Can anyone suggest a suitable graphics card?

[wingman_rodders]

I currently have 2 nvidia geforce 7300gs cards installed but I'm looking to upgrade. I'm running XP at the moment but will be upgrading to Vista 64bit before replacing the graphics cards. I have 2x 2gb OCZ PC2 6400 800mhz RAM and an ASUS p5n-e sli motherboard with intel core 2 duo 6400 @ 2.13ghz. I'm looking for something capable of running GTAIV because my system can't handle it at the moment. Hoping I can get a suitable card for about £150 :lol:

[Lynx]

For £150 the HD4850 is the best card to go for, and If i were you, i would overclock that CPU to ensure your pc runs GTAIV nicely, i have the same motherboard, and overclocking is a doddle.

[jonwoad]

I was going to suggest the 4850,

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Graphics+Cards/PCI-E/ATI+Radeon+4000+Series/ATi+Radeon+HD+4850+Overclocked+512MB+PCI-E2.0+?productId=33457 pre overclocked version :)

[Lynx]

I would suggest an ASUS version or similar to the 4850 rather than standard, ive never had good overclocking experience with the ati versions of their cards.

[jonwoad]

In which case...

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Graphics+Cards/PCI-E/ATI+Radeon+4000+Series/Asus+ATi+Radeon+HD+4850+512MB+PCI-E2.0+?productId=32374

[Lynx]

Is that the actual cooler asus are using? if so maybe not that card :P
go for:
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Graphics+Cards/PCI-E/ATI+Radeon+4000+Series/Gigabyte+HD+4850+512MB+PCI-E+?productId=34592

[jonwoad]

dunno, not had chance to look at one close up

[wingman_rodders]

Would it be possible to have a pair of these cards if I wanted to upgrade further in the future?

[jonwoad]

you could but you wouldnt be able to use them as crossfire because your board is SLi...

[wingman_rodders]

So would I be better off going for a SLi compatible Card?

[jonwoad]

TBH it wouldnt be worth it, you'd be better spending more on just one card... I think you'll find that is what the forum says :)

I SLI'd two 7600gt cards and it wasnt worth the increase

[wingman_rodders]

Is there a limit to how high a graphics card my motherboard can handle and how do I know what that would be?

[Lynx]

Its more a limit of how fast your cpu can give the GFX card data currently.

[wingman_rodders]

Ok. Is there any kind of configurator that can help me to choose a card? I'm keen to get the best I can afford to ensure it will keep up with gaming for a little while.

[Lynx]

We have reccomended to you the best graphics card :)

[wingman_rodders]

ok thanks:)

[Monkey]

Dont get the gigashyte version though!

[wingman_rodders]

I'm now thinking of upgrading my cpu as well to a quad core - possibly around 2.4Ghz depending on available deals. Would this allow me to get a higher spec card and if so what would be a good option?

[marsey99]

the e8500 in the bargain bin would get the best out of that ati card for you or you could save a few notes and get a 8800gts 512 for buttons :D