Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Buying Today or Tomorrow! GTX 260 Core 216!!! Help Please.

Buying Today or Tomorrow! GTX 260 Core 216!!! Help Please.

Forum Graphic & Displays : Graphics Cards - Buying Today or Tomorrow! GTX 260 Core 216!!! Help Please.

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Alright so after a lot of time spent trying to find the perfect graphics card and PSU update for me.
Ive decided to get the GTX 260 Core 216.
I'm pretty sure i'll get this one.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] ku=B52-261
Because the price is unbeatable! FINAL price is $181!!

My plan was also to get the Antec EA500 PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] &Tpk=ea500

However the BFG GTX 260 says 525W minimum and 12V Current rating of 38A minimum.
What should I do? Get a better PSU?
I'm having a lot of trouble here because I've never bought a new PSU and want to make sure its compatible!
I know the EA500 is compatible with my computer because in this tutorial the guy has the exact same computer as me, the Dell 435MT.
http://www.voidware.com/index.php? [...] 3&Itemid=2
He replaced his setup with a 4870 and the EA500.

He also mentions some info for the PSU to get:

Quote :


· dimensions 150mm (W) x 140mm (D) x 86mm (H)
This is the smaller ATX standard with 150x180x86 being the larger standard (this won't fit!)

· A powerful enough PSU (for me 500W)

· The mainboard needs a 24 pin ATX connector 2x12 and a P8 (2x4 pin) CPU power connector.
This is the EPS12v standard.

· Also power for the DVD/HD and PCI-E power lines for graphics.



This'll all be on a I7-920, 6 gigs of ram, 24" 1920X1080 monitor.

Here are a few more 260/216's i've been debating on (although more expensive)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] der=RATING

Really REALLY appreciate the help, because I'm losing my mind.

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The guy in that tutorial is a bit off
"For the PSU, airflow is an important consideration. I wanted the vent through the back using a 80mm fan rather than the more common (now) 120mm PSU fan fitted into the side of the unit. For example Corsair VX models are the correct dimensions, but the 120mm side fan will vent into the box and onto the CPU."

The 120 mm fan on the Corsair vents air out of the box just like any other modern power supply.
You can get the Antec for less here;
http://www.pcboost.com/store/viewi [...] duct=13928
Don't bother with thier added warranty of expedited proccessing, and if you want to save a few extra dollars don't get the cord.
Use the money you save to buy an XFX or EVGA from Newegg ( I think the customer service of both companies is better than BFG and the warranties certainly are ) You'll get a rebate that will bring the card cost back down so you'll end up saving even more, and a free game with most of the cards.

I never dealt with one of those machines, but I would think that having the card so close to the bottom of the case would hurt airflow to it, grab yourself an 80mm fan to set on the case floor in front of the card.

------------------------------ q9650 @ 4.050 | Asus Rampage Formula | 2x2 Corsair Dominators | WD Black 640 x2
EVGA GTX260 Core216 @ 686/1479/1103 | Antec TPN 750

 

Reply to Delluser1

Thanks for the input.
Yeah i also noticed that, a 120mm fan wouldnt vent inside :lol:

Also the earthwatts you linked to appears to be different.
It has a blue sticker on the side and it's ea500D instead of ea500.
The newegg one has a red sticker and its ea500?
Hmm..
Also when you say don't get the cord do you mean I could use the same cord that came with my dell studio xps' PSU? Are the gauges universal or something?

I think BFG is pretty equal to XFX and evga. I could be wrong though.
Besides, the reviews on the XFX card had quite a few complaints about "broken fans".
Also newegg and their "tax" lands basically every core 216 above 181 =(.

When you say the warranties are better do you mean because overclocking is covered by the warranty?

Also I agree about the airflow for the card.
Though I think it would vent nicely out the back.
Where could I fit a 80mm?


Message edited by topdnbass on 03-30-2009 at 02:25:50 AM
Reply to topdnbass

The EA500 you will get from Newegg is also the D model. Antec changed oems from Seasonic to Delta some time ago, Newegg didn't change thier description.
Yes the power cords are universal.
The cards are equal, it's the support and warranty of XFX and EVGA that I feel are superior , yes, because of the overclocking clause.
Taxes are a funny thing, not everyone gets hit by them, I do as well, but the savings from the psu at PCboost makes up for it.
Like I said just set the fan in the front of the case ( on the bottom ) there's a grill there that will allow for intake.

------------------------------ q9650 @ 4.050 | Asus Rampage Formula | 2x2 Corsair Dominators | WD Black 640 x2
EVGA GTX260 Core216 @ 686/1479/1103 | Antec TPN 750

 

Reply to Delluser1

The way I see it though, even if I overclocked the *** out of the card BFG wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
Either I didnt have proper cooling so it overheated or I overclocked it until it overheated.
Is there another way to tell if its been overclocked?
Yeah the taxes suck..
That's why I like tigerdirect because no tax for me and if the price is above 100 but the weight is below a certain amount its only 1.99 to ship.
Meaning most computer hardware is just 2 bucks to ship.

Oh ok so you mean an external fan, ya I can do that.

Reply to topdnbass

I bought the EVGA =P.
Only issue im having now is that Pcboost.com doesnt look very reliable or safe.
Also im reluctant putting my cred card in, why dont they have paypal?
Anyone care to share experiences?

Reply to topdnbass

I purchased 2 there and know a couple of others who have, no problems.

------------------------------ q9650 @ 4.050 | Asus Rampage Formula | 2x2 Corsair Dominators | WD Black 640 x2
EVGA GTX260 Core216 @ 686/1479/1103 | Antec TPN 750

 

Reply to Delluser1

I couldnt wait so I just got the newegg one *sigh*.
Oh well at least I know my CC number isnt floating around =P.
275 well spent. =D

Reply to topdnbass

As long as you feel it's worth it , it is :)

------------------------------ q9650 @ 4.050 | Asus Rampage Formula | 2x2 Corsair Dominators | WD Black 640 x2
EVGA GTX260 Core216 @ 686/1479/1103 | Antec TPN 750

 

Reply to Delluser1

What type of fool doesn't know that power supplies vent out the back of the computer?
It amazes me that people out there this the PS dumps its heat into the computer just because the fan is in the bottom of the PSU rather than in the back.

What is this website reviewer who doesn't know anything?

Reply to teldar
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