In preparation for WAR, I figured it would be appropriate to look into upgrading my video card.

Right now I'm running an old nVidia 7800 GT, I think 512.

Now I've heard pretty rave reviews about the new ATI HD 4870 from people I know.
Also the nVidia 9600 [I believe] is similar price range.

Either way I'd need a new PSU, probably the Antec EA650.

What should I buy?

the 9600 is ****, get the 4850, best price:performance out there, prolly won't need a new psu

Isn't the 9600 like two 8 series cards glued together?

in superbudgetgamer mode

as yoshi said, get the 4850, can't really go wrong at the price it's at and the performance it offers.

Sure about the PSU? Mine only runs at 350W, and I've got four SATA drives attached to it.

Also I keep seeing 4850, but 4870 I am pretty certain is the latest?
eg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129113

yeah you might want a new PSU... even with the card you have

the 4850 and 4870 came out at the same time, just two different models, one with slightly more processing power than the other.

Unless you plan on gaming at resolutions around 1920x1200 with AF and AA there is no reason to get the 4870. Also the 4870 is a dual slot card, the 4850 isn't. The 4850 should be fine at resolutions around say 1680x1050 with AF and some AA.

If you want and can afford the 4870, then go for it, it will provide a noticeable improvement over the 4850, but you pay say 40% more for 20% more performance.

good review here for ya http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTUyNCwsLGhlbnRodXNpYXN0

and some info on the AA and AF levels you can expect http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTUzMiwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

and you will probably want a new psu if yours is only a 350 watt, go for something around 500-600.

I think he would've noticed by now.

Most cards draw like 90 watts max, esp. budget versions. See if you can't find a review on whichever card your bottle lands on that includes the power consumption at load, then if it's not over 80-90 you'll be fine.

PS, the 7*00 series drew less power than the 6*00 series.

EDIT: not saying don't get a new PSU, it's prolly prudent, but I doubt necessary. Might as well try it before you buy in.

Ah, so.

The only particularly graphics-intensive things I use my computer for are playing movies on my projector, and Warhammer, so I reckon the 4850 is probably quite sufficient.

the power usage numbers on the last but one page of the [H]ard|OCP review show the numbers you should be expecting.

a 350 watt supply will be on the borderline of being enough, but in all honesty it's not worth risking it.

Also a lot of power supplies work most efficiently at around 70%-80% load, so giving yourself some breathing room is a good idea on two fronts.

If you still play JK, don't grab any ATI cards. If not, grab the 4850. Hands down awesome.

The 9600 is actually slower then the 8800GT in some games from what I've seen. Don't bother getting it. If you want a 9xxx series card (which doesn't have much performance boost over the 8800 cards) then get the 9800GTX+. 199$

If you get the 4870, make sure you have two power connectors open. I made that mistake once. But man does it run sweet.

Newegg has about a dozen models.. not sure which to get:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=4850&bop=And&Order=RATING

The ASUS one has the best rating but almost everyone complains about it running really hot and loud.

Im playing Warhammer Online Beta with my 4850, it runs pretty good I actaully wish I had got the 4780. Dormouse, what CPU do you have? I missed it if you said it. Just want to see if it will be a bottleneck for your graphics card.

CPU is an AMD 64 X2 Dual 4800+, also have 5GB of DDR2-800 RAM.

Someone who buys a video card around a 10 year old game needs to be punched... and move on.

Heh, to be honest I am disappointed JK doesnt work right but you dont see me returning my 4850 either.

Ah your good then, I just wanted to make sure you were not pairing a single core processor with a highend videocard and expecting miracles.