Upgradability?

[Rzakbzak]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on an older build, need to know if I'll be able to play current games if I add a decent video card. If so, what video card would you recommend?

Systems specs:

AMD Phenom II x4 965
8GB RAM, DDR3
Asus M4A88T-M/USB3 mobo
Sandisk Extreme 240GB SSD
Corsair HX650W PSU
Silverstone SG03B
No video card

 

[yusoffb01]

You could get a 7870 or R9 270. Any higher may need to upgrade CPU, even an i3 is an upgrade

 

[Jian19]

Either 270x or Gtx760

 

[Ark Law]

2nd hand R7870/270X is a good match. GTX760 if you can afford it, cause it'd stomp all over 1080p gaming

 

[Rzakbzak]

Thanks for the quick replies. So, any of the video cards recommended with allow me to play the current games on decent settings? I'm worried my cpu, as mentioned above, may be a bottleneck.

 

[thegamer1907]

i used to have almost the same amd setup as you, running a 7950 (equivilant to r9 280).
the cpu was bottlenecking the gfx card performance. after i changed to i5, i could achieve higher fps.
im pretty sure your setup will limit most mid range cards like the gtx760.
perhaps a r9 270 still ok, but depends what kind of games you playing.

 

[Jian19]

Bottleneck abit nia unless u playing @ ultra settings

 

[Rzakbzak]

Thanks all. For info, I'll start off by upgrading the card, and will likely upgrade the mobo/cpu this July/August, so will use this setup for a couple more months.

What's the current best bang-for-my-buck video card?

 

[hengheng220]

Thanks all. For info, I'll start off by upgrading the card, and will likely upgrade the mobo/cpu this July/August, so will use this setup for a couple more months.

What's the current best bang-for-my-buck video card?

280x? Price ranges from 400 to 480. but what kind of games and resolution are you planning to run at?

 

[Rzakbzak]

Games: Skyrim, Far Cry 3, Crysis, Metro Last Light...

Resolution: as high as I can get? Futureproofing is important.

 

[hengheng220]

Games: Skyrim, Far Cry 3, Crysis, Metro Last Light...

Resolution: as high as I can get? Futureproofing is important.

bro getting high res is no point if your monitor can't support that high. Do check your your monitor screen res first. There is no such thing as futureproofing ba... only got constant upgrade then can keep up with current games. Right now if you playing on 1080p, 280x will be enough le if just want to get high setting not ultra, 270x

 

[Rzakbzak]

Thanks hengheng220. What's the nvidia equivalent? My case is small (Silverstone SG03B) so I need a card that can run relatively cool. I hear amd graphic cards run hotter than their nvidia equivalents.

 

[hengheng220]

Thanks hengheng220. What's the nvidia equivalent? My case is small (Silverstone SG03B) so I need a card that can run relatively cool. I hear amd graphic cards run hotter than their nvidia equivalents.

oh... din't realise the case is rather small... I think that you will have to step down to a gtx 750ti... ($207) But to answer your question about heat, both nvidia and amd cards are almost equally hot... except for the recent amd card like 290 and 290x runs at higher temps because they are design to run at that temp.

 

[Rzakbzak]

I think it'll hold a full size card (will double check), I'm more concerned with the airflow (will likely have to get better case fans). Will the 750ti play all the games I've mentioned?

Good to know amd vs nvidia cards run about the same temps.

Thanks again!

 

[Rzakbzak]

bump for answers

I'm looking to pair the system with a 24" 1080p monitor. Is a 750ti adequate?

 

[Clone_]

get R9 270 at least for 1080p
750ti not worth buying IMO because you can buy a second hand card for that price which performs much better

 

[Rzakbzak]

I see the EVGA 750ti superclock for 155usd on amazon with free shipping. Cheapest r9 270 is about 210usd. Is the additional amount worth it?

Any local places that have the r9 270 cheaper?

 

[hengheng220]

get R9 270 at least for 1080p
750ti not worth buying IMO because you can buy a second hand card for that price which performs much better

Problem is not sure his case can hold so long ma... Check out his case spec like quite small wor