Windows 7: Suggest a Mid Range Graphic Card for these Specs

AMD Phenom II X4 945
ASUS M4N68TM V2
PSU: 450W
Windows 7 Ultimate x86
Monitor Resolution: 1280x768 (Might Use my HDTV as external monitor for HD gaming)
Budget: 5000-8,000 INR (100-160 USD) [Cheapest Recommended]



I know the specs are pretty low. I was eying AMD Radeon™ HD 6850 but it requires 500W. So 5770 is the only option left?

Thanks

I think the most important question here is which 450W PSU do you have? If you are not sure open your tower and look for a sticker on the psu. Check the model # and the amps on the +12V rail and post back please.

+1 on finding out what PSU you have .. and if it's a decent 450w.

If it is a decent PSU and has enough amps on the +12v .. a 5770/6770 would be pushing it. Maybe a HD 5750/6750 better.

Any mid range quality graphics card would want a quality power supply. IMHO 650W and up is a place to start. Brands I have used with good results are Corsair, Seasonic, Antec. A great power supply always comes before a good graphics card.

I have ATX P4 2410A PSU. Under +12V it's written 18A. My PC is pretty old. If that helps.

18A on the +12v .. not very good. I'd recommend getting a new PSU along with a new GFX card .. 650w or better from a reputable brand.

I have read Radeon 6850 will work fine on 450 PSU if we don't overclock. But it looks I have pretty low PSU. I guess I need to buy a new one.

for your specs best card for you is the HD 5670

Newegg.com - MSI R5670-MD1GD3 Radeon HD 5670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card 450 w supply or Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6670 1GBK3-H Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

But like above you wanted a better PSU then you buy the 6850 instead and be very happy you can even get a 6870 if you have the money for it 550 w minimum 600 w would be best for head room

I just facepalmed myself for getting 9600GT before in 2008 when both 6850 and 9600GT costs same now

The 6850 uses a single 6 pin auxiliary PCI-E power connector, so it should draw less than 150W max. According to one reference:

The Truth About Graphics Power Requirements V2 - Atomic 3.0

it peaks out at 125W. That's over 10A at 12V. A PSU that delivers 18A total isn't adequate, regardless of the manufacturer's power rating.

I wish that the graphics card manufacturers would offer a little more detail about their requirements. For example, here's a "500W" PSU:

Newegg.com - Diablotek DA Series PSDA500 500W ATX Power Supply

(Diablotek DA Series PSDA500, rated at 17A at +12V. Really poor.)

Here's a somewhat cheap 430W unit:

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 V2 (CMPSU-430CXV2) 430W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

(Corsair CX430 V2, rated at 28A at 12V). (There's a $20 rebate available on this one, at the moment.) You might like more margin, but it'd probably be OK if you don't overclock.