Hello all! I've got a reasonably powerful gaming PC, and I've been debating whether or not to go for a graphics card upgrade. I'm just not sure what would be worth it vs too much with my PC's specs, so I welcome all advice in that regard. Many thanks! Here's the relevant info:
PURCHASE DATE: Ideally within the next month or so, though I'm okay with waiting if it makes more sense. Budget is pretty flexible; I don't want to spend more than $400 or so.
USAGE: Lots and lots of games. I have a Steam press account, so I play everything from the latest (Metro 2033, Just Cause 2, etc) to older or indie titles.
CURRENT GPU/PSU: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 2GB / Dell H750E-01 (750 watts?)
SYSTEM SPECS:
Dell XPS 630i--
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz -- Yorkfield
NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI
4GB DDR2 memory (4x 1GB Elpida PC2-6400)
EDIT: Forgot to mention, I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium
PREFERRED SITE / COUNTRY: Any really; newegg is great, but I'm in NYC so it's easy to get to J&R or B&H physical locations
PARTS PREFERENCE: Ideally I'd like to stick with NVIDIA since that's what I have already and I'm used to the built-in control panel, etc. No brand preference and I don't know much about PhysX / whether it's worth it
OVERCLOCK: Never done it before, don't really have the technical aptitude to trust that I won't screw something up.
SLI/CROSSFIRE: I'm open to it, but I've never had that sort of setup before
MONITOR: 1920x1080 -- I run my computer through a 40" Toshiba LCD display, 1080p @ 60Hz
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Thank you!
PURCHASE DATE: Ideally within the next month or so, though I'm okay with waiting if it makes more sense. Budget is pretty flexible; I don't want to spend more than $400 or so.
USAGE: Lots and lots of games. I have a Steam press account, so I play everything from the latest (Metro 2033, Just Cause 2, etc) to older or indie titles.
CURRENT GPU/PSU: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT 2GB / Dell H750E-01 (750 watts?)
SYSTEM SPECS:
Dell XPS 630i--
Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 2.66GHz -- Yorkfield
NVIDIA nForce 650i SLI
4GB DDR2 memory (4x 1GB Elpida PC2-6400)
EDIT: Forgot to mention, I'm running Windows 7 Home Premium
PREFERRED SITE / COUNTRY: Any really; newegg is great, but I'm in NYC so it's easy to get to J&R or B&H physical locations
PARTS PREFERENCE: Ideally I'd like to stick with NVIDIA since that's what I have already and I'm used to the built-in control panel, etc. No brand preference and I don't know much about PhysX / whether it's worth it
OVERCLOCK: Never done it before, don't really have the technical aptitude to trust that I won't screw something up.
SLI/CROSSFIRE: I'm open to it, but I've never had that sort of setup before
MONITOR: 1920x1080 -- I run my computer through a 40" Toshiba LCD display, 1080p @ 60Hz
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Thank you!