8600GT to 9800GT - worth the upgrade?

[kaitanuva]

So my friend, who has limited knowledge of computers, wants to buy my current video card, a XFX 8600GT XXX for an enormous $95. For those of you unfamilar with this card, it costs only half of that today. I did my research, and have found out that the 9800GT not only fits my tight-ass budget, but is IMO the best performance / price card out there. However, if I'm going to upgrade, I'd need to replace my PSU also, which is a stock 300W 19A on the 12V rail.

Budget = $95 + $45 = $140

Found a 9800GT for only $100 and a 500W PSU (2 12Vs, 18A on each) for only $40.

Now, you are probably thinking I'm mad not to. But seriously, is $45 really worth it? And if either of those upgrades turn up DOA...

 

[angry_ducky]

You could always upgrade to a Radeon HD 4670 which costs about $80 and might not require you to upgrade your PSU. The 4670's performance is about the same as the 9600 GT's, so it's a bit below the 9800GT.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

I don't know what your planning to buy but I'd recommend this unit with a 9800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256032

It's less watts at 400, but has 36 amps on the 12v. That is more the enough for any single gpu system running a 9800gt. Also it comes from a company with a good rep in PSUs

Oh just wanted to add that yes, it would be a worth while upgrade.

 

[dieseldre2k]

lol so many of these "friend/family member" posts lately... if he was really ur "friend," you'd tell him ur card sucks and he'd get it for much cheaper through retail. but whatever, i'll assume ur using that term lightly.

 

[Guest]

tell your friend your scamming him... When i sell parts to friends i make sure they can't find it cheaper anywhere else so they still buy with me and they know i'm not lying to them

 

[kaitanuva]

Haha, I knew this was coming sooner or later. It wasn't like I flat out lied to him about the card's price. He needed something to run his MMORPGs well, which his current card cannot do. So I tell him I'll sell him my current one, which can run them on fairly high if not maxed. He was more then delighted and offered me $100 on the spot. I gave him a $5 discount and there you go.

He has a job and spends his money on playing cards anyway, so why not let him buy something a little more worthwhile?

You could always upgrade to a Radeon HD 4670 which costs about $80 and might not require you to upgrade your PSU. The 4670's performance is about the same as the 9600 GT's, so it's a bit below the 9800GT.

Good point, but I've already considered cards of those level and decided I wanted to take a few steps up, not just one.

I don't know what your planning to buy but I'd recommend this unit with a 9800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256032

It's less watts at 400, but has 36 amps on the 12v. That is more the enough for any single gpu system running a 9800gt. Also it comes from a company with a good rep in PSUs

Oh just wanted to add that yes, it would be a worth while upgrade.

Thanks. I'll try that PSU out instead since its $10 less, reliable, and has the same voltage.

 

[B-Unit]

Yea, something worthwhile like a brand new 9600GT which will spank the pants off the 8600GT your bending him over for...

 

[4745454b]

First, what games and what resolution do you play at? There is a big jump in performance between the 8600 and 9800GT. The 8600GT can barely handle 16x10, while the 9800GT should do it with ease. If your looking for a good solid card, the 9800GT (or the 4850/4830 would be even better.) is it. Second...

I don't know what your planning to buy but I'd recommend this unit with a 9800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256032

It's less watts at 400, but has 36 amps on the 12v. That is more the enough for any single gpu system running a 9800gt. Also it comes from a company with a good rep in PSUs

Something isn't right here. Lets see, 12V x 36A = 432W, which is more then the 400W the unit is rated for. You can't just add the two rails together! Looking at the pics, I see this statement. "12v1 & 12v2 = 348W" Doing the math, 348W / 12V = 29A. As for quality, I'm not convinced on that either. [H]ard has a review of this unit, read it for yourself.

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQzNCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

OEM is FSP, effiency is low, and the temps on it get VERY hot. (exhaust temp was over 60c) IMO, your better off getting the Antec Basiq 500W or one of the Thermaltake PSUs that newegg has. Both are less then $50.

 

[Cheesevillage]

Friends are often lost on the basis of money.


Never forget that.

And no - I am not getting all mushy. Its the truth.

