Helloooo,
I have been researching for hours around here but I have to ask my question anyway.
In short, I have already built this system and I am ready to throw down for a video card:
Lian-Li PC-V351B
Antec Basiq 550 Plus PSU
AMD PII X4 920 2.8 Ghz (stock cooling)
Asus M3N78-VM
2x2 Gb G Skilll DDR2 800
Windows 7
Everything stock speeds/voltages
System use:
This is sort of a hybrid HTPC/gaming system. I do some photoshop and video work when I'm not playing around or watching media. Haven't played games for a while but might have some time on my hands soon and I have to catch up. I've never even played Crysis! Also, I am sort of preparing this computer for Starcraft II whenever it arrives.
Video card budget:
$100-150
So, I've narrowed down the new 4770 and the GTS 250 1Gb as options. I read Anandtech's writeup where they benched the 4770 with the 512 Mb version of the 250 and the two were very comparable.
Questions
1.) Which would be the better card to buy, the 4770 or the GTS 250 1Gb? Is the 250 55 nm?
2.) If not for either of the two cards above, what else would you suggest and why? Please keep in mind that I don't have the means to constantly upgrade, but on the other hand, I'm willing to make a solid purchase. I just don't know if I need the firepower of a GTX or 4800 series.
3.) Unrelated question: can anyone recommend a quiet HSF for my phenom II? I won't be overclocking, but the stock cooler is sort of substantial in sound.
Many thanks!
I have been researching for hours around here but I have to ask my question anyway.
In short, I have already built this system and I am ready to throw down for a video card:
Lian-Li PC-V351B
Antec Basiq 550 Plus PSU
AMD PII X4 920 2.8 Ghz (stock cooling)
Asus M3N78-VM
2x2 Gb G Skilll DDR2 800
Windows 7
Everything stock speeds/voltages
System use:
This is sort of a hybrid HTPC/gaming system. I do some photoshop and video work when I'm not playing around or watching media. Haven't played games for a while but might have some time on my hands soon and I have to catch up. I've never even played Crysis! Also, I am sort of preparing this computer for Starcraft II whenever it arrives.
Video card budget:
$100-150
So, I've narrowed down the new 4770 and the GTS 250 1Gb as options. I read Anandtech's writeup where they benched the 4770 with the 512 Mb version of the 250 and the two were very comparable.
Questions
1.) Which would be the better card to buy, the 4770 or the GTS 250 1Gb? Is the 250 55 nm?
2.) If not for either of the two cards above, what else would you suggest and why? Please keep in mind that I don't have the means to constantly upgrade, but on the other hand, I'm willing to make a solid purchase. I just don't know if I need the firepower of a GTX or 4800 series.
3.) Unrelated question: can anyone recommend a quiet HSF for my phenom II? I won't be overclocking, but the stock cooler is sort of substantial in sound.
Many thanks!