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
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.
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.
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P35-DS3L l E8400 @ 3.6Ghz l OCZ Vendetta 2 l 4GB G.Skill 8000PQ@1000mhz 4:5 l WD3200AAKS 320GB l Evga 8800GT SC 713/1782/1998 l AC Accelero Twin Turbo w/unisinks l Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Music l Corsair HX520 l Antec Sonata III 500 l Vista Home Premium
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
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P35-DS3L l E8400 @ 3.6Ghz l OCZ Vendetta 2 l 4GB G.Skill 8000PQ@1000mhz 4:5 l WD3200AAKS 320GB l Evga 8800GT SC 713/1782/1998 l AC Accelero Twin Turbo w/unisinks l Creative SB X-Fi Xtreme Music l Corsair HX520 l Antec Sonata III 500 l Vista Home Premium
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
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...
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.
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.
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
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.....
SuperSmashHoney 
