My first GPU buy... is it quiet though???

kylo · Post by **kylo** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:33 am

Specs.............................................................................................
NEW SYSTEM--- currently running windows XP pro-32bit (will be running WINDOWS 7-64bit a few days after its release)
CPU------------- AMD Athlon II X2 245 Regor 2.9GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM3 65W (I overclocked it to 3.72 Ghz about 2 weeks ago)
Memory--------- G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
Motherboard---- GIGABYTE GA-MA785GM-US2H
Harddrive------- 500GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA
Power supply--- 600watt
Monitor--------- 20inch LCD widescreen (1680x1050)
GPU------------ HD 4200 (onboard video)
........................................................................................................

I am looking to spend $100 max on a graphics card at newegg.com
I have picked out a (HD 4850)!!!!
This is pretty much the best game i will be running http://www.totalwar.com/empire/?t=EnglishUSA
MY motherboard....................
http://www.gigabyte.us/Products/Motherb ... uctID=2997
MY power supply ................... (the power supply has a 6pin for a GPU)
[img][img]http://i777.photobucket.com/albums/yy57 ... CF0196.jpg[/img][/img]

The BEST screen resolution for the monitor i have is 1680x1050

(pretty much i just need to know which one won't rape my MOBO or PSU)
IS THIS GPU QUIET??
Radeon HD 4850 512MB -- $95 (REQUIRES 6PIN)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814102824

Also is there a way you can check if the card is compatible with the MOBO or does it just need to be a PCI Ex16??
What's the sound lvl of these GPU's???? My computer is pretty quiet so i need a GPU to match it.. (if possible)!!

I play mostly strategy games..!! (controlling tons of troops and stuff like that)
Right now with the on board video (ATI Radeon HD 4200)
Empire: Total war - (need more graphic power) -- Release Date: March 03, 2009
Rome: Total war - (runs OK) can have 18,000 troops in one battle without lag at med graphics -- Release Date: September 27, 2005
Blitzkrieg 2 (runs GREAT) full settings -- Release Date: February 20, 2007
Stronghold 2 (runs GREAT) full settings -- Release Date: April 19, 2005
Gettysburg (runs GREAT) full settings -- Released Date: April 28, 2005

I DO NOT NEED MY GPU RIGHT AWAY... I'm just trying to narrow down to the BEST GPU for my system at $100.
Sorry for the long post but i want it to be detailed and clear for the PROS out there!!!

psiu · Post by **psiu** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 6:06 am

I bet a 4670 or 4770 with an AC S2 (or even S1 for future use) would be plenty for you, especially if you are satisfied with the onboard so far. Or if you waited until the mid-range 5000-series come out (5770 or 5670) in a few months.

just for comparison sake:

the 4850 has 800 unified shaders.
the 4730-4830's have 640.
the 4670 has 320.
the 4350/4550 have 80.

the 4200 has 40 and uses system memory.

incorrect · Post by **incorrect** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 9:45 am

newegg had a couple 4770 cards with stock 90mm-fan arctic cooling heatsinks, but they appear to be out of stock or delisted. both were around $95.

i'd prefer those over the 4850. or if you're not in a rush, the mid-range 5xxx radeons should be coming soon.

kylo · Post by **kylo** » Sun Oct 11, 2009 1:38 pm

i am kinda looking for something that will run 2009/2010 games and stuff.. i dont want to have to buy another GPU in 6-9 months...

i know the HD 4850 is overkill for what i need... its only $20 (after taxes and shipping) more than a HD 4670 soo...

Olle P · Post by **Olle P** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 12:57 am

If you can hold back your order a short while I think the new HD 5750 is even better suited to your needs. It will provide support for DX11 which will be a bonus for games to be released in 2010 and 2011.
Introduction price is expected to be just above $100, but I expect it to drop soon.

Cheers
Olle

ntavlas · Post by **ntavlas** » Mon Oct 12, 2009 8:53 am

Getting a cheap gpu now and upgrading after a year can also be cost effective, don`t let that put you off. The 4850 is very good value and relatively quiet when but it does consume a fair bit of power even when idle. The 4770 comes very close in performance and is much more power efficient. The arctic cooling cooler you mentioned is pretty good but has a horrible fan. Still, a fan swap is cheaper than changing the whole cooler.

Some gts250 cards a also fairly efficient when idling and a bit faster than the 4850.

Then you have the 5850, more expensive and hard to find but has by far the best performance per watt...