 

[kaitanuva]

First, what games and what resolution do you play at? There is a big jump in performance between the 8600 and 9800GT. The 8600GT can barely handle 16x10, while the 9800GT should do it with ease. If your looking for a good solid card, the 9800GT (or the 4850/4830 would be even better.) is it. Second...

I don't know what your planning to buy but I'd recommend this unit with a 9800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256032

It's less watts at 400, but has 36 amps on the 12v. That is more the enough for any single gpu system running a 9800gt. Also it comes from a company with a good rep in PSUs

Something isn't right here. Lets see, 12V x 36A = 432W, which is more then the 400W the unit is rated for. You can't just add the two rails together! Looking at the pics, I see this statement. "12v1 & 12v2 = 348W" Doing the math, 348W / 12V = 29A. As for quality, I'm not convinced on that either. [H]ard has a review of this unit, read it for yourself.

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQzNCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

OEM is FSP, effiency is low, and the temps on it get VERY hot. (exhaust temp was over 60c) IMO, your better off getting the Antec Basiq 500W or one of the Thermaltake PSUs that newegg has. Both are less then $50.

Well I've played most of the games I've wanted to play with the 8600GT on fairly high settings, 1600x1050 res, avg 30-40 fps: WoW, COD4, Fallout 3, Oblivion. The 9800GT should probably do the same on next gen games, hopefully.

I'm not an expert on power supplies, but I know 29A should be well enough for the 9800GT. I can live with 60C - that temperature is regular for my stock PSU, which has working great for over a year.

 

[reconviperone1]

Haha, I knew this was coming sooner or later. It wasn't like I flat out lied to him about the card's price. He needed something to run his MMORPGs well, which his current card cannot do. So I tell him I'll sell him my current one, which can run them on fairly high if not maxed. He was more then delighted and offered me $100 on the spot. I gave him a $5 discount and there you go.

He has a job and spends his money on playing cards anyway, so why not let him buy something a little more worthwhile?



Good point, but I've already considered cards of those level and decided I wanted to take a few steps up, not just one.



Thanks. I'll try that PSU out instead since its $10 less, reliable, and has the same voltage.

That's pretty **** to do to a vato,why cant u cowboy up and sell the guy the card for a reasonable price,even if he does waste money on cards it his money and a true friend wouldnt swindle his bud

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

First, what games and what resolution do you play at? There is a big jump in performance between the 8600 and 9800GT. The 8600GT can barely handle 16x10, while the 9800GT should do it with ease. If your looking for a good solid card, the 9800GT (or the 4850/4830 would be even better.) is it. Second...

I don't know what your planning to buy but I'd recommend this unit with a 9800gt
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817256032

It's less watts at 400, but has 36 amps on the 12v. That is more the enough for any single gpu system running a 9800gt. Also it comes from a company with a good rep in PSUs

Something isn't right here. Lets see, 12V x 36A = 432W, which is more then the 400W the unit is rated for. You can't just add the two rails together! Looking at the pics, I see this statement. "12v1 & 12v2 = 348W" Doing the math, 348W / 12V = 29A. As for quality, I'm not convinced on that either. [H]ard has a review of this unit, read it for yourself.

http://enthusiast.hardocp.com/article.html?art=MTQzNCwxLCxoZW50aHVzaWFzdA==

OEM is FSP, effiency is low, and the temps on it get VERY hot. (exhaust temp was over 60c) IMO, your better off getting the Antec Basiq 500W or one of the Thermaltake PSUs that newegg has. Both are less then $50.

I don't really think it's fair to look at just the numbers. After all it is a 30 dollar psu. Hardocp test are just that hard. The fact that it survived says a lot and on top of that to get a silver award really is a glowing recommendation for the unit. I'd still recommend it.

 

[kaitanuva]

That's pretty **** to do to a vato,why cant u cowboy up and sell the guy the card for a reasonable price,even if he does waste money on cards it his money and a true friend wouldnt swindle his bud

Okay I think you people are misunderstanding me, and for that I am sorry. In this case I use the term "friend" very lightly, much like the guy you hang around a little but don't talk to every single day at work/school. I'm not a bad person, but I've learned in life that, unless you're rich and prosperous, you can't get anywhere by being completely honest. <_<