Need advice on new graphics card, Nvidia geforce 8600GT has died

TomPrice37

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Feb 24, 2009
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My Nvidia Geforce 8600GT 256mb card has just died on me and i need to get a new graphics card. I thought i might take this opportunity to upgrade as much as i can however i am constrained by my system. I would be grateful for any advice and recommendations.
My system specs are as follows:
Inspiron 531 AMD Live X2 Proccesor 5000+ (2.6Ghz, 89W)
3.5GB RAM (4X1024MB) 667Mhz DDR2
320GB Serial ATA non Raid (7200Rpm)
Windows Vista 32bit
300W power supply
As I said i did have a nVidia Geforce 8600GT but it broke so i would like to get some more performance out of my pc. Any advice will be useful. Thanks
 

TomPrice37

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Feb 24, 2009
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I use 1400x900 generally and i think its 22A, just had a look inside. Sorry im not very good at this, how can i see whether its a 6 pin connector?
 

TomPrice37

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Feb 24, 2009
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Thanks very much for the suggestion. I thought too because my 8600GT was fine then when i turned it on the next day it just didnt work. Might replace my psu but thanks for the advice.
 

indigoataxia

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Most definately your power supply is the root of your problem. Here is the Power Supply chart everyone references when buying a PSU http://www.computersoc.com/viewtopic.php?p=37606

I would suggest a Corsair, OCZ, Seasonic, Antec, or PC Power and Cooling brand. Here is a nice one that would run a 4830 and the rest of your system easily and its a 80+ which means its very efficient on electricity

Antec Earthwatts 380W $40 shipped
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005

And here is one I would recommend if you are planning on keeping this power supply for your next build. This would run a Core i7 and a nice system.

OCZ StealthXStream 600W $80 shipped, $50 with Mail in Rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

 

TomPrice37

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Thanks very much thats great, I think i might go with the Antec Earthwatts but as i live in the UK i dont think i can use newegg as they dont ship outside the US. Found a place that sells it for £43 and might look around for cheaper though. Thanks again for the help
 

spanner_razor

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Use ebuyer for parts in general, that and dabs are the cheapest but I had a bad experience with dabs a while back with returns whereas Ebuyer has always been good.