What graphics card should I get for my PC?

I want a card that will provide me with a smooth fps rate, and one that can support a lot of mods at once.
*Current specs;
Computer model: p7-1254
Processor: AMD A6-3620 APU with Radeon HD Graphics 2.20 GHz
RAM: 8 GB
System type: 64-bit
Processor speed: 2200MHz
Cache size: 128KBx4

^Honestly, I don't know what half of that stuff means lol , but hopefully I provided you guys with enough information to help me determine what card to get.

Oh, and I'm looking to spend at the MAX, $170. Hope I'm not asking for too much D:

Thanks! ♥ ♥
DovahkiinBiitch

Here is a list of good GPUs
This link says what GPUs can run Skyrim well

When looking between links, make sure the ones you are looking at are the same, both shows the amount of Video RAM, and can play a difference.

I bought this one, but still need to put the computer together (motherboard needs an update).
The specs say it needs a 450w minimum power supply, so also be sure to check the wattage with your power supply.

Also, this has some good information, as well as this link

In general, you'll want to buy the very best that you can that your other hardware will support. I'm afraid I can't help much more than that.

With 170 bucks... ehh, I'm not sure if you could get a whole lot for that. If you want something that'll run Skyrim in full HD on Ultra with lots of mods, you'll need more.

I really, really highly suggest that you save as much as you can, even if you have to wait a while. I waited all summer for a new laptop so I cold play Skyrim with mods, and it's very much one of the best choices I've made (even if no one was really eager to spend ~2400 bucks on a machine for me xD).

Hopefully someone else will come along and be more helpful than I. What you can also do is go talk on the XoticPC forums. I got my laptop from them and they helped me greatly with every choice I made on buying a new laptop, and I'm not upset with what I'm typing on right now.

Thanks so much guys!!! You both helped a lot, thanks for all the links : )

i got a gtx570 and its great!

If you buy an AMD Radeon card, you can set up a hybrid crossfire using Catalyst. This will allow you to use your onboard graphics AND the new card. Greatly increasing your graphics capabilities above just what one can do by itself.

Crossfire only works if both GPU's are AMD Radeon.

Soloquendi said:

If you buy an AMD Radeon card, you can set up a hybrid crossfire using Catalyst. This will allow you to use your onboard graphics AND the new card. Greatly increasing your graphics capabilities above just what one can do by itself.

Click to expand...

No it won't. As you noted:

Soloquendi said:

Crossfire only works if both GPU's are AMD Radeon.

Click to expand...

Further, it only works if both AMD Radeon cards are Crossfire certified and only certain models of Crossfire certified cards can be used with each other.

NVIDIA offers a similar option with it's SLI video cards.

For either you have to make sure you have a sufficient power supply to use the two cards.

I have the same model PC as the poster and I've already researched this. My post was to simply to point out another option, not go in to every specific. She could then ask further questions or look it up if interested.

*** Removed personal attack added at the bottom of this post -Rayven ***

Soloquendi said:

I have the same model PC as the poster and I've already researched this. My post was to simply to point out another option, not go in to every specific.

Click to expand...

And yet you did when you implied that Crossfire certified cards can be used with integrated graphics to improve performance of an application, which isn't true. If you meant that they can be used to run separate applications instead of having one used for both that's possible but of little practical value to most PC users.

You can take offense by making infantile assertions about my posts but they only display your lack of maturity. If I see someone post something that needs to be corrected, clarified or qualified then I do it. It's as simple as that. You're kidding yourself if you think otherwise. Providing accurate information takes precedence over coddling someone's ego.

LOL.

To the Op. Don't mind us. This has nothing to do with you. I'm not sure what it has to do with actually.

To the original point. I have the same system and can run Skyrim on High just fine, or on Ultra if I turn down the water feature. This is with about a dozen mods loaded. The best advice I can give you is to do some research online and/or contact the computer manufacturer and ask for their recommendations. Don't just accept someones opinion on a forum as a fact.

This is all I have to say about that.