best graphics card for my system

[jc315990]

I am looking to upgarde my current graphics card. I now have the BFG 7950 GT OC. I am looking at the new HD 4850 and the BFG 9600 GT OC2. My system is the XPS 400 ( 375W and 30 amps ) and I am just trying to understand which of these cards will work without having to upgarde the PSU. If neither what is my best alternative option.


Thanks,

Jim

 

[pauldh]

Both should be fine with 30 amps 12v, depending how loaded your system is (CPU, drives, fans, etc.)

Those two cards are nowhere near the same league though. The HD4850 is much better, more like the 9800GTX. Other cards you can consider are the 8800GTS 512MB, or 8800GT 512MB, which are between the two you pointed out.

edit: Best to worst, (all still very good though and better than the 7950GT), $200 down to $100 in the USA:

HD4850 / 9800GTX
8800GTS 512MB
8800GT 512MB
9600GT/HD3870/8800GS 384MB(high clocked models)
8800GS 384MB(lower clocked models)/HD3850 512B

 

[aevm]

Are those 30 amps something like 15A+15A on two rails? If yes, they probably add up to 25A or something. It should still be enough if you didn't exaggerate with drives/fans/lights etc.

+1 for the HD 4850. It's even a little better than the 9800GTX in the benchmarks I've seen.

 

[pauldh]

+1 for the HD 4850. It's even a little better than the 9800GTX in the benchmarks I've seen.

I'll agree with that. They trade blows, but overall it deserves a >= anyway. May take a few weeks/months to really see which is better.

 

[FrozenGpu]

I'll agree with that. They trade blows, but overall it deserves a >= anyway.

^+1 pauldh doesn't lie!

 

[rabidbunny]

I'd have to agree on the ati hd 4850. At these prices for new hardware, you can't go wrong. The nvida 9xxx series are good cards too (and the 8xxx series). I can personally testify for my 9600gt that it is awesome!

You can't go wrong either way.

 

[goonting]

go with the HD 4850 with regards to load wattage values...

 

[romulus47plus1]

Hail the 4850!!!