Need a card <$200 for 2 Screens, Gaming & some AutoCAD

[hasky620]

Hi, I am currently looking to build my first computer for when I go off to college. I want 2 screens and the computer will be mostly for gaming (EX. Boarderlands 2, Skyrim, Diablo III). I'm going to be an engineer and it would be nice if it could handle some light AutoCAD or Inventor work with small assemblies with <10 components. I want to get the card for under $200 if possible, I'm out of my depth right now any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks

Other components
Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor
Mushkin Blackline 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3-1600
2x Seagate Momentus XT 750GB 2.5" 7200RPM Internal Hybrid Hard Drive

Also,Is it true that I have to use GeForce because I'm going with an intel?

 

[cookybiscuit]

Also,Is it true that I have to use GeForce because I'm going with an intel?

Pile of crap. Also Nvidia surround is 3 monitor minimum.

 

[Grim187]

no you dont have to use nvidia geforce with intel.

i use geforce with amd.

and would suggest a Radeon HD 7850 2GB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131473&nm_mc=KNC-GoogleAdwords&cm_mmc=KNC-GoogleAdwords-_-pla-_-Desktop+Graphics+Cards-_-N82E16814131473&gclid=CIT0kcvq37UCFWbZQgod2xwAhg

or if you had to have a nvidia then you would be best with a 650 ti 2gb

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500277&nm_mc=OTC-FroogleNEW&cm_mmc=OTC-FroogleNEW-_-Video+Cards-_-ZOTAC-_-14500277

 

[djangoringo]

You can use either nvidia or amd, there's no restriction or loss of performance with either.
As for the card : http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=77602&promoid=1332
or if you can spend a bit more : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187199

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

You
No, where did the rumor that you needed nvidia if you go intel? I would go with a 7850. But I am not sure if autoCAD requires CUDA cores to run well
You might want to look at this 660 anyways, it seems to be a pretty good price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187199

 

[hasky620]

Thank you for your response!
Like I said I'm really new when it comes to video cards, what features put those to the front of the pack?

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

they are the best cards for the price at around your price point.

 

[djangoringo]

For under 200$, the best card is the 7850 2GB in terms of performance, if you can spend about 210$, the 660 gtx is better.
http://tpucdn.com/reviews/EVGA/GTX_650_Ti_SSC/images/perfrel_1920.gif

 

[hasky620]

I've read on other pages that the 7850 runs significantly cooler than its GeForce competition, do you know how big the difference is?
Is it enough to be the deciding factor if my system isn't going to be water cooled?

 

[djangoringo]

Both cards run cool, and are low power hungry.

 

[lt_dan_zsu]

It looks like the 7850 is a little higher, but it's nothing significant.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187199
I would say the 660 is the best option if you can spare the extra $10.

 

[hasky620]

I can diffidently spare the extra 10 bucks
Does only the 660 support 2 monitors or does the 7850 as well?
- Thank you again for answering all of my noob questions

 

[Moltoeser]

I'd pick the 7850. The price is good and you get rather good performance at two screens.
Games will run reasonably smoothly at HD.

https://sites.google.com/site/nationalgamingnews

 

[hasky620]

Best answer selected by hasky620.

 

[djangoringo]

I can diffidently spare the extra 10 bucks
Does only the 660 support 2 monitors or does the 7850 as well?
- Thank you again for answering all of my noob questions

Both supports up to three monitors with amd eyefinity for the 7850 and nvidia surround for the 660 GTX.
Since you can spend more 10$, get the 660 GTX.

 

[Moltoeser]

Both supports up to three monitors with amd eyefinity for the 7850 and nvidia surround for the 660 GTX.
Since you can spend more 10$, get the 660 GTX.

I'm sure if you have to save a little while more for the extra ten bucks it's going to be worth it for the 660!

 

[cobra5000]

Your loss if you pick the 660. Why pay more for less performance? Especially if you want to do other things than game. The AMD cards DESTROY the nivida cards in other applications.