Recommend a graphics card

[Guest richard_s]

If you can stretch your budget have a look at a GTS250 or even a GTX260. I have 2 words of warning though regarding the GTZ60 and they are 1) Make sure you case is big enough and 2) Make sure your SATA ports are not directly behind the PCI-e slot as the card will obstruct them if they are.

[OutToLunch]

I find the chart at PassMark Software - Video Card Benchmarks - High End Video Cards pretty handy when it compares to comparing £££ vs performance - have a look at your price range on Ebuyer (or your site of choice) then see which card out of that has best performance, then go off googling for some real world reviews. For my money, I went for the 4830 at the sub £60 mark.

[sted]

has anybody any experience with the ati cards that have onboard 7.1 audio and hdmi out? I was thinking of simplyfing my setup by getting a hdmi amp as well so pc to amp 1 cable then hdmi-dvi to screen (and as my 360/wii are also using the same screen it simplifies my wiring quite a bit). But as i havnt got the amp yest can the output "normally" to either optical or coaxial audio?

[ahuxham]

has anybody any experience with the ati cards that have onboard 7.1 audio and hdmi out? I was thinking of simplyfing my setup by getting a hdmi amp as well so pc to amp 1 cable then hdmi-dvi to screen (and as my 360/wii are also using the same screen it simplifies my wiring quite a bit). But as i havnt got the amp yest can the output "normally" to either optical or coaxial audio?

 

I have an Asus Xonar DX2 Sound Card which processes all my Audio, however when playing Blu Ray movies via PC into TV, I set the HD4890 to process the HD Audio. Can't fault it at all, processes like a dream, no stutters, poor quality etc.

 

I've the same setup DVI -> HDMI into TV. The 4890 upscales to 1080p as well, so I get full resolution on my 47''. Watching movies is absolute enjoyment. It also seems to-do well upscaling the desktop as well, and certain games that run at different resolutions due to graphic hungriness.

[synaesthesia]

Just got a XFX 4890 1GB - Lifetime Warranty, including warranty due to damage by overclocking. Perfect card, Cost just short of £120 and is absolutely outstanding value for money compared to the 2** series Nvidia.

 

Don't take this the wrong way but good luck with that. Damned fine cards, XFX - but they are absolute toss to deal with on warranty claims. For that reason alone, I've tended to recommend away from them unless the buyers are legal-savvy and dont mind shouting at people. Personally, I quite enjoy ranting at them

[ahuxham]

Don't take this the wrong way but good luck with that. Damned fine cards, XFX - but they are absolute toss to deal with on warranty claims. For that reason alone, I've tended to recommend away from them unless the buyers are legal-savvy and dont mind shouting at people. Personally, I quite enjoy ranting at them

 

As an avid gamer myself and only ever buyer XFX products for their warranty alone. I have yet to have a shitty return due to warranty.

 

I've returned three fried cards due to overclocking, without quibble, however response times can be sucky, but never waited longer than two weeks.

 

And the ranting part is valid. You do have to talk with some aggression when talking to them They dont tend to have grounds to argue

[browolf]

The last 3 cards I've had were HIS ati ones. The ICEQ range are unbeatable for quietness. dont seem like scan do them ones at the moment. Last one I got had to get from ebuyer.

[synaesthesia]

Quite like HIS stuff. It always helps when the retailer is happy to deal with returns, but most of them are blissfully unaware of regulations and laws regarding warranties too (in fact, there's an article on BBC tech website currently about that). Another reason to be thankful of lifetime warranties, less arguing

[painejake]

Ive had about 5 ati powerccolor cards now.

 

Great price and quality. Quiet and overclock nicely