Graphics card suggestion?

[q28s1]

The main game I'm running would probably be Skyrim, and I'd hopefully want to run it on the Ultra settings. The video card I have right now is a piece of poop. I can't even set it to medium without crashing.

The max I'd probably be wanting to spend is 300$.

OP:Windows 7 32bit
Motherboard: ms-7641 ver 3.0
CPU:AMD Phenom II X3 B73 Processor 2.8gGHz
RAM: 4GB
Power Supply: 350w

[Phalanx108]

Here is, unfortunately, a bit of a problem.

 

Your PSU is weak, you'd probably need to upgrade it to run a better card.

Then, once you've done that and upgraded your card, there's a big chance that the CPU will bottleneck it. The X3's were never anything special.

But if you were looking at a new CPU after that, you'd likely need a new motherboard as well...

 

Long story short, minimum would very likely require a better PSU :|

[q28s1]

Here is, unfortunately, a bit of a problem.

 

Your PSU is weak, you'd probably need to upgrade it to run a better card.

Then, once you've done that and upgraded your card, there's a big chance that the CPU will bottleneck it. The X3's were never anything special.

But if you were looking at a new CPU after that, you'd likely need a new motherboard as well...

 

Long story short, minimum would very likely require a better PSU :|

I realized it I didn't check the power need of the video card I just shoved in so yeah better PSU it is lol. I'll work off of that.

[Rennn]

This PSU is good and will handle most upgrades in the future, and this video card is about the least expensive model that will max Skyrim with a very good framerate.

Buy soon if you can; the PSU is on sale.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121660

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438006

$320 total.

 

 

If you're okay with possibly turning down a couple options in Skyrim, then I recommend these instead. The PSU still has some room to expand if you decide to upgrade your CPU or video card later, as well.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130909

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171068

$250 total.

 

 

 

Keep in mind, 32-bit Windows is less effective at handling HD textures in Skyrim, so don't use too many HD texture mods with your operating system.

There's also a chance that your CPU will bottleneck the graphics card, but I don't think it'll be too bad.

Edited September 25, 2013 by Rennn