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Second Computer - Which Videocard?

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - Second Computer - Which Videocard?

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So this is just a spare computer for mostly internet browsing and word documents. I've got a Core 2 Duo w/ an Intel Motherboard using onboard graphics, 2GBs of RAM.

Occasionally I'll have a friend over and we'll play some counterstrike source and I want a decent video card that can play it at decent frame rates. This is litterally probably the only game that will ever be played on this machine.

I want something in the $100-150 range and I was wondering if you guys could make some recommendations.

Thanks

Message edited by pchoi04 on 10-15-2007 at 04:19:37 AM

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X1950Pro.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102061

------------------------------ Intel NWPD Employee. Hawthorn Farm Campus. Navy DEPer, Ship Date: 080122 (YY/MM/DD)
Reply to justinmcg67

What is the make and model of your PSU? I'd recommend the x1950 pro, but just want to make sure your PSU will handle it. If it doesn't, than a 8600gts would be good too. It uses less power, but will still need the PSU data to confirm a good choice for you.

Reply to lunyone

Well I havent officially built the system yet... Those are just scrap parts I had. I was probably going to get a 400W Enermax PSU.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817194002

I really like the idea of having modular cables to help reduce clutter but if someone can recommend a better PSU for around the same price or cheaper I'll take it. I was thinking about an 8600GT with the passive cooler on it from Gigabyte. If at all possible I would like someone quiet.

Reply to pchoi04

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817139003
450w @ 33a
400w @ 30a (your link)
$10.00 less after rebate

------------------------------ P35-DS3L Rev 2 bios F9C l E8400 @ 3.6Ghz @ 1.232v l OCZ Vendetta 2 /LGA775 Bolt-Thru l 4GB G.Skill 8800PI@1000mhz 4:5 @ 1.87v l WD3200AAKS 320GB l Evga 8800GTS 512 l X-Fi Xtreme Music l Corsair HX520 l Antec Sonata III 500 l Vista32 SP2 l Win7 X64 7600
Reply to kpo6969

Only good for today, so if you want it, you'll need to jump on it. It may continue with the $20 MIR, but not sure.
PSU - $75 shipped - $20 MIR = $55! Can run a single 8800gtx system.
CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX 450W Active Power Supply Retail ***Free Shipping***
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Prod [...] e=10006428

Reply to lunyone

It's been out of stock

This is shold work just fine for mid-range GPUs.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817153023

Not nearly as good as the Corsair, but can't beat the price for a decent PSU.

Message quoted 1 times

Reply to zenmaster

zenmaster wrote :

This is shold work just fine for mid-range GPUs.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817153023

Not nearly as good as the Corsair, but can't beat the price for a decent PSU.

You think 18A on the 12v rail would be enough for the x1950pro? If he's sticking with the 8600gt, he'd probably be fine with that PSU, but I'd recommend this one below. It's the same price but has more amps on the 12V rail, thus giving him more available. And it is more efficient at greater than 75%.
PSU - $48 shipped Best budget PSU w/good amps on 12V rails and 1 PCI-e connector
FSP Group (Fortron Source) AX400-PN ATX12V 400W Power Supply 120/220 - 240v NEMKO, TUV, CSA, IEC, UL, CE – Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817104953

Reply to lunyone

I'd go with the x1950pro and the Corsair 450vx PSU. Ye shall be pleased.

Reply to tlmck

I vote x1950pro. You can't beat it for the price and the performance it gives. Unless you need DX10 support but the midrange cards for Dx10... um suck...

------------------------------ Big Brother Rules with an Iron Fist
Reply to jay2tall

How will CSS perform on a 8600GT on 1440x900? The only reason why I'm looking at a 8600GT is because Gigabyte offers a silent solution. Not planning on taking advantage of DX10 but I may turn this PC into a HTPC.

Like I said its just a spare PC in the room thats virtually never used for gaming but occasionally want to be able to play CSS.

Reply to pchoi04

CSS is fine on 8600GT at 1440x900. I can run all graphic settings on high, with trilinear filtering and 2x AA. It could probably do more AA, but I'm fine with it at 2x.

Reply to Grimble Crumble

I agree, exactly what the others have suggested regarding the X1950 Pro and Corsair PSU. This is the best price I know of on the Corsair 450vx at Buy.com .....$75.99 - free shipping

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-vx [...] 66485.html

You may also want to look at a X1950GT which is basically an underclocked Pro and a bargain at $113. If you ever do feel the need for speed you have a good shot at overclocking it to Pro speeds.....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814102034

Message edited by honestjohn_ on 10-16-2007 at 04:04:59 AM

------------------------------ Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3R / Core2Duo E6600 @ 3.4 Ghz.
Enermax Liberty 620W / Corsair XMS2 4GB (4x1GB)
EVGA 8800GTS 512MB / Creative Labs X-Fi Xtreme
Samsung 500GB Spinpoint HD (x2) / Sony 810A DVD
Reply to honestjohn_

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