Guide me to my new graphics card

C

Cryptvill

New Member
So basically, 2 years ago I brought a pretty beast computer. Here are the specs:

* MEMORY: (Req.DDR3 MainBoard) 6GB (3x2GB) PC1333 DDR3 PC3 10666 Triple Channel Memory
* POWERSUPPLY: 750 Watts Power Supplies [+24] (Corsair CMPSU-750TX - Quad SLI Ready
* VIDEO: ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB DDR5 PCI-Express Dual DVI-I & TVO
* MOTHERBOARD: Asus P6T Deluxe Intel X58 Chipset SLI/CrossFireX Mainboard SAS Triple-Channel DDR3/1600 SATA RAID w/ eSATA,Dual GbLAN,USB2.0,IEEE1394a,&7.1Audio
* HDD: Single Hard Drive (500GB SATA-II 3.0Gb/s 16MB Cache 7200RPM HDD)
* FAN: Thermaltake V1 Gaming CPU Cooling Fan


So everything was great except the graphics card NEVER worked properly for me. I had windows Vista x64 bit premium, and I consistently had problems with the drivers + ati radeon 4870x2. I eventually, somehow got it to halfway work (I think Ive been only using half of the card ever since) and it has worked well for the time being. Problem is - I am trying to Upgrade to Windows 7 x64 bit premium. I deleted everything on the computer, installed widnows xp (long story - but windows xp to windows 7 worked flawlessly on my laptop, so i tried it here) and I installed windows 7. Now my computer goes to BSOD and theres not a easy way around it. I credit this to all the problems Ive had with the ati radeon 4870x2. I think it may have been a corrupt card when I got it.

So okay, np, now I am here trying to find myself a new graphics card. Possibly one better? I am not knowledgeable on the graphics card market nowadays, so what is the best choice for me? I dont want to spend $400+ dollars, but If i am replacing my ati radeon 4870x2, I do want to do advance myself. With my specs in mind, and my price range about $200 or less. What graphics card should I be looking for? Note: It's not as if I need it to dominate the world in games, but I do play games like Sims 3, Starcraft 2, etc. So I do need a good one.

So overall my questions are:

1) What graphics card nowadays will work for me, for a decent price, and is better then the ati radeon 4870x2? When I say work for me - it is a pci-e, correct? I've never done something like this to my computer before, so im a newb, but ill read up on the 'how to' later.

2) Judging by my story up there, do you think the BSOD will go away once I get a new working (hopefully not corrupt) graphics card? I've always had problems with the ati radeon 4870x2.

3) Is there anything else I should take note of? Monitor? Anything that is incompatible or needs upgrading?

Thank you for your help, fire away graphics card selections, any info is appreciated.
 
GTX 570 is a nice card if you can afford it. Radeon 6950 is good and can be unlocked to a 6970.

I'd wait for the GTX 560.
 
Your just getting a BSOD but no artifacts ?

Alot of things can cause a BSOD.

Do have another card for testing?
 
Yeah I'd be skeptical to blame this all on the card right away. Why would you go to an XP install first then upgrade? It makes a lot more sense to just back your important files up and do a completely fresh install than to try and make a patchwork edition of Windows. I'd say do a fresh install of 7 and see if that helps anything. I understand your frustrations with the 4870x2, but its a solid card and the drivers should be more than mature enough by now to properly run at least most of the time.

Having said that though, if you still feel the need to upgrade, I would also throw in my vote for a 68XX series card, or even a 1GB gtx460. 460's have a lot of overclocking headroom and can match more expensive cards if you get a "good" one. However if you don't overclock or plan on doing so, I'd probably recommend a 68XX series.
 
Cryptvill said:
I deleted everything on the computer, installed widnows xp (long story - but windows xp to windows 7 worked flawlessly on my laptop, so i tried it here) and I installed windows 7. Now my computer goes to BSOD and theres not a easy way around it.
Click to expand...
You cant upgrade xp to 7 if that's what you tried.
 
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