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Need some help deciding on a graphics card

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - Need some help deciding on a graphics card

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bkglitch   02-16-2009 at 04:34:01 AM

I plan to upgrade the GPU on my Dell XPS 420.

 

Upgrade 1: GeForce 8800 GT to a Radeon HD 4870 1GB
Upgrade 2: GeForce 8800 GT to a GeForce GTX 285 1GB
Upgrade 3: GeForce 8800 GT to a Radeon HD 4870 X2 2GB

 

Which upgrade(s) would i be able to do with this setup assuming i have an ample power supply and budget is not an issue?

 

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii212/ericl08/Motherboard.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii212/ericl08/CPU.jpg
http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii212/ericl08/GPU.jpg

 

How would i do any one of these upgrades? - I know how to physically install it but what about drivers... do i uninstall them, get the new drivers, then put the new card it? What would the steps be?


Message edited by bkglitch on 02-16-2009 at 04:46:08 AM
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jaguarskx   02-16-2009 at 07:54:34 AM
- 0 +

Your PSU is too weak @ 375w. The best upgrade would be either the HD 4670 (47w) or 9600GT (60w).

Best guess, you will need to upgrade to a 650w PSU for the HD 4870x2 which uses about 265w alone under full load.

The GTX 285 uses a little over 160w.

The HD 4870 uses about 130w.

All those wattage for the GPUs is assuming you are not overclocking them.

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gkay09   02-16-2009 at 09:40:50 AM
- 0 +

For the x38 chipset, u shuld go the ATI way...sure those mobos support crossfire...
So go for the 4870X2 if u want to upgrade at once...else go for the 4870 1GB...and then add another later...

Reply to gkay09
TheBlade   02-16-2009 at 04:00:24 PM
- 0 +

jaguarskx : ¨Your PSU is too weak @ 375w. The best upgrade would be either the HD 4670 (47w) or 9600GT (60w). ¨

I think that the OP meant an upgrade, he has a 8800GT right now, how will a HD 4670 or a 9600GT be an upgrade?

Reply to TheBlade
bkglitch   02-16-2009 at 06:28:46 PM
- 0 +

Thanks for the help so far, but does anyone know how to perform an upgrade like this - is there a guide somewhere or video anyone may know of?

Reply to bkglitch
trkorecky   02-16-2009 at 06:32:55 PM
- 0 +

What resolution do you play games at? At 19" (widescreen or standard, doesn't matter) your 8800 GT should be a pretty good contender in most games at the native resolution.

If you have a bigger monitor, I'd say the 4870 1GB is a great upgrade. I have the 512MB version now on a 24" 1920x1200 monitor, and I can max out most games. The extra VRAM would definitely help with the higher resolution and increased levels of AA/AF as well as allow for higher settings in GTA IV (stupid VRAM limits...).

Reply to trkorecky
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