PCI Express x16 With PCI Express 3.0 x16 Video Card?

Imacflier

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Follow up question to my question about graphics cards for a Q6600:

Most of the suggestions for a card are for cards for a PCI Express 3.0 x16 slot. My motherboard (old like me!) is a Gigabyte ga-p35-s3g (specs at: http://www.giga-byte.com.ua/products/mb/specs/ga-p35-s3g.html)

Does the fact that my mobo is likely no more than a PCI-E 1.5 x16 affect your recommendations? (I am tending towards a GTX 770 if it is feasible)

Thanks,
Larry
 
Solution
I would say dropping down to a lower card. So like GTX 650 ti or ti boost or AMD's 7770 would be a better match for that system. I am sure under some games even they may not get full loaded, but it is better than having a card sitting at 30-40% load(that is extra performance you can not use because the CPU can not feed the card data fast enough).

Now if you plan to build a new system in the near future, the 770 is fine because the new system will allow it to work to its potential.

Imacflier

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Hmmmm....OK, so the processor cannot keep up with the gpu. Other than $$, what are the negative consequences of too much graphics power? Knowing next to nothing, it seems to me that if the processor is the bottleneck, then I would be getting all the graphics performance possible for that processor. Is there more than that?
 
I would say dropping down to a lower card. So like GTX 650 ti or ti boost or AMD's 7770 would be a better match for that system. I am sure under some games even they may not get full loaded, but it is better than having a card sitting at 30-40% load(that is extra performance you can not use because the CPU can not feed the card data fast enough).

Now if you plan to build a new system in the near future, the 770 is fine because the new system will allow it to work to its potential.
 
Solution


Good advise!
 
Indeed. If you're getting a new system in the coming weeks, then get the 770. If not, or you're getting it after say 2 years or 3 years, get a cheaper card for now, as new cards are being launched almost every month, and you can always find a good deal.
 

Imacflier

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Gentlemen I am delighted.

As as newbie asking his very first question you have spent considerable time with me and on a question answered before.
This is a great forum!

Oh, I will be going with a GTX 650 ti boost and overclocking the Q6600.

Very Warm Regards to all,

Larry
 
3.0GHz should be easy for almost any Q6660. You may need to drop the memory multiplier to keep the memory within spec. This is because FSB overclocking directly effects memory speed.

If you are more adventurous you can go for more, but remember to watch the temps(especially if you are sticking to the stock cooler).