I searched for a recent video card thread, but they appeared to be dead.

Ive been thinking about updating my video card, right now its a Geforce 9800GT.

Im looking for something in the 200$ish range with HD port and such. I play games like BFB2, starcraft,

Any suggestions?
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Second question, that does relate to video cards in the end. While playing BFB2, sometimes the screen was going black for a split second, and then sometimes I would lose the screen altogether. I thought maybe my computer was running hot.
Ive got a Intel Core2 quad. I downloaded a core temp program, and while playing BFB2, my temps stay around 65celcius during play, and around 46 when I am just surfing the web. Is this high?

I post this question in this thread because I am worried that upgraded my vid card will just result in higher temps. Do I need a new fan? Sorry imma barely above the lvl of a noob on this.

1/4/2011 10:21:47 AM

you mean HDMI port?

http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

http://www.techpowerup.com/gpuz/

Please post screenshots from those 2 programs (you can hit the "prt scn" on your keyboard and paste (ctrl+v) in paint.) It will provide us with information on your system including motherboard, RAM, and socket for your new graphics card.

Also, is this a normal size case or low profile or slim or anything? Do you have extra power connections to run a high power card? And are you running any other applications to consider (some programs like Blender3D or After Effects CS5 get significant performance boosts by using a NVidia card due to driver integration into the program.)

I think that's most of the information we'll need

1/4/2011 10:59:18 AM

Yea, I mean HDMI. I run dual monitors as well.

I have a normal size, gateway DX series case. Not slim.
I do believe that I have an extra power connector for a high powered card.

here is my attempt at posting the screen shot you requested.





[Edited on January 4, 2011 at 11:44 AM. Reason : and it failed]

[Edited on January 4, 2011 at 11:48 AM. Reason : attempt 2]

[Edited on January 4, 2011 at 11:48 AM. Reason : 3]

1/4/2011 11:44:05 AM

awesome.

http://www.overclock.net/graphics-cards-general/502403-graphics-card-ranking-5th-time-last.html

There's the running reference on graphic card 'speed' (some applications may be more optimized for a certain manufacturer, etc.)

And my recommendation if you have a twin slot free:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150476

Double check you have PCI-E 2.1 though. And I'd give you $40 for your current card

1/4/2011 12:15:40 PM

so whats pci 2.1?

1/5/2011 9:02:04 PM

What about a card, better than my current, with an HDMI connection, around the 150ish$$ price range?

1/5/2011 9:03:01 PM

^ CES is going on right now. The rebates on those cards are where it's at.

Or you should wait another week or two when the prices fall out.

Or when I'm at work tomorrow I'll look into it

1/5/2011 10:36:32 PM

I have a friend selling a Sapphire 5870 on ebay for $205. http://cgi.ebay.com/Sapphire-5870-ATI-Radeon-Bios-Flashed-ASUS-/190486589199?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item2c59e2af0f He is upgrading to 580s which is why he is selling. I would buy it but I just bought a new AC system.

1/6/2011 7:56:40 AM

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?nm_mc=AFC-SlickDeals&cm_mmc=AFC-SlickDeals-_-NA-_-NA-_-NA&Item=N82E16814150477

lookee there - That's like $155 with rebates.

1/6/2011 12:54:21 PM

Wow, nice. Now thats the type of deal i was looking for. Thanks for your help!

1/6/2011 3:31:47 PM