Upgrading My Video Card: PC

[JetsIn06]

]Question for anyone up on computer gear.

I have a pretty nice computer, but right now it's built for a very specific use. I'd like to get my hands on Skyrim for PC as well as others but right now my video card is the one thing that's holding me back from meeting the recommended requirements via Can You Run It.

Here's what I have:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad 2.3 GHz
Motherboard: ASUS P5N-D
Memory: 8GB DDR2

The graphics card I have installed is a Nvidia Geforce 9500GT.

Now, I believe my motherboard can handle dual video cards, but I'm not positive on that.

I'm looking to spend less than $200, and if I can run dual cards, I'm looking to get something that I can then add a second card to later.

Any help would be appreciated!

[Shepp]

Your board can support dual video cards. However, you would get more for your money with a single GTX 560ti which goes for around $220 than you would get for any dual setup for the same amount of money.

[JetsIn06]

Thanks!

As far as two cards go, I'm not looking to get two for under $200, but mostly saying that I'm looking for something that I can get one now, get one a few months down the road. I don't know too much about dual-cards.

[Shepp]

Just one word of warning on SLI setups. If the two cards are not the EXACT same make and model you may run into trouble making them work together.

[GrantDawg]

Funny. I just picked up a gtx560ti today (along with a new 23 inch monitor). Sooooo sweet.

[Scoobz0202]

Yea, actually Jets, what resolution are you gaming at? If you're sporting a 17 inch monitor then a 560ti is way to much... :)

[JetsIn06]

I actually use a TV. 37 inches, at 1900x1080.

[JetsIn06]

Grant, is it relatively easy to install? I've never done anything other than upgrade RAM, which I just did about two weeks ago.

[JetsIn06]

Now, here's my question and where I need guidance.

This... (http://www.amazon.com/PCI-Express-ENGTX550-TI-DC-1GD5/dp/B004RJJN9Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320893058&sr=1-1) is almost $100 cheaper. Am I really getting my moneys worth with the 560 over the 550?

[Scoobz0202]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4221/nvidias-gtx-550-ti-coming-up-short-at-150/10

According to that, I wouldn't touch that 550.

[Atocep]

Now, here's my question and where I need guidance.

This... (http://www.amazon.com/PCI-Express-ENGTX550-TI-DC-1GD5/dp/B004RJJN9Y/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1320893058&sr=1-1) is almost $100 cheaper. Am I really getting my moneys worth with the 560 over the 550?

IMO yes

The 560 is roughly 30% more powerful than the 550. The 550 is the budget card in the 500 series. Power-wise it's is on par with something like the GTX 280, which was high end about 3 years ago.

The 560 is an outstanding card for the price.

[Scoobz0202]

And to be honest, somebody much more educated may prove me wrong as I am an enthusiast and far from an expert, but before you think about going SLI I'd just buy a new motherboard and get a Intel i5-2500K before going SLI if you were to do anything. Although, I'm not too sure about what the current processor is in your system or how it stacks up so I may just be an idiot.

At your resolution, SLI just doesn't seem necessary. SLI is better for much higher resolutions. You would probably have to buy a new power supply if you were to go SLI. But mostly, like I said, at your resolution, a single card like the 560ti will be plenty.

[JetsIn06]

Okay. Yea, all things considered I might just wait until I can just put together a whole new computer for $1,000 rather than spend $200 now for a relatively old system. It's been hanging in there for three years now, still does everything I need it to do, but was hoping to get some gaming out of it.

Thanks for all the advice!

[GrantDawg]

Grant, is it relatively easy to install? I've never done anything other than upgrade RAM, which I just did about two weeks ago.


Couldn't be easier. The only thing is finding the power cords it takes in your case (I think there were three for mine, but I got the 2gb with two big built in fans).