Yet another GPU help thread.

BlitzkriegBenjamin

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Jun 2, 2009
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Hello all!

First off, I'm very sorry to bother the forum with another thread like this.. But I've heard great things about the people here.

I am looking for a new GPU, but I have absolutely no idea which one to get. I currently have a 4350 (passive cooling) which is giving me loads of shite.

I'm looking for a nice mid-range Nvidia card, of course I will post the specs of my box:

Intel Core 2 Duo E7400, both at 2.8Ghz
Gigabyte GA-EG31M-S2 v2.0 Motherboard (Intel Bearlake G31)
One stick of 2GB DDR2 SDRAM
Aopen Z400-08F GPU (350w 400w peak)
1x Front bay card reader
1x DVD-RW (OptiArc AD-7200S)
1x 250Gb HDD (ST3250310AS 250 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA-II)
1x PCI Network card (Realtek RTL8168C(P)/8111C(P)
1x PCI Soundcard (Realtek) ALC888
2x Fans (not sure of the size, I think both are 250mm)

Some extra data on the GPU:
Form factor: ATX 2.2 12V
Fan Type: 80mm, 12VDC Fan
Power Factor Correction (PFC): non PFC / Passive PFC
AC Input : 8 amps maximum/115Vrms, 60 Hz. 4 amps maximum/230Vrms, 50 Hz.
Dielectric withstand: Input / output : 1800VAC for 1 second
Input to frame ground : 1800VAC for 1 second
Watts: 400W Peak
Humidity: 5~95% RH,Non-condensing
Efficiency: Min : 70%
Power good signal: Turn-on delay from 100ms to 500ms
Overload current protection: 150% Max
Over voltage protection: Support +5V : 6.4V(maximum)
Support +3.3V : 4.6V
Support +12V : +15.5V
Transient response: output voltage recovers in less than 10 ms max.following a 25% load change
Temperature Range: -20℃~+80℃ (storage)
Safety: Yes
CE : Yes
TUV : Yes
Nemko : Yes
CB : Yes
BSMI : Yes
PIN: 5L1S, 1SATA
+3.3V: 20A
+5V: 20A
+12V (1): 10A
+12V (2): 13A
-12V: 0.3A
+5Vsb: 2.5A
FAN: Sleeve

Hopefully someone can give me some advice, thanks in advance!
 

tinmann

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The Nvida 9800 GT is a good mid range card. Anything bigger and you'd be looking into upgrading your power supply. If your willing upgrade your PSU I'd look into the Nvidia GTX 260.
 

BlitzkriegBenjamin

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Alright! What about the other versions of the 9800? A GTX/GTX+ is basically a 55nm version of the GTS250, right? Would a regular GT be the safest for 350-400w peak? Also.. Sorry to ask so many questions, which brand puts out the best 9800? Xfx, Sparkle, Gigabyte?

Thanks alot!
 

gimpy1

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Just the regular GT. Some companies sell "super clocked" versions, which are just pre-overclocked gpus. Those would also work with your system. Whether you go with the standard speed or super clocked is up to you (but the option is there). I like EVGA, but other bands are good too.
 

BlitzkriegBenjamin

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That sounds good, I really must thank the both of you for such quick replies!
Would there be a considerable advantage to getting a 1024 one instead of a 512?
 

Only if you game at higher resolutions like 1900 x 1200, and XFX give you a double lifetime warrenty :) .
 

BlitzkriegBenjamin

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I must admit I'm also leaning towards XFX, even though Gigabytes version is also tempting.