but it will be bottlenecked by your CPU. Also you may want to consider adding 2GB of RAM to you system. I personally think that you'd be better off saving money for a new comp.

 

[marco324]

look for deals on a 4890 our 4870 check

http://www.fatwallet.com/top-deals/

http://forums.anandtech.com/forumdisplay.php?f=16

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2056111

 

[ronenur]

this one shuld be good but it has no support of DX11: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127464&cm_re=gtx_260-_-14-127-464-_-Product

if you plan to upgrade your display to a 22", you should go on this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161317&cm_re=5770-_-14-161-317-_-Product

 

[anonymousdude]

Don't get a gtx 260. It is overpriced and is equaled or outperformed by cards cheaper than it. The 5770 and gtx 260 perform very similarly so it is not worth it to pay extra for less features and performance,

 

[RetiredChief]

For your info
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2569.html

 

[raindrops]

Thanks for all the info guys, are there any other suggestions on video cards? i probably should have mentioned in the original post that im slowly upgrading my computers parts instead of buying an entire new PC, i just feel like i would be throwing away money on things i dont need like a new casing and such, also i plan to upgrade the card first, then the processor, then the ram, than if needed the PSU, or possibly the psu after the card because of the extra components i will be inserting into the system.

And thanks anonymousdude, i was looking at the 5770 before so i most likely will go for that