Advice and help with upgrading my Video Card.

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xirangeix

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Hello, I need some help on which Video Card I am able to buy. I am not sure what I can currently handle with what I have.

System Specs:
AMD Phenom x2 II 1090t 6 core 3.2ghz procc
16gb ram
(Currently Gigabyte AMD radeon 6770 1gb vid card)
Antec Earthwatts 650ea 650W max power supply.
Motherboard: Model: TA880GU3+ Biostar

The power supply has a 6 pin connector with an additional 2 to make an 8 pin connector. Most Nvidia cards I'm looking at have a 8 pin and a 6 pin connector and I'm not sure if it is NEEDED. If anyone has suggestions of a graphics card that's relatively good, for about 300-400 dollars, thanks.

I wish to run most current games at maxed at 1920x1080, with a solid 60fps+ (although I'll probably use vsync so really 55-60 without dropping is good).

I will most likely be using Newegg, as it is preferred.
 
Solution
thismafiaguy
Your system has plenty of power to handle just about any GPU on the market. For $300-$400, your best options are going to be the R9 280X, GTX 770, or R9 290.

The 280X is a rebranded 7970 GHz Edition, which has very mature and stable drivers, and is still plenty of power to max most modern games. The GTX 770 is a polished and rebranded GTX 680, which trades blows in performance with the 280X, and is also plenty of power for most games. The 290 is quite a step up from the 280X, with performance figures that rival some of the fastest GPUs on the market, such as the GTX 780 and the 290X. But the R9 290, along with the 290X, are only available with reference coolers at the moment, and they are "designed" to run at 95°C, which is quite a...
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thismafiaguy

thismafiaguy

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Your system has plenty of power to handle just about any GPU on the market. For $300-$400, your best options are going to be the R9 280X, GTX 770, or R9 290.

The 280X is a rebranded 7970 GHz Edition, which has very mature and stable drivers, and is still plenty of power to max most modern games. The GTX 770 is a polished and rebranded GTX 680, which trades blows in performance with the 280X, and is also plenty of power for most games. The 290 is quite a step up from the 280X, with performance figures that rival some of the fastest GPUs on the market, such as the GTX 780 and the 290X. But the R9 290, along with the 290X, are only available with reference coolers at the moment, and they are "designed" to run at 95°C, which is quite a hot potato for a computer component. I would not recommend the 290 with its reference cooler unless you intend to go water cooling, or unless you're quite brave. I don't expect to see a 290 with an aftermarket cooler until January.

If the card has an 8 pin and 6 pin connector, then it NEEDS both. Does your power supply only have one 6+2 pin connector?
 
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xirangeix

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As far as I know yes, I've opened it up and it says PCIE 8 pin (6 + a 2 one seperate, also i just posted my MoBo).

Also, with my current Radeon 6770, i tried to see the plugins and the 6 pin connector is really tight in the connection, i just checked to see, but I don't know, (the connectors on the video card side almost look like metal rods shoved into the 6 pin. Not to sure how to unconnectit when I do get a card.

Also how much ram on the card is recommended for current games (such as my heavily modded ENB skyrim). 2gb or more?

Thanks
 
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thismafiaguy

thismafiaguy

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Can you post a picture of what you're seeing? If you want to run a card with 6 pin and 8 pin connections, you will need to get a molex to 6 pin adapter or upgrade your power supply.

The GTX 760 requires only one 8 pin connector, and it's a pretty solid card. You probably won't be able to max most games at 1080p, but just turn the settings down a notch and you'll be smooth.

If you're going to play heavily modded Skyrim, you'll want at least 3GB of VRAM. More and more games are starting to use up to 2GB of VRAM, and it's only a matter of time before they go up to 3GB. Looks like you may have to upgrade your power supply, what's the make and model of your current one?
 
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xirangeix

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Im not sure on the make and model other then what I posted.

I have 2 pictures of the insidide of my comp to help




Those are one of the entire system and one of close up of the PCIE pins.

Hope this helps.

Nvm, the model is Antec Earthwatts EA-650 N11360 is the serial number I think
 
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xirangeix

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I think you got the wrong one, obviously you can see 2 on the picture and I cant find a 2nd one, although they are bunched up.

Also this link looks like mine and it says it has 1
http://www.antec.com/Believe_it/product.php?id=NjY=
So if it does have 1, what can i do that wont fry my computer if i need a 8+6. If i cant do this
Whats the best possible video card I can then get that will run most get high-max (not necesarilly AA on). With a solid steady 60fps at all times?

Thanks
 
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thismafiaguy

thismafiaguy

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The only thing you can do if you really don't have another PCI-E connector is to use a molex to 6 pin adapter. They do work, I've used them before, but I don't know how well they stack up against bigger power draws.

The best single 8 pin card out there is the GTX 760, and it might be able to achieve the kind of performance you're looking for, if you overclock it and tweak the settings a bit. There's also a GTX 670 DirectCU Mini from ASUS that only needs single 8 pin, but that's about the same speed as a 760, maybe slightly quicker.
 
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xirangeix

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Hmm, do ALL GTX 760's have the need for 1 8 pin? I see some that say 6 / 8 does that mean 6 or 8 will work, (obv 8 is better)? Most of em also have a 6 and 8 slot, but im assuming only needing 1 to be filled. THanks for the help so far BTW.

Also it seems most of them need 30+W on the 12v rail. Mine seems to max at 25 or so W.


Also it seems most of them come with "1x6 and 1x8 adapters" extra cords, which im assuming are the molexs? Those chords hook into the 1 6 and 2 connector i got to make a 6 and 8? (As in 1 chord goes into the 2 slot to make the 8 slot, and 1 chord to goes to the 6 slot to make a another 6 slot but obviously I'd have one). Dunno if it worked like that (sorta like an extension chord). Sorry Im a newbie

Come to think of it at the back of the picture I do have a free (4 slot looking) connector. Is that where the molex (or extra cables the cards come with) would connect to make up the 6 pin connector im missing? thanks

In fact this one (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371015 ) the one you posted is like my exact one with the serial number and everything. THe sticker on the inside of my comp is EXACTLY the same word for word amp for amp. It does say it has a 1x6 and 1x6 2 but I for the life of my can not find the extra 1x6 anywhere. And like the sticker says it has 25A max on 12v, most I see need about 30A on 12v.

Finally, I found this GTX 760 which appears to have only an 8 pin, but it does not state the required power.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121775
I was just wondering if it will be ok with my system and power supply that is posted above.
Thanks anyone.:)
 
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thismafiaguy

thismafiaguy

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Your system will probably run the ASUS GTX 760, but I don't know how long it will hold up against the 30A demand on a single 12V rail. You should probably get a better power supply just to be safe, and so that you won't be limited to a GTX 760. Keep an eye out for deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you may be able to pick up a card and PSU within your initial budget.
 
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