new GPU for a 1080p monitor

[JesseLactin]

My dad bought me a new 1080p monitor for my birthday. My HD 4250 takes longer to render windows now (it's not instant anymore). Is this enough of an excuse to buy a GTX 550 Ti (or better)? I was planning to get one for FAH anyway (not an excuse for anyone but me).

 

[parshnip]

Well I'm not sure why you would want a new GPU simply to load Windows faster. If it was just for Windows I would get an SSD. However if you really want a GPU (either for gaming or rendering or anything else) I would hold off until Kepler comes out.

 

[Ya93sin]

when you say render windows do you mean load up times? In which case it might just be HDD degradation, so an SSD is probably a good idea. The 560Ti is a good budget card for 1080p, or the new AMD 7xxx series are launching, a 7870 might be fine, don't know the exact launch dates though.

 

[fcb]

If you just need something small and able to play movies at 1080P, I think a low profile card like the GT 520 will be great. Anything in similar specifications from the AMD side, like the HD6450 should be adequate for your needs.

 

[JesseLactin]

What I've noticed is that I see the horizontal line that updates the window. I'd also like something to Fold on (the real reason for an upgrade). I've also seen a massive drop in FPS. Bioshock 1 runs at 4-12 FPS (from 3-4 times that at 720p). How long till Kepler? If it's too long, I'll pick up a GTX 550 Ti when it goes on sale (from NCIX, where I've seen models clocked at 970 MHz go for $100).

 

[parshnip]

Well if you insist on getting a GPU I would really recommend holding off for another 2 months or so which is when Kepler comes out. It is rumored to have double the performance of the current 500 series. Then again there is no solid release date or solid performance so its you're call on how patient you can be. Keep in mind AMD's gonna release more 7xxx series cards.