Video Card Recommendation Needed

James Colbert · 16 Sep 2009

Hi All,

Well, my ATI AIW 1800XL finally bit the dust. The TV software hasn't been supported since Vista (and I'd just bought it before Vista went beta...) and I've been using Windows drivers since Win7 Beta. Now running 7 RTM.

Today, whilst only playing mp3s with WMP12, the system locked up and refused to boot. Throwing a cheap card in got me up and running, but I'm now browsing Newegg for cards. I've been using ATI for years, but am not opposed to Nvidia (although there are some complaints here regarding driver installation...).

Here are my uses:

I use this system heavily for business. This includes a lot of CS3 use and large, layered image files (blueprints). Since my office is in my home, this machine is not only my main business machine, but it gets a LOT of personal use as well, which includes movies, etc. I have also been known to install a game now and then (but not all that often).

I guess I'd like the ability to run GPU intensive games, but that may not happen (time is at a premium). The games I have copies of at the moment are Far Cry and Far Cry 2 (FC2 came with a 9550 CPU). I've heard good things about Crysis, but again, I may never go there. I guess I'm looking for a compromise? I'd like to keep the cost at around $120 or lower.

Relevant Specs:
Win7 Ultimate 64 bit RTM
Q9550 CPU
8GB Gskill DDR2 PC2 6400
Gigabyte EP45-UD3r (PCI-E 2.0 16x)

Thanks for any pointers,
James

pparks1 · 16 Sep 2009

I got almost the exact same hardware that you have and I am running an eVGA Nvidia 9800GTX+ 512MB card and it's been great for me. I'm playing Call of Duty World at War, Crysis and Wolfenstein on a 23" 1920x1080 monitor and pretty much have my settings on high across the board and it handles it just fine.

The card is $119 from NewEgg right now after a $15 Mail In Rebate;
Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N871-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

mickey megabyte · 16 Sep 2009

or in the red corner, how about an ASUS EAH4850/HTDI/1GD3/A Radeon HD 4850 1GB

$119 @ newegg with $20 rebate = $99

you pays your money and you takes your choice...

James Colbert · 16 Sep 2009

Thanks Mickey & pparks. Both of these were, in fact, amongst 3 or 4 I was considering. Due to price and the composite out of the Asus, I think that's the one I'll be choosing.

Thanks again ( just needed a push :) )

James

cbkitt · 16 Sep 2009

EVGG 9600GT Great Crad for 79.00 Good Gaming

thefabe · 17 Sep 2009

Any card you buy look at the warranty you can just about get the same card from Evga with step up program and great support or an XFX with a double lifetime warranty. ro BFG i think still offers lifetime warranty. This is important to me because I have had a new card DOA or fail within several months and recived a new card with little hassel. Asus I'm not so sure of. The 9800 gt is a great card for allaround and about 120 or less sometimes 99 with rebate IMO http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc BFG 9800gt 89.00 after 20.00 rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...186-_-Producte I run this card and it is a great card for the money

James Colbert · 18 Sep 2009

Thanks for the subsequent replies. I've already ordered the Asus and am awaiting delivery.

Thanks again,
James

mickey megabyte · 27 Oct 2010

thanks for the rather late rep - over a year!

glad to know you went for the asus and it's still going strong. :)

James Colbert · 27 Oct 2010

mickey megabyte said:

thanks for the rather late rep - over a year!

glad to know you went for the asus and it's still going strong. :)

I always pay my debts!