What graphics card is right for me?

Nikolay · 23 May 2009

My machine came equipped with a GeForce 6100 nForce 405 card and games don't run too smoothly. I have 3 gigs of RAM and I think it's time I upgrade to a better graphics card. I'm on a tight budget, I'd say I have around $50-$70. Any recommendations? My machine has PCI Express.

Edit: Added pics of computer
Edit: Added back of computer

Mark · 23 May 2009

I don't think you will find anything for that amount, what sort of slot is it, AGP or PCI express?

12eason · 23 May 2009

You'd be hard pressed to get a decent dx10 gaming card for that. But if dx10 isn't that important to you, you can't go far wrong with an x1950pro, although I'm sure others would disagree.

Nikolay · 23 May 2009

Mr GRiM said:

I don't think you will find anything for that amount, what sort of slot is it, AGP or PCI express?

I went into device manager and checked the location of the display adapter and it reads "PCI bus 0, device 13, function 0" so I'm guessing PCI express?

12eason said:

You'd be hard pressed to get a decent dx10 gaming card for that. But if dx10 isn't that important to you, you can't go far wrong with an x1950pro, although I'm sure others would disagree.

I just want a graphics card that will make The Sims 3 run smoothly. I don't plan on playing games like COD4, Crysis, etc. that have amazing graphics.

KrossX · 23 May 2009

It would depend on your perception of "smooth", although I would suggest you to aim for $100 at least. It's a nice spot between cost and performance.

Nikolay · 23 May 2009

KrossX said:

It would depend on your perception of "smooth", although I would suggest you to aim for $100 at least. It's a nice spot between cost and performance.

I think I can scrape up $100. When I play TS2 (The Sims 2), the scroll lags when I zoom in and out, and when I rotate.

limneos · 23 May 2009

And btw, judging from your screenshots, it IS pci-express.

12eason · 23 May 2009

Hmm, can't see the 6-pin power connector in that screen shot. You might need an adapter.

Captain Zero · 23 May 2009

Refer to this page, they list all kinds of cards for budgets, even plenty in your price range. I think you will find it helpful.

stormy13 · 23 May 2009

12eason said:

You'd be hard pressed to get a decent dx10 gaming card for that. But if dx10 isn't that important to you, you can't go far wrong with an x1950pro, although I'm sure others would disagree.

HD 4670 would fit the bill quite nicely,

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100255HDMI Radeon HD 4670 512MB 128-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

fits his budget, has DX 10.1, low power requirements (no need for a new PSU); and unlike the x1950 Pro (agree a still a capable card) which has now been relegated to legacy status and will only receive driver updates every three months (and no drivers for Windows 7), will continue to receive updates on a monthly basis.