Best Graphics Card for $100 and less?

Hey guys.

I'm looking to invest in a new graphics card but I need some help. I can spend about $100. Would prefer not to go too much over that if I can.

Looking for some of the following in a card;

HDMI
1GB
Standard Monitor Ports

Also I'd like a card that doesn't run too hot. My current card (a 9800 GT) runs way too hot even under normal load. That's with it being clean of dust, and the fan turned up high. Would also like one that doesn't make a lot of noise.

Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

 

Since you're currently using an NVIDIA chipset card, I'd stay with NVIDIA.

For a <$100 card, the GT 400/500 Series is likely your best bet. It can run DirectX 11 (the latest version) - plus the newer generation NVIDIA cards (400/500 series) usually run a bit cooler than the older 9800 series. Most require no more power (300-350 watts) than the 9800, so it's unlikely it will overload your current power supply.

EVGA is one of the better brands. This is the best deal I found on NewEgg today (7/16):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130633

If you have room in your case and budget, it never hurts to add an additional cooling fan in a slot adjacent to the video card (at 9 bucks you can't go wrong).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835192007

Hope these tips help.

 

Hey thanks for the information! Yeah I think I will stick with NVIDIA.

 

The GT 520 is a respectable card. The 9800 GT is quite a bit faster. I think you will see a significant loss in performance. If that is an issue.

GPU Chart here

NewEgg sub $100 cards

According to the chart, the Radeon 6670 will give you one third more umph than your 9800 GT.

For nVidia card

You would see a nice bump in performance (50%=/-), and heat would tend to exit your case. If you keep your eye out, or don't mind a re-certified card, you could step up to double the performance (9800 GT) with a GTX 4xx series card--for under $100.

I'm no expert tho...

 

Additionally; if you're approaching the limits of your PSU, you'll want to pay attention to the requirements of any new card.

If heat is primary concern, my 9800 GT folds 24/7 max load, at 65c day/62c nite -- with the assistance of 140mm side case fan & MSI Afterburner forcing fan to 79% thru fan profile tab. Noise is substantially increased -- but there's perks to being old, and deaf. The GT is snuggled up to a GTX 570, with a Phenom x6 -- they're also running 100% 24/7.

 

That chart is really helpful, thank you!

I'm looking at two additional cards and want an opinion on them.

Would either of these be better than my current 9800GT?

(I realize both are more than $100 but I guess I'm willing to go up just a bit)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161363&Tpk=his iceq x turbo 6850

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127490

 

Then if you are willing to go higher then check the following link:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2964-2.html

 

It would be a great idea if you linked what motherboard you have for this discussion.

Here are my favourite summary charts on both of the major players:
nVidia;
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/132
ATI;
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/131

The second page of both links will indicate power consumption of both cards, basically the more power consumed the greater the heat, and you will note the more modern cards are a "lot" more efficient (energy wise) so in principle less heat generation.

Still add a rear case fan as per other thread it is very easy.

 

Hey Captcha Technical

I'm sure you would see a great performance boost, with either of the cards you have listed. I'm very happy with my MSI. I'm big on nVidia because I fold. Not a thing wrong with ATI.

You're in a price range where you will see a difference -- no matter what you chose. Reviews will help you sort out the best value & personal choice. Video card prices can change dramatically over a short period of time. I check NCIX, NewEgg and Tiger Direct (Cdn. eh). If you register, and log in, you'll sometimes get "surprise" specials. I was pleasantly surprised about a week ago, purchasing a GS700 Corsair psu.

 

Thanks for the link theefool!

And that makes me feel a bit better about this purchase, Saul. Thanks.

Bold, here's my motherboard per BelArc;

Board: Gateway G33M05G1 MP
Serial Number: 50424E
Bus Clock: 333 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD 841P041G 05/16/2008

I'm using an older FX system so I was also kind of wondering if one of those larger cards would fit.

 

Not sure what your case looks like can you find a link or take a pic yourself please. I know from personal experience the missus currently has the 6850 and I have a 5850 because the 5850 just "will not fit" in her case.

Both of the ATI cards you linked have DX11.0 and HDMI out (for connection to a TV, Monitor, etc for High Def.).

 

Here's the link to the image I just took of the back;

http://imgur.com/mmTQx

 

Although I agree ATI usually gives a bit better bang for the buck in overall graphics performance, my advice on staying with NVIDIA is based on issues I've run into where ATI didn't play nice on certain Intel chipset boards. In both cases, no amount of driver updates or tweaking could solve issues with choppy video playback and random video crashes. Switching back to NVIDIA instantly solved the problems.

If this a system running an AMD processor, there should be few (if any) issues going with ATI. If this is an Intel-based system, however, I'd personally stick with NVIDIA to avoid repeating the hassles I went through.

 

I bought a 5770 to replace my dead 9800GT a little while ago, that decision was helped by referring to this report.

