Upgrading video card, need suggestions

[rollup]

Greetings everyone, I have some questions, anyways here is my build listed below:

Samsung SyncMaster 2494HM
http://www.samsung.com/hk_en/consume...subtype=others

Antec Three Hundred
http://www.antec.com/demo/ThreeHundred/

Gigabyte EP45-UD3P
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/pro...px?pid=2919#ov

Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
http://ark.intel.com/products/29765/...066-MHz-FSB%29

EVGA 9800GT
http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:A...4h53iCLdBtmxHO

Corsair Dominator 4GB (2x2GB)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145197

Ultra 750 Watt ATX
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...567&CatId=2533

So I plan on upgrading my video card during the holiday seasons, I want to know which video card I should get in order to run all the games out to date on high settings, and it must be able to max out Diablo 3, I know it's not out yet but I'm sure it can't be more graphically demanding than BF3 right? Also, will my other components hold my video card back? I know my pc is quite old what do you guys suggest I replace (if need be)? I’m really trying to keep a low budget so I’m hoping a video card is all I need, I'm afraid that you guys will tell me my motherboard don't even support modern video cards or what not lol. I’m willing to spend $150 more or less on the video card which I hope can maintain at a steady 70 fps, or no lower than 60 fps @ 1920 x 1080 res (24" widescreen).

Thanks!

[Mysteek]

Can't do it for $150.

60 fps @ 1920 x 1080 res on high settings for -all- games out today would require a GTX 560Ti at least

But for your reference:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...orce,3067.html

[rollup]

Can't do it for $150.

60 fps @ 1920 x 1080 res on high settings for -all- games out today would require a GTX 560Ti at least

But for your reference:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...orce,3067.html

Serious... I was looking at the radeon 6850, but that wouldn't cut it eh? Also... let's say I do get the 560Ti, would it be compatible with my system? None of my other components would be holding it back right?

[infamouskid]

Serious... I was looking at the radeon 6850, but that wouldn't cut it eh? Also... let's say I do get the 560Ti, would it be compatible with my system? None of my other components would be holding it back right?

6850 can definitely push what you want.
also any card is compatible with your system. the brand does not matter. it's if your mobo has the expansion slot with the proper pci-e version compatibility.

[rollup]

6850 can definitely push what you want.
also any card is compatible with your system. the brand does not matter. it's if your mobo has the expansion slot with the proper pci-e version compatibility.

Hmm I hope you're right, not sure why Mysteek says otherwise, but I'm glad I don't have to pay over $200. Keep in mind I don't do/know how to overclock so you're saying I can definately push high settings on that resolution with the 6850 right? Also, I forgot where I read it but I remember reading something about if your CPU is not as good as your video card, your video card performance will be limited? Is my processor good enough?

[MkmBandit]

Hmm I hope you're right, not sure why Mysteek says otherwise, but I'm glad I don't have to pay over $200. Keep in mind I don't do/know how to overclock so you're saying I can definately push high settings on that resolution with the 6850 right? Also, I forgot where I read it but I remember reading something about if your CPU is not as good as your video card, your video card performance will be limited? Is my processor good enough?

They're both kind of right.. the 6850 is no slouch, but at 1920x1080 you won't be pushing all the games out there at max settings.. especially with how ATi cards are constantly hampered by Anti-Aliasing.. It's a good card, as is the 560Ti, I'd compromise and get a 6870 personally.. as for your CPU, it may bottleneck certain games so that's something to keep in mind. As long as the game is well optimized like Battlefield 3, your system should hold up at high settings. In a poorly optimized game like Bad Company 2, after a certain point it really doesn't matter what vid card you have, I doubt you'd be playing high settings with a Q6600. For the most part the 6850 should be enough. You may need to tweak certain games to squeeze out 60fps, but that's one of the joys of PC gaming. Have fun.

[crowTrobot]

Hmm I hope you're right, not sure why Mysteek says otherwise, but I'm glad I don't have to pay over $200. Keep in mind I don't do/know how to overclock so you're saying I can definately push high settings on that resolution with the 6850 right? Also, I forgot where I read it but I remember reading something about if your CPU is not as good as your video card, your video card performance will be limited? Is my processor good enough?

With a 6850 not really. As long as you have an older quad-core/new intel dual-core these days and a current generation video card you are fine. Most games are GPU bound and very few games that use old engines still gain frames from higher end processors. The GPU/CPU bottleneck thing is overblown, especially with the latest games. The only real card that I saw gain significant frame advantage from a high end CPU is a GTX 295.

BTW Diablo 3 is going to be graphically intensive? Historically, Blizzard hasn't really released any game that has heavy system requirements.

You can also sell that resell that 9800GT if it is still working so you can get increase your GPU budget.

[infamouskid]

actually i beta test diablo 3 and it honestly is pretty graphic demanding.
i'm a running a 6950 and at times it does graphic lag.
it may be because it is still beta but even still it does demand some.
as for the graphics card choice your making.
i wouldn't more then a 6850 with your rig. it's not worth going any higher unless you upgrade otherwise you will get some cpu bottleneck.
this chart should give you an idea of what card is to buy.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...ce,3067-7.html

and the 6850 is definitely no slouch, it overclocks well, runs very cool and scales 87%+

[rollup]

Thanks for all the replies, alright so this is what I've come up with, get the 560 ti if there is a very good deal during boxing day, if not then settle with the 6850. My questions are, is the 6870 worth that $30 more over the 6850? Are these the best cards to choose from in that price range or is there a better card for the equivalent price? And is my motherboard compatible with modern day CPUs? Incase I do end up getting the 560 ti and I decide to upgrade my CPU in the future since some of you say Q6600 will bottleneck and some say it won't so I'm a bit confused, but yeah

[rollup]

GREAT NEWS! I know someone who would trade me a Sapphire AMD/ATI Radeon HD 6870 for my Xbox, so now I don't have to drop money Quick question, that card will work with my build right? No problems? I'm meeting up with him tomorrow so hopefully I can get a answer tonight.

Thanks

[Warlock]

Should work.