Probably a silly question

[Bringit]

At the moment I have a XFX FX5500 256MB graphics card.

And I have just bought a 7600gt 256mb graphics card.

My question is, is it worth leaving the other card in or not, and would I get any sort of advantage by leaving it in ?

Thank you for your help

B

 

[Slobogob]

The only advantage you get by keeping the 5500 in is that you could use multiple monitors. Performance-wise you gain nothing.

I would remove the fx card and install the 7600gt instead.

 

[Bringit]

Thank you

 

[Bringit]

I have installed the 7600gt card.
but now when I start up the computer I get a blue screen. Then It just reboots and it comes on ok, but it does say something about hardware/software could be the problem.
Oh I only have a 260watt power supply at the mo !

Thank you

 

[IndigoMoss]

Power Supply, enough said. Here's an excellent power supply for a very cheap price. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005

 

[IH8U]

Here is another good PS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104931

 

[IndigoMoss]

I'd say Earthwatt > FSP. Higher efficientcy, 2 12+ rails for a total of 36a combined and it is a 20+4 pin PSU instead of a 20 pin. Easily save a decent amount of money on the power bills if you run your computer 24/7 using an Earthwatts. I'd just wish they'd paint it a shiny black and charge 5 bucks more.

 

[Bringit]

Thanx both

 

[Bringit]

Would this affect my 3d mark score ?

 

[IndigoMoss]

The only way the power supply will affect your 3DMark score is if your card is underperforming because it's not getting adequate power. Otherwise, you could put in a 1100w PSU and if a 380w PSU is supplying adequate power, your computer will perform the same, but you will be paying a lot higher power bill.

 

[Bringit]

Thanx again indigo

 

[turboflame]

The only way the power supply will affect your 3DMark score is if your card is underperforming because it's not getting adequate power. Otherwise, you could put in a 1100w PSU and if a 380w PSU is supplying adequate power, your computer will perform the same, but you will be paying a lot higher power bill.

Good up until that point, your system will draw the same amount of power even if your power supply is capable of supplying more.

On the flip side if you want to upgrade then having a more powerful PSU would allow more power hungry components.

 

[IndigoMoss]

I've always thought that a highly efficient 380w versus a nice but not as efficient high wattage PSU, the higher watt one would take more power. If both PSU's were as effecient in both on and off state, then yes that'd be correct.

I could be totally wrong about that though, but either way your second statement is correct, but for his setup a cheaper PSU would be in order until a new build.

 

[turboflame]

I've always thought that a highly efficient 380w versus a nice but not as efficient high wattage PSU, the higher watt one would take more power. If both PSU's were as effecient in both on and off state, then yes that'd be correct.

I could be totally wrong about that though, but either way your second statement is correct, but for his setup a cheaper PSU would be in order until a new build.

ah yes, if the higher wattage PSU isn't as efficient then you're absolutely correct