20 replies to this topic

[Cory]

I've had my current video card for around 3 years now and it's about time to upgrade. I don't play too many extremely high end games but of course I'd like to have the option too.

I'm not into over clocking much so I'd need to come decent with it's stocked settings, or extremely easy to over clock to a great performance. Also cooling is a huge issue as my PC is already pretty hot, so something that stays decently cool.


PCI Express blah blah blah, ati or nvidia blah blah blah. Looking for something with pretty low power consumption as well. =x My power supply only puts out 300 watts, so I'd like to get a card with out having to worry about getting a new supply.


Willing to spend up to 200 dollars shipped no more then that though, and obviously cheaper is nicer.

Was looking at something like this one. But I'm not really sure. It seems cheaper then the other cards around the same quality and also is clocked a little higher then most.


Suggestions?

[Nick]

nVidia's new line.
You'd probably need a new cpu with it though.

[Cory]

Suggestions?

[Cyo]

8800 gt is pretty good for u

[Joey]

Sadly, I use an X1650 pro AGP 512MB . People hate on ATI, but I really like this card. Happily it was under $100, and it runs all my games on high settings. I think they might make it in PCI-E D:

[Hawk]

PCI Express blah blah blah, ati or nvidia blah blah blah. Looking for something with pretty low power consumption as well. =x My power supply only puts out 300 watts, so I'd like to get a card with out having to worry about getting a new supply.

That may cause some problems...

The 8800GT is a solid GFX card (I have one), I wish I had waited a week longer to find out about ATIs 4850 for only a little bit more than the GT. But, that is what happens with any computer component. You've got to jump in some time.

The 4850, with free shipping from Newegg, along with a rebate, should be about or under $175. It will be about $200 initially, since you wont get the rebate instantly.

Power consumption wise, I dunno.

[Fatal]

I wouldnt bother getting anything until you get a real PSU, a 8800GT is going to require more than a 300w

I would go with a 4850 once you get a PSU and money

[Cory]

How would I go about telling how big a power supply I would need for each video card? o.o

I have a 430 watt power supply that I could toss in there, but I'm sure my roommate would be pissed if she found out I wanted hers. It's not like she uses it.

Also, I'm not familiar with PCI-Express 2 at all, will having the older PCI-Express (1) mobo really make that much of a difference if I use a video card that is PCI-Express 2? I read that almost all ways they are backward compatible.

[Vegas]

The 4850 is supposed to be as good or even better than the nVidia 9800GTX while being around $200 cheaper. Get that and a decent psu and you're set. Find a good brand psu that has alot of amps and good efficiency. Dont just go for the flashy raw watts. Go with an antec or pc power and cooling. Im not 100% but something around 400-500W should be enough.

Edited by Spade, 05 July 2008 - 06:39 PM.

[Cory]

That's basically the same as the 430 watt power supply that I could put into it. The one i have has an AC input of 115v / 9a though, instead of 10a

The 4850 is supposed to be as good or even better than the nVidia 9800GTX while being around $200 cheaper.

According to newegg the 9800GTX is only about 10 bucks more expensive.

[Vegas]

Pretty sure it was atleast in the $300 range a month ago. I think its due to nVidia recently announcing their price cuts cuz ATI's comparable high-end cards are way cheaper than theirs.

The 4850 is supposed to run really hot so make sure you have decent cooling.

Edited by Spade, 05 July 2008 - 07:25 PM.

[Cory]

Also cooling is a huge issue as my PC is already pretty hot, so something that stays decently cool.

yeah... from my original post.



So now, does anyone have a suggestion that's inside what I requested ?

[Kyle]

I have a 500w psu, and its taking care of my 8800gts. The XFX box said 400w was required for my video card.

[Vegas]

8800 GT is probably the best. A couple months ago before the nVidia price cuts, the cheaper and almost equal ati versions would be the better choices but now nVidia is able to equal ati in the mid-price range.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130318

I wish I knew about the massive price cuts before I bought my HD 3850><

[Fatal]

Wattage means almost nothing, its a big part about the amperage on the +12v rail. only 18A on 1 +12v rail is weak. It may or may not do the job but regardless it sucks. Also recommending an 8800GT is a terrible idea unless the budget is very low.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814121253

Go with that but I'd recommend a good OCZ / Corsair / PC Power & Cooling / Antec power supply, preferably over 500w.

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817341012
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817341010
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139004

[Cyo]

i wouldnt sugest ati cards cuz
sure dey mite be better hardwar spec wise but their driver suport is suposedly real shit in comparisan nvidia has better drives and it optimize cards more.
dunno thats just what ive heard

[Fatal]

i wouldnt sugest ati cards cuz
sure dey mite be better hardwar spec wise but their driver suport is suposedly real shit in comparisan nvidia has better drives and it optimize cards more.
dunno thats just what ive heard

ATI only has driver problems on Linux. For Windows the drivers work fine. The 4850 is the best sub-200 dollar car right now

[Cyo]

ATI only has driver problems on Linux. For Windows the drivers work fine. The 4850 is the best sub-200 dollar car right now

no i know the drivers work fine but that their not as optimized as nvidias drivers

see:
ati+driver=2
Nvidia+driver=3

this is what i mean

[redlion]

ATI only has driver problems on Linux. For Windows the drivers work fine. The 4850 is the best sub-200 dollar car right now

Right, but as far as I remember, Cory is running linux. So compatibility is an issue.

[Vegas]

I heard the 4850 has a high heat output even at stock speedsfrom alot of reviews. On the Fly Article

I suggested the 4850 first but Cory said he has heating issues so if he gets this he'll definetely have to buy it with an aftermarket cooler.

Edited by Spade, 06 July 2008 - 08:24 AM.

[Cory]

Just got my card and put it in and all that jazz and it's so pretty. Getting 50+ FPS with everything maxed on AoC now where i was getting 15 fps on the default for low. *squee*