 

It looks like you would have the height, but the width and length could be issues. Do you have a make and model number for your PC. We can definitely see what we can find out. Good thing you brought that up. It would suck to get your new card and have it physically not work. rolleyes

A shot of the interior wouldn't hurt either. If you still have your camera handy and the side panel is user friendly. Just remember to unplug.

 

Great resource. Shocked to see Corsair with three PSU's, and two ram in naughty files. Maybe some laurel resting going on. Good to know.

 

Here's some pictures I took, hope they help;

http://imgur.com/zNktC

http://imgur.com/fv4Tx

http://imgur.com/2l5LN

 

You make it too easy Captcha! Thanks for the pic's.

Sweet PSU! I applaud your impeccable taste!

I don't think you'll have a problem with installing any card you choose. The hdd might interfere (but I doubt it) but you obviously have the skills to deal with it.

There's some great info, from many sources, in this thread. I think you got great info because you gave great info! Good on ya.

Really think you have the savvy to choose the card that's perfect for you. You're well on your way to be coming a gear head beyond redemption.

Added any more gpu's to your short list? Your first two choices were excellent. With the GS700 you're good to go with any card you decide on. Just a question of scoping out a great deal, from a vendor you trust.

If you're in a major center, re-certified cards can be a huge savings and most places will give an over the counter exchange for doa's. Dealing with delivery waits & rates, can make refurbished cards (& rma's) a pain in the butt tho. I find about 25% of re-certified cards are doa.

I think your 9800 GT would make a great PhysX card. If you like Crysis 2, or Mafia II, they are amongst supported games. Not sure if mobo needs a feature, or whether it reads it like a sound card -- any PCI slot will work. I think the latter. PhysX cards do the grunt work for explosions etc., and leave the main card to concentrate on other computations. I don't notice my 9800 GT getting too hot when it's just being used for PhysX.

 

Hey thanks Saul. I appreciate the support man!

So just so I have this right you think I could put another card in there and keep the current one or should I just remove the older one?

I plan to do some more research on cards before I buy. I've considered the re-certified option, but as you've said it can be tricky.

 

It looks like the card will fit readily but you may have to move wiring around a bit.

Did you look at the video for fitting an 80mm fan, it is very easy and it will make a difference.

Capt with the price of Video Cards now a days and the performance returns I would not put myself in a position of "potential grief and frustration" of getting a re-certified card.

Considering the two cards you linked earlier and your budget I had a look and came up with these for suggestions, "after mail in rebate":
Budget;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131434
Beast;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150547
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150534
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161377

Importantly we can see the length of the two XFX cards and one is 8.66" while the other is 10.3", always good to measure from the rear of your case to the HDD cage so you have an idea of the cases card length potential, considering wiring etc.

 

The mail person was very good to me today. (attachment)

It's for my AMD 4400+, x 1950 Pro AGP rig behind the box there. It's a 2005 build I resurrected to have an XP OS installed, for older Adobe Suite & run older printers -- and to play with. My first build. :-o

I'll check, but I think you can use your 9800 GT as a PhysX card without requiring a special PhysX supporting motherboard. If you play any supported games, it makes a significant difference in the ice candy. I know I've read a post (credible source) that said it's like a sound card, if it's in a PCI slot an enabled game exploits it.

Perhaps another poster would know.

How hot were your temps on the 9800 GT? Heat will be the determining factor if you can use it for PhysX. I'll go check on the PhysX support issue. :wave

 

Nice looking build Saul!

I plan to look at that video today, Bold. Thanks for the suggestions as well.

Saul, The temperature on the GPU currently is 81 C as it was before. This is under no load. They go as high as 99 C under gaming load.

 

Those temps would concern me too. I use MSI Afterburner to set an aggressive fan profile. Idle is 42c on GTX 570 & 51c on 9800 GT for mine -- long-sleeve cool ambient temps. The 9800 GT folds 24/7 @ 65c. Fan forced @ 80%.

On an OC forum, discussion there suggest 20c drop in temps common after re-TIM ing factory jobs. One chap dropped 27c on his work gpu (GT 4xx series I think). These were very credible posters. I've never re-tim'd a gpu. I'm sure there's some great guides.

Do you run software to force your fan? 80% is louder but, 35c cooler under 100% load. And the fan only needs to be running high under gaming load.
Afterburner page here.

I know they say they're designed to run hot but, I wuss at anything approaching triple digits. I get nervous at high 80's. Afterburner eases my stress level.

No posts back on PhysX query yet.

Thanks for compliment on my 1st rig. I look at it now and wonder, "What were you thinking?" :-o Keeps me from taking myself too seriously, and it's fun. Glad I was too lazy to toss it.

 

Hey Captcha

Rikky answered the PhysX question here.

If you enjoy any of the titles supported by PhysX it does make a noticeable difference. And if you fold, it's an extra 3-4K ppd if you keep your 9800 GT in the mix.