Requesting Suggestions for GPU Upgrade

[Jar]

Current setup: Q9550 @ 3.4, 4GB DDR2, XFX HD 4890 (stock), BenQ V2400W @ 1920x1200, Win XP 32-bit
Primary uses: gaming, coding, minecraft
Budget for new GPU: $350

The 4890 has served me well for a long time, but after firing up Metro 2033, I have realized that I want to upgrade to newer tech. I will be switching to Windows 7 at the same time (it has been a good run XP.) I am very much a frugal, bang-for-your-buck kind of person, but at the same time I would like to max out games at 1920x1200 for the next year or two. AMD or nVidia--it does not matter to me. My motherboard does not support multiple GPUs, so SLI/CrossFire is not an option.

Thank you for the help.

 

[cabech984]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102883

$200 out of pocket after rebates and discounts. Pretty good deal imho.

For a budget of $350, you can find some deals on the GTX570. Or you could go the HD6950 route and try to unlock it.

Is Windows 7 upgrade part of your $350 budget?

 

[Ultima99]

At that price point its 2 options, 570 and 6950. Both would serve you well.

 

[Jar]

No, the Windows 7 upgrade isn't part of the budget. The $350 is completely for the new video card.

 

[450]

HD6950 -> HD6970 is what I'd do.