$200-$220 Video Card Suggestion

[AN5]

Hi,

I am interested in a video card for around $200-$220. I will be using the computer for video editing (nonprofessional) and some gaming (no overclocking). This will go into a Phenom X4 system. Can I get some suggestions?

I see that generally there are more recommendations for ATI over nVidia. Is nVidia not doing so well these days?

Thanks.

[mazz72]

ATI is the recommended card for video editing.

[jdeb]

what are the rest of the specs in your system?

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by AN5 Hi, I am interested in a video card for around $200-$220. I will be using the computer for video editing (nonprofessional) and some gaming (no overclocking). This will go into a Phenom X4 system. Can I get some suggestions? I see that generally there are more recommendations for ATI over nVidia. Is nVidia not doing so well these days? Thanks.

Nvidia is doing ok for now, but nowhere near as well as they used to do years ago and they are getting lots of competition from ATI; nvidia had some problems recently with laptop (and some desktop) graphics cards dieing because of improper packaging; also most of their current cards are rebadged 2007 models.

[AN5]

Originally Posted by jdeb what are the rest of the specs in your system?

I am putting together the system:
Phenom II x4 955
4GB DDR3 1333 (2x2GB) 1.5V G Skill
640GB Western Digital Black Caviar 32MB buffer 7200 RPM SATA http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822136319
Cooler Master 690 case http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811119137
650W supply (haven't picked out which one)
Probably Asus motherboard: M4A78T-E AM3 AMD 790GX http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131366
Some ~$30 DVD burner
Windows 7 64-bit

[jdeb]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102858

As far as a power supply, stick with antec or seasonic

[glc]

Originally Posted by jdeb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102858 As far as a power supply, stick with antec or seasonic

Don't forget Corsair.

[AN5]

Originally Posted by jdeb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102858 As far as a power supply, stick with antec or seasonic

Hi,

I was leaning towards an antec supply (either earthwatts or truepower). I will look into the other ones mentioned.

Going back to the video card...

When I look at Radeon 5000 series in newegg, I see 128 bit and 256 bit. The 128 bit prices max out to $160 or $175 and the 256 bit prices start at $260, $280. That seems like quite a big gap on the price scale.

Secondly, if I look at Radeon 4000, there are many 256 bit cards in my price range. Is it better to get a high end 256-bit 4000 card (e.g. 4890 or a 128-bit 5000 card (like the 5770 recommended in the link above)?

Both are 1GB memory with the same number of stream processors and core clock speed. Memory speed is different. The 5770 supports DirectX11.

I suppose there is some performance overlap between the high end 4000 and low end 5000. It seems to come down to whether a good 256-bit/4000 is better or worse than a low end 128-bit/5000 card.

Sorry for nitpicking, but does anyone have information on which is better? I don't want it to choke on any near-future games.

Thanks.

[Masaki 7-11]

Originally Posted by AN5 Hi, I was leaning towards an antec supply (either earthwatts or truepower). I will look into the other ones mentioned. Going back to the video card... When I look at Radeon 5000 series in newegg, I see 128 bit and 256 bit. The 128 bit prices max out to $160 or $175 and the 256 bit prices start at $260, $280. That seems like quite a big gap on the price scale. Secondly, if I look at Radeon 4000, there are many 256 bit cards in my price range. Is it better to get a high end 256-bit 4000 card (e.g. 4890 or a 128-bit 5000 card (like the 5770 recommended in the link above)? Both are 1GB memory with the same number of stream processors and core clock speed. Memory speed is different. The 5770 supports DirectX11. I suppose there is some performance overlap between the high end 4000 and low end 5000. It seems to come down to whether a good 256-bit/4000 is better or worse than a low end 128-bit/5000 card. Sorry for nitpicking, but does anyone have information on which is better? I don't want it to choke on any near-future games. Thanks.

The HD4890 will be a bit faster (maybe 10-20% faster) than the HD5770, so if the new features aren't very important to you, going with a HD4890 will get you more performance.