What is the best (current) graphics card for_my_computer?

[JamesAlexanderX]

… So that I can play games like Assassin’s Creed 2 and Batman: Arkham Asylum, at their maximum settings, if that is even possible with my computer’s specifications after the upgrade (I’d appreciate any other suggestions, like if I need to upgrade something else, like the RAM):

Dell Dimension 9150; 375 Wattage supply; Dual Core Intel Pentium D CPU 2.80 GH; PCI Express card slots; NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS (512 MB), DirectX 9; 2.50 GB of RAM; Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3; Plug and Play 17 in. LCD Flat Panel Display; Screen resolution 1280 by 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz) (currently using 1024 by 768)

Oh, I only have 100 dollars to spend... But even if you can't recommend a graphics card for that much, recommend me another, anyway.

 

[hunter315]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150369&cm_re=4770-_-14-150-369-_-Product
The 4770 should be able to run on your PSU fine, its a bit out of the budget, but not too much, and should be able to play everything on high at that resolution, it might not be able to max it out with AA and AF but it you can crank the detail settings way up.

 

[brett1042002]

Not going to happen on a 100 dollar budget to play those type of games at Max settings. With that current Power Supply, you could get a ATI 4550 512mb card for ~$50 (ATI only recommends a 300w PSU). This card will NOT max out those type of games. You are looking at medium-low settings at best. The ATI 4550 outperforms the 8400gs and 9400gt though. If you want something better than a 4550 video card, you will need to upgrade the Power Supply to at least ~550w. But that will more than likely break your $100.00 budget. Also, I am not sure how well that Pentium D CPU will hold up against a high end video card. At some point, it will hold back your system's performance.

 

[brett1042002]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150369&cm_re=4770-_-14-150-369-_-Product
The 4770 should be able to run on your PSU fine, its a bit out of the budget, but not too much, and should be able to play everything on high at that resolution, it might not be able to max it out with AA and AF but it you can crank the detail settings way up.

ATI recommends a 450w or greater PSU for the 4770. It may not function properly on a Dell 375w PSU.

 

[JamesAlexanderX]

Well, things are clearer to me now. I'll likely go with the GeForce 9800 GT. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

 

[rolli59]

Well, things are clearer to me now. I'll likely go with the GeForce 9800 GT. Thanks for the help. Much appreciated.

Make sure it is the energy efficient version that does not require external power connection.