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Recommended Card for 250w PSU?

Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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I have a Shuttle Core2Quad system, and the PSU is 250w. I'm looking to upgrade the graphics card from a Radeon HD 3870 (SAPPHIRE 100225L 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card) to something that will handle more current games (Maybe even DirectX11?). The system has 4 GB of RAM, FYI. Is there a graphics card out there that I might be able to use with this system as is (I know a lot of people would recommend upgrading the PSU or getting a new system all-together). I'm looking for a solution with THIS system. Thanks.

BTW, I've looked into the GeForce 9500 GT, but I'm wondering if there's something even better. I'm leaning towards NVidia rather than another Radeon. But I'd be interested to hear people's opinions on both. I know the PSU is a limiting factor, and won't allow the bigger cards that require 400w+ PSU's. But if anyone has recommendations for something current in the low-power consumption cards, I'd appreciate it.

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Also looking toward the GeForce GT 440 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit or the GeForce GT 520 (Fermi) 1GB 64-bit.

I should also add that FPS isn't a huge deal. As long as the motion is smooth. I usually play games at 1280x720 resolution settings.

You should really consider upgrading your PSU. I believe the shuttle boxes use mini-ITX motherboards and PSUs, and I know you can get at least a 350 watt PSU. You really don't have many options with only 250 watts.
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Radeons almost always consume less power for the same performance, so I'd really recommend them. If your power supply can handle a GT 440 (which it can if it can really handle a HD 3870, something that surprises me, but maybe it's a really good 250W power supply) then it can also handle the more powerful HD 5670, HD 6570 or HD 6670 cards.

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I may eventually upgrade the PSU, but Shuttles are notoriously efficient with their power. And the SAPPHIRE 100225L Radeon HD 3870 has been in the box for years with no problems. Played GTA IV flawlessly. I'm leaning towards the GeForce GT 440 now. Seems to be a fast card, and seems to consume power near what the Radeon HD 3870 did.

The HD 5670 looks like it requires more power than the GT 440, though it does benchmark faster. Hmmm...

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SisXtian said:
I may eventually upgrade the PSU, but Shuttles are notoriously efficient with their power. And the SAPPHIRE 100225L Radeon HD 3870 has been in the box for years with no problems. Played GTA IV flawlessly. I'm leaning towards the GeForce GT 440 now. Seems to be a fast card, and seems to consume power near what the Radeon HD 3870 did.

The HD 5670 looks like it requires more power than the GT 440, though it does benchmark faster. Hmmm...


The HD 5670 has the same TDP as the GT 440 and the HD 6670, the HD 6570 has a lower TDP and is faster than the GT 440.

Well, thanks to all your help, and some continued research, I think I will end up purchasing the Radeon HD 6670, after all. Seems like a lot of power for the price, and should work well in the Shuttle system. I'm also looking into a 350w PSU upgrade. Thank you everyone for your speedy information and suggestions!
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