Would like to get new video card

***Overwatch*** · December 26th, 2008

Looking at getting a new video card, nothing too flash or expensive because my computer is outdated. But I would like to get a better frame rate for my games.
Right now I've got an onboard Geforce 6100. The motherboard is PCI-E

I would like something better but I've been out of the loop for a while, so I don't really know much about good graphics cards anymore. I rang the local computer store. They have a 8400 GS for $130 it's 512 DDR. That sounds alright, but I don't know how much of an improvement it would be. And I don't know if it would be good value. (is it worth paying that much for just a few extra frames)

I really don't know much about Radeon cards. If you think I should look at those, I will.

What I'm really after is good value, decent improvement in graphics for a decent price. I would like to pay less than $150 if it's a good card. (but ideally even less than that) If you know of any good Australian suppliers that would be good. Right now I've only looked at Harvey Norman and Scorptech and I will look at umart.

Thank you if you can help me.

*The.Doctor · December 26th, 2008

I don't know any austrailian sites or stores, but i would recommend a Radeon 4670 if you can find one (online, in store prices are most always rip offs). You can get them for around $80 USD, which is close to $130 AUD.

That 8400 is a rip off, you can buy a 8400GS for $35 USD right now. Honestly though, any recent dedicated card is going to be better than a onboard 6100.

What games are you looking to play?

***Overwatch*** · December 26th, 2008

Mostly Source games.

But I want to get Call of Duty 4 and some other games.

kow_ciller · December 27th, 2008

8400gs + COD4 = fail.

What resolution will you be gaming at?

***Overwatch*** · December 27th, 2008

Yeah I'm not getting the 8400, I was looking at umart and they have 9500 for under $130. The 4670 is about the same price. I'm guessing they have similar capabilities.

***DarkKrucifix7*** · December 27th, 2008

If I'm not mistaken the 4670 is slightly better than a 9500.

kow_ciller · December 27th, 2008

4670 will kick a 9500s ass. The 9500 is the same as an 8600GTS and the 4670 is between a Radeon 3850 and 3870, both of which will kick a 8600GTS ass and delivers within a couple FPS of a 9600gt.

***Overwatch*** · December 27th, 2008

What would be better out of a 9600 GT and a 4670. They are $150 and $140 respectively.

*The.Doctor · December 27th, 2008

The 9600 would be a bit better overall. There is not a huge difference between them though.

What are your prices like for a Radeon 3870, or 4830?

***Overwatch*** · December 27th, 2008

3870's aren't listed a 4830 is $200 which is too much.

Right now I've only got a gig of ram. And can't upgrade unless I get a new motherboard and I've got a pretty old, crappy one.
So I don't want to get a video card that's too good for my mother board.
I'll eventually get a whole new computer, because I can't make upgrades with this existing computer case.