Budget graphics card

[Hazzaslagga]

I was wondering if anyone had advice on getting a graphics card for between 40-60ish pounds i've looked on the internet but no clear winner pops out so i thought some of you intelligent computer gamers might know.
p.s
it's pci-e if you need more of my specs i'll edit post

 

[Zing]

Urgh, I don't really know how much the prices would convert to pounds, but you might want one of the lower end Radeon HD 5000 series video cards. I just converted the 5750 from US to British Pounds(I'm Australian :S) and it was 88 pounds so yeah, if that's too much look at the 5670

 

[Cowabungaa]

I've read some good things about the ATI HD 5670 [http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-158-XF], ATI's latest mid-range gaming card, with either a 512MB or 1GB version. They sell, respectively, for 73 and 88 quid. A bit above your budget, but still pretty cheap considering their performance.

Don't expect to run the highest games like Crysis Warhead on extreme details and such, but it should suit to your needs. Afterall, if you would've expected performance like that, you probably would've gone for a more expensive card anyway.

 

[Zing]

Urgh, I don't really know how much the prices would convert to pounds, but you might want one of the lower end Radeon HD 5000 series video cards. I just converted the 5750 from US to British Pounds(I'm Australian :S) and it was 88 pounds so yeah, if that's too much look at the 5670

The drivers for those cards are no good at the moment. I also think cards are fairly expensive in Britian. I'd seriously go with nVidia GTX or newer GT's.

Perhaps he should go by his most power necessary game and figure out his minimum?

Well I have the 5850 myself and I've had no problems with it at all(Well except ATI Overdrive fucks up my dual monitors), but the drivers were fine.(Then again Windows 7 is also pretty awesome in that department, so that helped)

I'm pretty much always partial to ATI's though, I've always used them and they haven't steered me wrong.

But honestly, OP, the best thing to do is just to wait a few weeks and save a bit more money and get a mid-high GPU, then you'll be set for a while, look at a GTX 280 or HD 5850

 

[Hazzaslagga]

thanks for the suggestions i'm checking them now

 

[Zing]

nVidia 9800GT.

Easily the best value for money. You're telling me what you want, and I'm telling you what you're asking for.

This is what you want.

9800 is a good choice if you're set on that price though, he's right, but its getting pretty old now, so like I said, I'd suggest something higher up, but that'll cost more.

 

[ribonuge]

This is the cheapest and best I could find. It's not worth your while buying a mediocre graphics card that won't even play games from last year, so this is your best bet. It's only 5 quid over your budget.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gigabyte-GV-N96TZL-512I-nVIDIA-GeForce-Graphics/dp/B0023TD4XG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1264609874&sr=1-8

However I would recommend waiting a while and saving your money to get a better graphics card. That's just my opinion though..

 

[T-Blade]

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-194-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1274
I have that in a spare computer and it can run Modern warfare 2 at 1440x900 with everyone high at a constant 30+.
If I was you though I'd save up a bit more money and just wait until you can get a DX11 card, http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-159-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1673

 

[aseelt]

Go for the ATI 5xxx series, they're DirectX 11 compatible.

56xx or 57xx series would be good. Personally I'm after a 5770, it's a good balance between performance and price

 

[Hazzaslagga]

at the moment i'm starting to lean towards nvidia 9600gt
what about this http://www.amazon.co.uk/Zotac-9600GT-Synergy-Graphics-Card/dp/tech-data/B002JWOONQ/ref=de_a_smtd

 

[Vault boy Eddie]

I have a 9500gt PCIE 2.0 512 and I have to upgrade cause I can't play Mass Effect 1, let alone 2. So my advice is save up some money and go for something bigger, that's what im doing.

 

[Fromez]

Sent you a PM.

The 9500GT is perfectly capable of playing Mass Effect 1, I'm able to play it on high on mine, as well as Dragon Age.

It's a decent graphics card. Personally I'd invest in a better one for £40-59 more than you're currently willing to pay, but ultimately it's up to you what you're willing to pay.