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Second GPU or Upgrade existing?

Tags:
  • GPUs
  • Lenovo
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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May 22, 2014 6:39:28 AM

I've been researching this for a while and I keep going in circles. I have a LENOVO IdeaCentre K330 10062 with Intel Core i7-2600 Processor (4 cores / 8 threads, 3.40 GHz, 8M Cache) and am running a NVIDIA GeForce GT 420 for graphics. This is an edit machine so I use graphic intense applications. My problem is I am not sure (pci-e, x1, x16 etc.) what it will take. I know power supply is an issue ( I am thinking it has a 450 watts, universal, auto-sensing PSU) but I can replace that easily.

Thanks in advance for any insight.

More about : gpu upgrade existing

May 22, 2014 6:42:59 AM

plockerman said:
I've been researching this for a while and I keep going in circles. I have a LENOVO IdeaCentre K330 10062 with Intel Core i7-2600 Processor (4 cores / 8 threads, 3.40 GHz, 8M Cache) and am running a NVIDIA GeForce GT 420 for graphics. This is an edit machine so I use graphic intense applications. My problem is I am not sure (pci-e, x1, x16 etc.) what it will take. I know power supply is an issue ( I am thinking it has a 450 watts, universal, auto-sensing PSU) but I can replace that easily.

Thanks in advance for any insight.


Hi. I would just move to a GTX card. 760, 760Ti, or 770 would be fine.
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May 22, 2014 7:06:23 AM

So I can put a pci-3.0 in a 2.0 slot?

This is what I have now (in detail): NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 460, PCI Express® x16, 1GB memory, DirectX® 11,
occupy two slots, two DVI-I, one mini HDMI, HDCP-compliant

I have two slots that are: half-length, full-height, PCI Express x16 Ver 2.0
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May 22, 2014 7:12:18 AM

You can put PCI-E 3.0 card in 2.0 card, there will be no performance difference or maybe 1 - 2 fps less.
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May 22, 2014 7:28:31 AM

Okay, I am thinking of putting in this:

MSI N640-1GD5/LP GeForce GT 640 1GB 64-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card ($168 for 768 cores vs $109 for 336 cores avg)

I install two at less of a cost than one GTX that has less Cuda cores.

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Best solution

May 22, 2014 7:31:56 AM

Dont bother with the GT 640 if you want to use an application that actually requires Cuda accelleration, simply its a crap card, and it cannot SLI to combine the power of 2.

Also, not all cuda cores are equal, so dont make the mistake of comparing specs. Compare via benchmarks only.

Look at the 750 Ti, will be fine on your current PSU and uses the latest Maxwell tech so doesnt use much power and has very good cuda performance.
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May 22, 2014 7:42:27 AM

I'll take a second look at the 750ti RobCrezz, I just thought it was a little pricey for my budget (I'm cheap). But it would be a nice compliment to my processor.

edit: I was looking at the wrong card, 750ti isn't so pricey afterall.
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May 22, 2014 7:45:03 AM

plockerman said:
I'll take a second look at the 750ti RobCrezz, I just thought it was a little pricey for my budget (I'm cheap). But it would be a nice compliment to my processor.


Theres always the regular GTX 750 also which is a bit cheaper, again it uses the newest architecture (only the 750 and 750 ti on the latest nvidia tech), so is very power efficient so you can save money by not having to change your PSU.
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May 22, 2014 7:46:45 AM

What programs specifically are you using? Do they use cuda acceleration? If not, your money may be better spend on something else. If you let us know all the information we can make sure we give you the best advice :) 
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May 22, 2014 8:08:32 AM

It's an edit box so I am running Premiere Pro CS and am rendering constantly between that and After Effects. Adobe Creative Suite uses Cuda Acceleration.
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May 22, 2014 8:23:20 AM

Yeah so something like the 750 ti would be great for you, performs very well in adobe products for the price.
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