Best budget graphics cards

[Chal2008]

I currently have a nvidia 7300 SE in my computer, but it seems to struggle with a game like stalker even with the settings at medium. I am looking to upgrade to a XFX 8600 GTS or GT; or a ATi HD 3850 (if it falls within the same price range).

I am looking for some advice on which of these cards will run best with a core 2 duo 1.86? I am an occassional gamer and therefore does not want to get a new rig?

 

[CrazYmonkeY159]

forgive me for asking

but whats your budget for the new card you want to buy?

 

[Chal2008]

I am looking at about R2000.00.

 

[Praeses]

Chaintech 9600GT 512mb Graphics Card PCI-E
[A3_CT-GSE96GT] R1634.76 (inc VAT)
http://www.prophecy.co.za/chaintech-9600gt-512mb-graphics-card-pcie-p-25334.html

If they run out of stock:
Inno3D 9600GT 512mb Graphics Card PCI-E OC edition
[A43_9600GT] R1790.85 (inc VAT)
http://www.prophecy.co.za/inno3d-9600gt-512mb-graphics-card-pcie-edition-p-27853.html

 

[SYNERGY]

You rather get a ATi 4850 one time, willlast you longer than a 9600

 

[Grimspoon]

Go for the 8800GT! It is a fantastic card! You can't go wrong!

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

if you have a decent PSU, then 2k will get you an 8800GT ........

 

[Chal2008]

Thanks for the recommendations. Does the nvidia 9 series fit into PCI-E (standard) or PCI-E 2.

 

[scotty777]

You rather get a ATi 4850 one time, willlast you longer than a 9600

I second that, i mean, if you go to the right place,then you can get hold of a 4850 for about R2300-R2500 and this card will last a long time

 

[scotty777]

Thanks for the recommendations. Does the nvidia 9 series fit into PCI-E (standard) or PCI-E 2.

all the new cards work in normal pci-e slots,

 

[MrE]

I second that, i mean, if you go to the right place,then you can get hold of a 4850 for about R2300-R2500 and this card will last a long time

Ye, R2250 from Ikonic IT.

 

[scotty777]

Ye, R2250 from Ikonic IT.

there you go, and you can play all your games on high, with AA and AF and this card will last about 3 years before the games get to intensive to fun on it... the 9600gt is a nice card, but price/performance is in favour of the ati HD4850,

 

[Chal2008]

Thanks for the advice. I am impressed with all of your knowledge and experience.

 

[wizdumb]

whats the PSU requirements for the 4850?

as i was looking at the 9600gt (as the 8800gt is more power hungry than what i can cater for)

 

[iDenTiTy]

If you have a 500W you will be ok....

Even a good 450W will suffice.

 

[Grimspoon]

Atleast a 500w I would say

 

[wizdumb]

damn, think i might need to uprgade soon then...

...how difficult would it be a n00b to the PSU upgrade myself

 

[Nokkie]

How is the ATI's runnung these days?

I read they have some cooling problems on startup.. and need new firmware to fix the problem...?

especially the 4850 series and upwards?

 

[iDenTiTy]

How is the ATI's runnung these days?

I read they have some cooling problems on startup.. and need new firmware to fix the problem...?

especially the 4850 series and upwards?

Turns out that ATi made a compromise...

Noise/Heat....

I just created a profile in CCC, fan spinning at 35%, temps are... *checking*... 49°C at idle...

Not bad. At all.

 

[Nokkie]

Turns out that ATi made a compromise...

Noise/Heat....

I just created a profile in CCC, fan spinning at 35%, temps are... *checking*... 49°C at idle...

Not bad. At all.

cool...

On startup does make alot of noise?