Upgrading my graphic card

[cascius]

Hi guys, I'm very pleased with my current setup but would like to add a descent graphic card to play video games. Please note: I'm a casual gamer (i.e. i don't play every week), but I want the graphics to look good on my 1080p 120hz 52inch LCD.

The current on board graphic card is an HD3200. Obviously, it's not very powerful. My case is an Antec fusion with very good airflow, but since the case is kind of small, there is some limitations as far as the length of the graphic card is concerned. (Probably can't put an X2 card in it). This card also needs to have a fanless heatsink for noise.

I don't care about Crysis. I'm more interested in games such as: Sacred 2, Assassin's Creed, some car racing games, diablo 3 (when it comes out...)

So i need some suggestions on what card to get based on these criteria:
- play games smoothly at 1080p
- fanless heatsink (not too tall as it will touch the top of my case)
- budget of up to ~$150 (can be less obviously...)

The following seems to be a descent card, but I wonder if it's good enough:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161266

Thanks in advance,

- Cas

[fekker]

You might need abit more video power to run at 1080p with AA support to smooth out the jagged edges.


(might be too tall) - 9800 GT - passive cooling, vdpau support if you ever switch to linux, considerably faster in gaming then the other card you referenced. Can use badaboom to use your gpu to re-encode hd media, and physx support (not really a big thing right now).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143169

9600gt http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125097

This 4850 is also passively cooled (with a cool looking cooling system, not that it matters, but it's neat)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125258

Size could be an issue, depending on motherboard layout, power supply, ram height
Of course, you could also just lower the resolution on the games and use less of a video card, but it's not going to look as good.

[cascius]

Thanks Fekker. I think that both of these cards wouldn't fit height-wise though. I guess i could always buy a card with a fan and swap it for a fanless heatsink.

Any other suggestions?

[supernoman]

If you have the HD3200, your board might support ATI hybrid SLI. Take a look into it.

[cascius]

If you have the HD3200, your board might support ATI hybrid SLI. Take a look into it.

Yes it does, but it only works with 34xx series, which can be outperformed by 4xxx series big time from what i've read. This is really too bad, cause i thought it would be great to use that hybrid SLI...

I'm wondering also about using a large heatsink with fan that only turns on when stressing the system (i.e. during gaming)

[natethomas]

This website might be helpful to you:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-radeon,2218-3.html

Tom's does a monthly review of price/performance. This page focuses on the $90-$150 range.