Looking to update graphics card

[-QUATROPUS-]

Noticed that my FPS in games (or at least newer titles) have been dropping or running like s**t even on mediocre settings. Took a look at my graphics card and this is what dxdiag is showing:



After trying to look for anything that goes by Radeon HD 5700, I have come to the conclusion that I can't find much about it. I did find this site though and I'm not happy with what it's showing (even though I don't know the date of update of site).

Benchmark

I haven't updated in 4-5 years. I'm looking to buy one between $175 to $220. What would be my best choice to last me maybe another couple of years?

[cranium coccyx]

Graphics cards are not the main power of a game, you also need to debate on your processor and RAM, as both are essential to play optimized settings in games.

Your card is pretty outdated though. I'd suggest a 560 or 680 ti nVIDIA series to play some under-next gen games on some proper settings, but it would require a more standard processor too.

I'd recommend RAM that's more than 4GB too.

[-QUATROPUS-]

cranium coccyx

Graphics cards are not the main power of a game, you also need to debate on your processor and RAM, as both are essential to play optimized settings in games.

Your card is pretty outdated though. I'd suggest a 560 or 680 ti nVIDIA series to play some under-next gen games on some proper settings, but it would require a more standard processor too.

I'd recommend RAM that's more than 4GB too.

Well here's the rest of the dxdiag.

[Lanackse-Kanvae]

GPUs are a major driving force behind many games. You may be getting confused with Flash games where Flash itself is a CPU hog but that's comparing apples to oranges.

RAM essentially serves to hold more active tasks simultaneously whilst the power is running and yes more is good up to a point. You're better off making sure that you're not running extraneous tasks when running mid-high end games. This also helps it to run smoother overall by at least mitigating (or possibly avoiding) "virtual memory" use which is slower.

[L33t Pule Mants]

Your CPU and motherboard are pretty old, but they were pretty good when they came out. So we should not worry about replacing them just yet.

For a new GPU I would either go with the MSI R9 280 for $184.99.

The XFX R9 285 for $199.99 after a $30 rebate, if you wanted a little more power.

If you want to go Nvidia, then the EVGA GTX 760 for $179.99 after a $20 rebate.

The 760 does not have as good as price-to-performance ratio as the AMD cards.