Upgrading my Graphics Card

[f0x22]

Advice Needed for Upgrading my Graphics Card


Current Graphics Card: XFX ATI Radeon HD 5850


Hello all,

I was hoping for some more advice from you guys. My current graphics card has just kicked the bucket. I am looking on upgrading it to a decent card that is new/not outdated and can support the game I play (Planetside 2). I am averaging about 24-30 fps on high graphics. I was hoping to play on a bit higher graphics. However, I was told in my last thread to overclock my CPU as Planetside 2 is more of a CPU based game.

If anyone could recommend a couple cards for me that could improve graphics that would be very much appreciated.

PS. I think im close to going over my 550W with my current (broken) card

Thanks for any input!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Motherboard: GA-890GPA-UD3H (http://www.gigabyte.com/products/pro...px?pid=3516#ov)

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Deneb 3.4GHz (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103727)

RAM: Rip Jaw F3-10666CL9D-8GBXL (http://www.gskill.com/en/product/f3-10666cl9d-4gbrl)

Graphics Card: XFX ATI Radeon HD 5850 *BROKEN* (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150477)

Power Supply: 550W Fatal1ty (http://ocz.com/consumer/psu/fatality-550w-power-supply)

Hard Drive: Western Digital WD Black WD6402AAEX 640GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136544)

Driver: ATAPI iHAS424 Y ATA DVD/CD-ROM

Running on Windows 7 - 64 bit

D-Link DWA-552 Xtreme Desktop Adapter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[EarthDog]

Overclock the CPU first and see what that nets you before spending money...

What resolution are you gaming on? If it is less than 1920x1080, the CPU will make an even bigger difference.

As far as the PSU... you are not at its limit with that card.


What is your budget for this upgrade?

 

[f0x22]

I believe I am running on 1920x1080. I can't even load the game right now because I am running my current video through my motherboard. I am not getting any video when my monitor is hooked up through my graphics card...

My budget is maximum $300.

 

[ATMINSIDE]

R9 280X for that budget.

 

[EarthDog]

Or if used, find a R9 290.

 

[Theocnoob]

No matter which modern GPU you choose, you will need to significantlly OC that CPU (meaning you may need a decent aftermarket heatsink) to keep up with the card. That is considered a weak (and very old) CPU these days and it wont give you the same framerate with a 280X as a current gen i5 4690K no matter what you do. But do OC it. It will make a difference.

 

[bob4933]

Just to keep this in the frame of reasonable expectations....

Keep in mind this is just planetside 2... all settings maxed on 1080p.

On my 8320 with 270x, I was running 60-100fps, always gpu bound. I played around and found my CPU had to be overclocked to exactly 4.4ghz for the GPU to be the bottleneck. At 4.0 and 4.2ghz I was cpu limited to around 50fps (which blew my mind). Above 4.4ghz there were no gains at all, as the GPU was the limit. Obviously the 280x will drastically outperform this.

Now, with your phenom @ 3.4ghz you are very much going to need to over clock it. Think about getting a 270x and stashing some money away for better cpu/motherboard? The 280x will obviously smash the 270x, but theres no point getting it for now if your CPU can't even keep up with a 270x. You can get a used 270x for 120-135$ pretty easily, and use the savings to get a better back bone. From there ,save your money and get a 280x in the future. I would love a 280x, but I've had no issues using my 270x... Or get the 280x and work on getting a new cpu and motherboard. An fx 6300 and decent motherboard comes to mind... easily around the 200-225$ mark. Add 30$ for a 212 evo, and you will have a very very decent gaming rig that should last you for a while.

 

[trents]

No matter which modern GPU you choose, you will need to significantlly OC that CPU (meaning you may need a decent aftermarket heatsink) to keep up with the card. That is considered a weak (and very old) CPU these days and it wont give you the same framerate with a 280X as a current gen i5 4690K no matter what you do. But do OC it. It will make a difference.

While certainly not the equal of a Haswell, his CPU is not "weak". It's actually fairly capable, especially when overclocked. At any rate, his biggest issue is a dead GPU so his bucks need to go there first.

Your motherboard looks like it would have a fair amount of ability to overclock the CPU. So set aside 30-35 bucks on a good aftermarket heat sink and overclock the CPU.

A Raedon 7870 is a pretty potent card and often can be found on sale for under $150. It would certainly meet your need.

 

[Theocnoob]

7870 is a little weak. I like the 280X for 1080P in today's games. JM2C.

 

[f0x22]

I ended up picking up a brand new manufacture refurbished R9 280X still in the box for $200 shipped. Good deal?

I am also looking into heat sinks? Any recommendations, I am unfamiliar with heat sinks. I'm gonna overclock the CPU first then upgrade a year or two down the road.

 

[Robert17]

This may be one of the most popular and affordable after-market HSs made.

Expect to get 3.8Ghz easily on your first attempt to OC. You'll need to keep nudging it after that as you don't want to get past about 55°C, so watch the temps. I ran mine as high as 4.2Ghz but only in bursts when goofing around.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

 

[caddi daddi]

+1robert17, good cooler for the 965.
get the cooler and clock that little lump to 3.8, that seems to be about the sweet spot for them, and give it a go.