Video card in new desktop question

[ihaveacamaro]

Hey guys, I have a build thread here too, but this question is NOT regarding that build. Brother wants a video card to fully support 2 monitors and as far as gaming goes, his highest demand is something like flight simulator lol

What would be a good video card for him under $150?

And how do I know if it will be compatible with his motherboard? He bought a prebuilt blackfriday computer and all it says on the ad is that it is an Ivy bridge I5.

 

[ihaveacamaro]

Would something like this work for his needs? He's not a true gamer by any means so he doesn't need a beefy video card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130652

 

[JackMcHale249]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150560

This would work just fine for flight simulator.
I have used one of these and ran GTA 4, Crysis, Modern Warfare, And world of warcraft.
All on either max or ultra.

And its only $99.99 after the rebate.

 

[ihaveacamaro]

What about this? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...yMark=False&IsFeedbackTab=true#scrollFullInfo It's 79.99 after rebates... just trying to find the cheapest solution to do the job well.

 

[spirit]

You'd probably want to get a Radeon and use Eyefinity if he wants to play on two monitors. For 150, the best card he can get is going to be a 6850 most probably http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150618

However, he'd probably need a new PSU too if this is a pre-built machine. If he doesn't already have a good quality PSU, the one I'd recommend for the 6850 and lower is probably going to be a Corsair CX 500 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

The 6850 will work with his board as it's PCI Express. Hopefully should fit in his case too, as 6850s are quite short, however if the PC is a slim tower or very small, you likely won't be able to get a 6850 or any decent graphics card in there.

 

[ihaveacamaro]

You'd probably want to get a Radeon and use Eyefinity if he wants to play on two monitors. For 150, the best card he can get is going to be a 6850 most probably http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150618

However, he'd probably need a new PSU too if this is a pre-built machine. If he doesn't already have a good quality PSU, the one I'd recommend for the 6850 and lower is probably going to be a Corsair CX 500 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

The 6850 will work with his board as it's PCI Express. Hopefully should fit in his case too, as 6850s are quite short, however if the PC is a slim tower or very small, you likely won't be able to get a 6850 or any decent graphics card in there.

Couple questions:

1) This is what he got. You think he would really have to upgrade his psu?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Dell+-+...8757819488&skuId=6577046&st=6577046&cp=1&lp=2

2) Also, what's Infinity?

3) How would I know if a video card can support two RGB monitors?

Thanks Jason

 

[spirit]

Yeah he'd need a better PSU. The one the Dell will come with will be low quality and low wattage.

Eyefinity is a technology ATI/AMD cards have which allows you to play a game over more than one monitor.

If the card has two or more video outputs (most do, the 6850 certainly does!) then you know it can support two monitors.

...however, sadly that PC isn't big enough for a 6850 or any decent graphics card really, and it also isn't big enough for a decent PSU. It's a slim desktop and uses smaller parts. So I think the upgrade plan may kind of be out of the window... sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

 

[ihaveacamaro]

oh that's too bad! Oh well, I doubt he really would've needed it anyhow. Thanks for the help anyways though!