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simple upgrade question

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - simple upgrade question

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fleft   02-23-2007 at 01:53:02 AM

I have a cheap eMcahines PC that I got for 180 dollars on Black Friday:
3.33GHz Pentium D Processor
1.5GB DDR2 PC2 4200 (bought seperatly)
200GB PATA HD and so forth...

In anticipation for a new game, I'm going to have buy a video card. What I want to know is which video card would be a good match for the memory and processor. (I dont want either component to be a bottleneck in the future.) I was thinking the Nvidia 7800 GT would be a good fit. Am I off the mark here?
And are most video cards compatible with both CRT and LCD technology?
Also, is there any way to make sure my case/power supply are sufficient for it? I'm pretty sure it's fine as long as I dont get one of those huge 8000 line cards, but I don't have the exact numbers in front of me.
And finally, is there any benefit in waiting for the price of DX10 video cards to drop (8X00 series and the still not available R600 series)?

thanks ALOT for any replies

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terror112   02-23-2007 at 02:00:28 AM
- 0 +

U got PCI-E or AGP? the 7800gt is outdated get a newer card instead.
PCI-E: x1950pro 256mb or a 7600GT which is good for most games.
AGP: x1950 pro 256mb or a 7600GS/GT.

To check the psu look at the wattage label on the side of the psu.

Reply to terror112
fleft   02-23-2007 at 02:17:55 AM
- 0 +

I have an open PCI-E x16 slot. I dont want to spend over 170 dollars.

Reply to fleft
Coolest_tech   02-23-2007 at 03:03:56 AM
- 0 +

I would recommend HIS Hightech Radeon X1950PRO 256MB which at $179, is 9 dollars over budget, but will give excellent performance. But if you want to stay in your budget, I recommend the XFX GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit at $169.

Regards

Reply to Coolest_tech
slim142   02-23-2007 at 03:25:13 AM
- 0 +

for $170, you might be lucky enough to get a 7900GS card, check tigerdirect, zzf, newegg, clubit.

Reply to slim142
fleft   02-23-2007 at 04:55:18 PM
- 0 +

Two quick followup questions.
First, the cards you guys linked to have only the DVI ports on the back of the card, so in order to connect these to a CRT I would have to have a VGA converter, are these included with the card usually?
Second, I just find out the cheap eMachines power supply is only 300W. Should I limit my new video card to something less powerful, is 300W enough, or should I upgrade the power supply as well?

thanks :D

Reply to fleft
sojrner   02-23-2007 at 06:05:04 PM
- 0 +

Dont have what all the cards pull for power tattooed on my brain so you should look up the spec/requirement of each card to ensure you are ok. My gut says that the top two there might overcook your power. The 7600gt might be better than either the 1950pro or 7900gs... I know it pulls less than either of those and is a solid performer.

Reply to sojrner
Track   02-23-2007 at 06:13:52 PM
- 0 +

Quote :

Two quick followup questions.
First, the cards you guys linked to have only the DVI ports on the back of the card, so in order to connect these to a CRT I would have to have a VGA converter, are these included with the card usually?
Second, I just find out the cheap eMachines power supply is only 300W. Should I limit my new video card to something less powerful, is 300W enough, or should I upgrade the power supply as well?

thanks :D



The card will come with DVI to VGA adaptors wich u can easily strap on to the DVI port(s).

300w is enough for a 7600 GT. The X1950 Pro is twice as good as a 7600 GT so u may want to check out if maybe ur PSU is good enough.
Ill tell u if it, if u tell me wich one it is.

Reply to Track
fleft   02-27-2007 at 04:45:33 AM
- 0 +

One last question since I'm always so surprised by how helpful you guys are. :)

The eVGA 7600GT requires a 350W power supply accoriding to their website. If I only plan on playing a few games here and there, do I still need to upgrade my psu, or will 300W do?

Reply to fleft
fleft   02-27-2007 at 09:49:06 PM
- 0 +

I got to bump this because the deal on this card is over in a day or two. Again, Is installing a card that requires a 350 watt power supply on only a 300 too risky? thanks for any opinions.

Reply to fleft
Cleeve   02-27-2007 at 10:12:29 PM
- 0 +

If it's a good 300w you shyould be OK.

I'd get the card first and see. If you get crashes while gaming it's the PSU.

Reply to Cleeve
Dr_asik   02-27-2007 at 10:12:49 PM
- 0 +

300W is low, you can be almost sure you'll have to change it. But just to be sure, open the case and look on the side of the PSU, there is a chart with values for tensions and amperages. Under +12V there should be a number ending with A, like 15A. What is it? If it's over 18A, then you're fine. But I doubt it is.

Reply to Dr_asik
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