Graphics upgrade

[BigGlenn]

Hi folks,

I have been talking to a work colleague today and he has said that because he doesn't really use his PC (more of a mac user), he is looking at splitting it and selling the parts separately

Now I currently have (both running at stock) an E8400 and an 8800GT with a 23" 1920x1080 monitor

He has got a 5850 in the machine and I was wondering (assuming the price he wants for it is ok) if it would be a worthwhile upgrade or whether I would be better looking at a 6*** series, a GTX4** or even just sticking with the 8800

If money (within reason) wasn't an issue I would have been considering an upgrade to an i5 along with graphics but this would mean a new motherboard, RAM, etc and with the new stuff out next year I would rather wait and see what happens to prices of current tech as I am not fussy about having the latest and best stuff, hence the i5 I suggested rather than i7

What would your advice be, would the 5850 do as something to tide me over for another 12 months or so?

[Domestic_Ginger]

Definately. As you've said its down to how much he wants for the 5850.

The 5850 is slightly worse than a 470 give or take. It is slightly better than a 6850 in terms of raw power.

The 69k series cards are probably going to be >£200 so in temr sof value its not bad.

[scaryjim]

A 5850 would be quite a significant upgrade over an 8800GT, so as long as he's not daft about the price (< £150 would be reasonable for a second hand one IMNSHO) I see no reason not to go for it. The rest of your PC should be OK for a bit longer. I certainly wouldn't do a current i5 build as they are going to be replaced by Sandy Bridge in a matter of months, and it should be well worth holding on for that...

[BigGlenn]

Cheers guys, I will see how much he wants for it then

[eyezpy]

HD5850 is definitely worth it if you are useing 1920x1080 and want high graphics settings.

I would say closer to 100 bobs or less, the price for these are dropping as retailers are trying to get rid of them.

Google search found one here for £149.78:
http://www.inmyshop.com/products.asp...o=HD-585X-ZAFC

[c.ruel]

overclockers uk were selling a HD5850s brand new for £153 plus postage that is £ 162. They are still going for like 140-150 on ebay for some reason though :S. I reckon anything between £100-£125 is fair. But that is just my humble opinion.

Depends on how much of a mate he isn't doesn't it!