Buying a new graphics card - (read first post)

Hey, I need some advice on a GPU for my Dell setup. I want to start watching Blue-ray rips, but right now I'm stuck using integrated graphics, and I have a feeling things are going to stutter like crazy once I try to play anything in Full HD. So, what's a cheap option that won't choke when playing HD content? Thanks!

Radeon HD 4xxx series

An HD4350 should do the trick, preferably a passive one.

Does anyone here have hands-on experience with the SAPPHIRE VAPOR-X HD 4890.?
I'm looking at picking this card up, and I need to know if my 550 W. EVGA power supply is going to cut it.
Just as a heads-up, my current setup is running a 3.0 e6850 with 4 GB of RAM.

Here is the link.

http://www.diskont24.com/product.php...cat=390&page=1

Also, I wanted to ask about buying hardware online. Which US retailers would you guys recommend?
I mean places like Diskont 24, Protis, or maybe Best Buy...

Diskont24 and AMD.

Honestly, that card is just way too overpriced for what it is... you'd be much better off picking up a cheaper HD4890, or maybe one of those 260GTX models instead. If you actually have the $633, then you should really head over to ADM and grab an HD5850—they should have it in stock...

And I have to ask, what kind of power supply are you even running right now? Is it some random no-name unit or maybe an MS or something similar?

Can this power supply handle a GTX 275? Please don't start lecturing me about buying a "better" one—I am fully aware there are superior options out there. I am simply asking if this specific unit is capable of running the card.

EVGA 550 W. model gp5 550ab a

You've had enough of that power supply, I get it... but honestly, why on earth would you pick that specific model? It's an XFX... $67 Cheaper... for... $33 So, you're running a GTX 275 now, I guess...

Zachary Wilson30 said:Look, if you're worried about the power supply, why pick that specific model? An $67 XFX card is actually $33 cheaper... plus, for just a little bit more, you could probably grab a GTX 275 instead...

It doesn't strictly have to be that exact model. I just need something in the 1500 to 2000 range max that won't blow my current power supply. Any recommendations? 🤷

hd5850, gtx275, hd4890

I've got my eye on that HD5850, but I'm still on the fence about it. Is it actually worth picking up?
Is there any real, noticeable difference compared to the HD4890? I see it's hovering under $2,000, which doesn't seem too crazy.

Well, Best Buy isn't a definite choice just yet... maybe I'll wait until the price drops a bit in a few weeks...

Sorry if I'm being a pain, but here I am again...
Said-and-done

My current setup looks like this:
Intel Pentium D 805 (clocked it up a bit to 2.93 GHz)
ASUS P5VDCMX
1.5GB RAM (finally upgraded some)
Graphics card is an ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro (512MB AGPx8)
Everything else is the same...

Do you think I could actually run GTA IV on this? Even if I have to crank everything down to low settings?

velvettrucker14 said:Do you think I could run GTA IV on this? Even if everything is set to low settings...

* OS: Windows Vista - service pack 1 / XP - service pack 3
* Processor: Intel Core 2 duo 1.8Ghz, AMD Athlon X2 64 2.4Ghz
* Memory: 1.5GB, 16GB Free Hard Drive Space
* Video Card: 256MB NVIDIA 7900 / 256MB ATI X1900

Theoretically yes, but you're right on the edge of it being unplayable...

Timothy Barrett3 said:I feel like this HD5850 might be a bit of a power hog, but I'm not entirely sure. Is it actually worth picking up?
Are there noticeable differences compared to the HD4890? I see it's going for under $200, which isn't too bad.

I think getting the HD5850 is a good move.
It's true that prices will likely drop. If you aren't in a rush, maybe wait for things to settle down a bit, and then potentially grab another one for CF in about four months or so.
If you need it right now, though, I'd just go ahead and get it. 😁

James Morris4 said:Personally, I think grabbing an HD5850 is a solid move.
It’s a fact that prices are going to drop. If you aren't in a massive rush, just hang tight until things get cheaper. Then, maybe in about four months or so, you could even pick up a second one for CF.
But if you need it now, just go ahead and grab it. 😁

I'm not really in a huge hurry since my 8800 GTS still handles everything reasonably well. But I can't wait forever either.🤣 I figure I can hold out for a few more weeks to see how the pricing shakes out. Something is bound to drop.

I haven't really dug into a direct comparison with the HD4890 yet to see if they're significantly faster. I need to do some Googling first so I don't just throw money away. heheh. Either way, this new ATI series definitely seems like a good value.

Is there anyone out there who actually intends to address the question I posted a few threads back??

Peter Martin8 said:In theory, sure, but we're getting pretty close to the point where you can't even play it anymore...

So, can anyone give me a ballpark idea of what the FPS looks like?

Jeremy Ward12, the power supply should hold up.
John, I'm thinking maybe 15-20... if not even less.
Odabrani2, take a look. tu Over the next few pages. It isn't a massive difference, but it is noticeable.

ATI's new 5 series cards are basically the fastest things on the market right now. I mean, there's really no arguing with that—they're faster than everything else out there... you can actually feel the difference. The only real question is whether they're worth the hit to your wallet since they just launched and the prices are pretty steep. You could always play it safe and grab a 4890 for now... then, if you find yourself needing more juice later, just toss another one in for Crossfire and you'll be set, trust me 😁. Or, I guess, you could just wait a few weeks for the prices to dip a bit before jumping into the 5 series

Here’s what I’m running: an Nvidia GeForce 6600 paired with an LG CRT Flatron F920B, an Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8 MHz processor, and a Gigabyte GA-K8N-SLi motherboard.

What’s the cheapest possible graphics card I can grab to replace this junk?