Upgrading to 1950Pro

[d4rky26]

Thinking of upgrading my graphics card to an X1950pro. Here's my current specs:

AMD Athlon64 3500+ Venice @ 2.6GHz
1GB DDR400 (2x512MB)
ASUS A8N-SLI
Antec SmartBlue 350W (21A on the 12v rail)
6600GT 256MB

Do you think my power supply is able to run the 1950pro without any problems? Not sure if 21A is enough.

 

[cleeve]

21A is going to be close, especially if you're overclokcing your CPU.

You could try it, but if you get crashing during 3d games, it's time for a new PSU...

 

[d4rky26]

What about an 2600XT? I think it uses less power than the 1950Pro. But is it much slower?

 

[cleeve]

It's notably slower, yeah. But still, it's cheaper, uses less power, and is pretty good for the price.

 

[gpippas]

I had a similar setup with when I installed an x1950pro. It kept crashing after I put in the 1950pro because there wasn't enough power. However after I got rid of my overclock the system was fine.

The system had a stable OC before the card. But the overclock drew just that extra too much power to make it unstable with the card installed.

Its also worth mentioning that you will be stressing your PSU to its limit most of the time. So there is more chance of it going up in smoke.

 

[d4rky26]

Will the HD3850 work with my PSU?

 

[randomizer]

Well if it does, it will be better than all the previously listed cards. Not sure how much power it uses though.

 

[itotallybelieveyou]

Really need a new PSU

 

[ramo]

Here a article about the 3850 and it's power consumption.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/Videocards/472/8/

You should invest in a new psu.

 

[speedbird]

What about an 2600XT? I think it uses less power than the 1950Pro. But is it much slower?

My advice is don't bother with the 2600XT as it's slower than last generation GFX cards in DX9 and cannot handle DX10 games either.

Conclusion is 2600XT is completely pointless

X1950 Pro blows it away

Edit: You'll need a PSU upgrade, but it's worth it and you don't have to spend a fortune on a good quality one

 

[The_OGS]

AMD Athlon64 3500+ Venice @ 2.6GHz
1GB DDR400 (2x512MB)
ASUS A8N-SLI
Antec SmartBlue 350W (21A on the 12v rail)
6600GT 256MB

Just keep this rig.
If you upgrade your video you will need a new PSU - and 2GB memory would be nice.
Instead of buying new old memory and new old vidcard, you should buy a PCIexpress motherboard.
Actually DDR2 memory is 1/2 the price of DDR at my supplier right now, yikes!
So basically, I'm saying that with 1GB DDR and that PSU, you don't need a new vidcard.
Or at least forget the new stuff and get maybe nVidia 7600 AGP w/ 512MB DDR2, they are inexpensive (and no power connector).
Regards