Single slot Video card upgrade

Linken91

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This is my first post. So i hope to get my question answered.

I am upgrading to a newer video card. I currently have an eVGA 8600 GTS OC 256MB. (Factory OC to 720GHz). And the games ive been playing have been pushing my card. But id still like to keep my graphics settings on high if possible.

It MUST be a single slot card. I have a compact cubed case and i need all the room i can get if possible. If necessary i could sacrifice my WiFi for a dual slot card. But that would be last resort.

I am looking for the fastest card within a $80 to $120 range. I will be playing games like Crysis, Just Cause 2, and the upcoming Mafia 2. Along with the less demanding COD games.

I haven't really been a fan of ATi. Although I've heard their cards are....decent. The DX 10.1 is tempting. But is it worth it?

Something Future proof (Like 3 or more years.) and reliable. I have looked at the 9800 GT and the HD 4850. Hard choice.

Here are my specs if it helps.

Windows 7 Home Premium
E6750 2.66GHz. 4MB/1333
2GB PC2-6400
500W PSU.
19'' Monitor - 1440x900 16:10

If also possible, what maker is best? (XFX, eVGA, BFG, etc.)
 
If you prefer a single slot card narrows it down to HD5670 and 9800GT. Next performance level up you got HD4850, HD4770, HD5750, GTS250 and 9800GTX+ but those cards are hard to find with a single slot cooler although they would be much more noticeable upgrade than the first two. HD5670 and HD5750 both support DX11 so they would be the closest thing to future proofing.
All those cards run on a 500watt PSU
 

deadlockedworld

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deadlockedworld

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For reference:either will be good for 1440x900. --this chart is the lowest res toms tests at.

Crysis_1280.png


However the 5670 will run cooler in your small case because its a newer card
Temp.png
 

Linken91

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Ive been looking at the 9800 GT for a while. Tho the HD 5670 seams to be as good as you say. But its a 128 bit memory interface right? So that would put it a bit behind wouldn't it?

And one more question. Why does ATi have a lot more Stream processing units than Nvidia? Or for their architecture is it measured different?

Oh yea, and i also am playing some games like COD4 in 3D.(red and crayon) Does ATi have 3D capability?
 

Linken91

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I'm not that worried about temperature. The PSU is directly above and it has a fan underside is that sucks that air out and threw the PSU. Only down fall is sucking up hot air that is trying to cool the PSU.

According to this site(and reviews), the HD 4850 is a bit better than the 9800 GT. But the HD 5670 is underpowered. DX11 wont be popular till my next card dies anyways so i'm not all that for DX11.

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=566&card2=575
 

Comparing the architecture between ATI and Nvidia cards is useless, different tech. Either card is a good choice for your resolution but the 9800GT has the power edge. Your resolution of 1440 x900 is close to the same amount of total pixels as the 1280 x1024 as shown in the benchmark above so you can us it as a reference of what to expect.
 

deadlockedworld

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I basically agree with your assessment. The 4850/5750 is better than either IF you could find one in single slot--but I dont think you will.

As for the game variation-- thats just how it is. Some games run better on Nvidia, some better on ATI.
 

At launch the HD4850 had single slot cooling that changed soon after when reports started flowing in from consumers about overheating or loud cards because the only way to keep them cool was to set the fan up to max speed.
 

Linken91

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Its running the same as my 8600 is.

Ive been hearing something about a GTX 260 RAZOR (single) And its been proven by Google once again but i can't find any place to purchase it.