Best PCI-E x16 GPU with PSU that puts out 21A on +12V

[jenks80]

I need some help in deciding what pci-e x16 video card to purchase. I am trying to keep cost to ~$100. I don't have a very powerful PSU. It is an Antec 350W, and side label states 21A on +12V rail (only has one +12V rail). I know I could go with an HD2600xt, since they aren't very power hungry, but I'd like to step up to an older x1950gt. I know the box says 30A, but does anyone have experience running it at less than that. I noticed a review on [H]ard|OCP, that used a 18A PSU, to test a x1950gt... It confused me since they were using a Corsair PSU with 3, 18A, +12V rails.

I use this PC almost exclusively for gaming. Oblivion, TF2, and I would like to try Bioshock, but my current 9800pro with shader model 2.0, just can't do it.

Or If you think the x1950's are to power hungry, and the hd2600 is weak, then what do you suggest?

Thanks!

 

[evongugg]

PNY has several graphics cards with low power requirements.
I think this fits your needs:

http://www2.pny.com/7600-GS-256MB-PCIe--P1777C14.aspx

 

[CannedTurkey]

Just get one of these. No worries.
http://img.ncix.com/images/22788_22788-t.jpg

 

[emp]

Factory OC'ed 7900GS for $99:

Foxconn FV-N79SM2D2-OC GeForce 7900GS 256MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 SLI Supported Video Card - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814186013

clocked at 560/700 over the stock 450/660, sounds like a killer deal to me.

 

[pauldh]

The HD2600XT isn't that weak in the games you mention. If you leave FSAA off it does quite well often matching the 8600GTS and beating the 7900GS. And for $100 you get the Valve black box with it, which is hard to beat IMO if you'd go spend $40-50 on the orange box anyway. If you like to use FSAA, forget about it though...it tanks.

TF2: TF2:
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=691&p=2

HL2 episode 2:
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3122&p=3

UT3:
http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3128&p=4
http://www.legionhardware.com/document.php?id=693&p=5

Bioshock:
http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/bioshock_mainstream_gpu_performance/page8.asp

Oblivion:
http://www.digital-daily.com/video/hd2600xt_no_aa_af/index4.htm

 

[jenks80]

Thanks for all the opinions. I think I am leaning toward the hd2600. Partly b/c I am an ATI homer, and because it doesn't require an additional power input on the card itself. It would have been an even better deal if I hadn't already purchased the Orange Box....