Cheap upgrade for a ATI 4650?

[Space_Coyote]

Don't laugh, but my kid has actually been gaming on it for a year or so. I was thinking $25-$35 could net a nice upgrade on the cheap from FS/FT. I seem to remember the 8800GT were good cards, but I think they were power hogs too maybe? I have an Earthwatts 430W (bronze) in there now, so it should be able to handle something from a few years ago.

It's also used as an HTPC (he games on the LCD TV), so I need HDMI / miin-HDMI for sure. This is the rest of the rig:

Abit IP35-E
C2D E4300 @ 2.7 GHz
4GB DDR2
Antec EA-430D

 

[Joseph F]

8800GT wouldn't be worth the money. It's not much of an upgrade from a 4650, IIRC. Save up a bit more ( approximately $40), and get at least a Radeon 4850. Hell, if I had a card to replace mine with, I'd outright give it to you. Alas, I'm stuck with it, for now.

 

[Scheibler1]

Gtx 260, ati 5770

 

[Toconator]

Gtx 260, ati 5770

These are a move up from 4650 but GTX260 is a bit of a power hog. A half step lower than this would be a GTS250 (9800GTX) for less power draw than 260.

 

[AltTabbins]

Your best bet is to make a thread in the FS forum and see what you can get. People can say all they want about what card you COULD get, but I wouldn't get your hopes up until you get solid offers from trusworthy people.

 

[Space_Coyote]

Thanks for the advice. I made a post in FS/T and I'll see what happens.

 

[crzykid71]

A used 5770 is ok for gaming below 1080p resolution, med settings anything modern