Help choose GPU to raise Windows Index

earlyadopter · 04 Apr 2011

Hi everyone.

My lowest score on Desktop Performance Index is 4.3 for Graphics and 4.6 for Gaming. The rest are CPU- 6.5, RAM- 7.0, and HDD- 5.3.
I am using Integrated Graphics and want to install an older GPU to get the Index somewhere near 6.5 or 7.

I don't Game but do a lot of photo editing on Elements 8 (which could be quicker), some video editing from Handycam, and use a HDTV as monitor, to play DVDs as second VDU.

To this point I have used IGUs on MBs, so I am feeling my way. I have researched and found AMD (ATI) 5750 ($135AUD)and 5770 ($145AUD) to be
1) still available from '09, and should be if want Crossfire in future
2) good processing grunt for inbetween GPU (low cost, low specs, low 5000 series - expensive 6000 series) and can port it to newer build and
3) won't break my bank.

If forum members have these cards what is their WEI?
I am keen on the Sapphire Radeon HD5770 1GB Vapor-X (from PC Case Gear).
Suggestions welcome.

Col

1Bowtie · 04 Apr 2011

Either of those video card would work fine and would probably bring your WEI score up alittle, WEI is based on the lowest score of all the components, your hdd is 5.3 so that would be your next lowest score. WEI is just a number and has nothing to do with how well your computer works in everyday life for what you do. If a graphics card would help your photo editing then go for it because that's what you do.

ArtG818 · 04 Apr 2011

I have that card and it works great for photo editing and gaming as well really happy with it (:

stevepoolstock · 05 Apr 2011

Get a GTX 580 and enjoy a score of 7.9 on both desktop and games in WEI. :P

No but seriously, get the 5770 over the 5750. It's worth the 10 bucks extra.

earlyadopter · 06 Apr 2011

Thanks 1Bowtie, ArtG 818 and Robin Schouten for your input. Lol Not having $500 for the 580 means I'll pass it. The 5770 seems to have a good rep out of the older cards, with one review cross-firing two cards equal to a 6870 and $80 less. I'd better get the whips cracking as the Sapphire sold out at one supplier, and the another I deal with has it for $149 and less than 5. On reviews, it is stable at 930MHz above the reference 850 so some OC is available due to the solid build and it's Vapor block cooling. Any views on the vapor-atomic group?