Video Card choice...

[MNI-SmellyCakes]

Ok guys..I can't decide on what video card I want.

I wanna be able to play my games w/ the settings cranked to the max and resolution.. (COD5 mainly...and more COD's in the future)

I have a 17inch monitor w/ a max resolution of 1440x900.

I was initially thinking HD 4850, but I've read it may be overkill..but since my CPU is crap, I was thinking that might make up for it.

I was also thinking maybe about the 8800GT? (or 9800GT)

anyother suggestions would be nice.

also, site i would like to order from is newegg or tigerdirect.

 

[JJCG]

How about this.

 

[culexor]

well it depends on how much you are willing to spend. first you may need a new cpu, yours is ok but it may not be able to handle cod5 at max.
you can get the athlon x2 6000+ 3.1ghz for only $72 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103272

and on top of that, you can get a 3870 (performs very similar to the 8800gt) $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102719

or you can get a 4850 which should be able to easily handle cod5 and future games. $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770
its more expensive than the 3870. but if you are willing to spend about $220, you can get a new video card and a new cpu, which will eliminate the need to upgrade for a long time.

 

[_-..zKiLLA..-_]

well it depends on how much you are willing to spend. first you may need a new cpu, yours is ok but it may not be able to handle cod5 at max.
you can get the athlon x2 6000+ 3.1ghz for only $72 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103272

and on top of that, you can get a 3870 (performs very similar to the 8800gt) $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102719

or you can get a 4850 which should be able to easily handle cod5 and future games. $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770
its more expensive than the 3870. but if you are willing to spend about $220, you can get a new video card and a new cpu, which will eliminate the need to upgrade for a long time.

x2 very good post

 

[MNI-SmellyCakes]

well it depends on how much you are willing to spend. first you may need a new cpu, yours is ok but it may not be able to handle cod5 at max.
you can get the athlon x2 6000+ 3.1ghz for only $72 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103272

and on top of that, you can get a 3870 (performs very similar to the 8800gt) $100
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102719

or you can get a 4850 which should be able to easily handle cod5 and future games. $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102770
its more expensive than the 3870. but if you are willing to spend about $220, you can get a new video card and a new cpu, which will eliminate the need to upgrade for a long time.

thanks..im just concered about replacing the cpu. i have nooooo clue how whatsoever.

on top of that i have a dell inspiron 531 w/ a generic mobo and have no clue what is and what isnt compatible..

but thanks..im still deciding between those 3.

 

[_-..zKiLLA..-_]

the CPU cornholio suggested will work just fine in ur computer. its way easier replacing it then you would think. if you do buy the CPU then you will need some new thermal paste. the thermal paste goes in between the CPU and the HSF (heatsink fan).

 

[culexor]

the CPU cornholio suggested will work just fine in ur computer. its way easier replacing it then you would think. if you do buy the CPU then you will need some new thermal paste. the thermal paste goes in between the CPU and the HSF (heatsink fan).

yes. that is a must. im pretty sure the cpu comes with a heatsink/fan but it may not fit in your case (dells have a bunch of funky air ducts, i suggest removing them completely) if it wont fit in your case then you will need some thermal paste. i recommend arctic silver 5.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835100007

ps- $10 off code for the 3870: EMCABAGCH

 

[oOCursleyOo]

Why not go for the ATI Radion 512mb HD?

 

[wol-va-rine]

Why not go for the ATI Radion 512mb HD?

which ATI Radeon 512MB HD...? there are many, including the 3870 that has already been posted...

personally, resolution be damned, I would jump on this deal if I had $165 to spend on a video card ($180 shipped with a $15 MIR), you could then concentrate on upgrading elsewhere for a while because that card would last at least a few years...

damn, the price already jumped up $5, $185 shipped and $170 after MIR...

 

[MNI-SmellyCakes]

which ATI Radeon 512MB HD...? there are many, including the 3870 that has already been posted...

personally, resolution be damned, I would jump on this deal if I had $165 to spend on a video card ($180 shipped with a $15 MIR), you could then concentrate on upgrading elsewhere for a while because that card would last at least a few years...

damn, the price already jumped up $5, $185 shipped and $170 after MIR...

ok, well im not sure if dual-slot cards will fit in my case. plus, my sata connectors that hook to the mobo are super short, and have hardly any slack.

ill post a pic..

edit: and yeah, ive seen videos on how to install cpu's, and the cpu part looks fairly easy, its the fan and heatsink im worried about..i wouldnt want to do it wrong and have it overheat..

If it was longer, it would have just barely enough room.

Notice the shortness of the cable.

My prediction if I put a dual-slot card, that's long. (Most of them)
It would hit the 2 SATA Connectors.