What's the best GPU I can run with a 305w PSU? (+Q6600, 8GB RAM)

[papalonglegs]

Hi, my title says it all really, here are my current specs:

Q6600 2.4ghz
Powercolor HD4650 512mb Go Green edition
8GB RAM
305W Dell PSU
I also have an extra set of USB Slots and an Aurean soundcard (both PCI.. I think)

Without upgrading my power supply, what's the best graphics card I can purchase. Preferably one that uses the same or less power than the 4650 Go Green edition (that bit's important as it draws less than average 4650s) here's a review of the GPU http://www.silentpcreview.com/article910-page6.html

Apparently this version of the HD4650 runs at full load using only 30w.

Using my current setup I can play BF3 at the lowest settings, 800x600 at a surprising 40fps. I hope to get a graphics card that can let me do the same but at a higher resolution, I don't care about having the settings any higher.

I've looked into a 5570, which uses 45w at full load, is that extra 15w safe?


Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[papalonglegs]

Whoops I accidentally posted twice in quick succession, don't know what happened there. (It's not a bump, I did it within a minute!)

 

[papalonglegs]

anybody? This time it is a bump

 

[beenthere]

You can work it backwards from the PSU utility below because both PSU watts and 12v rail amps. are important to the discussion.

If you want to objectively, accurately and scientifically determine what PSU power is required for your Vid card and PC in both watts and 12v rail amps., the forum Utility link below will show you how easy it is to calculate this information and objectively determine which PSUs are quality built, reliable PSUs that can meet your needs. Be advised that the available 12v rail amps. is just as important as the total PSU wattage. You need both to be correct.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/314712-28-please-read-determine-power-required

 

[king smp]

I use a HD 5670 in a a Dell Optiplex 745 with no problems since April
and rarely turn computer off

I OC the card and also OC the CPU (there is way to OC Dells)
plus have 1 sound card,1 tv tuner PCI,4 sticks of ram and a 10K rpm HD
and power an external HD

what you need to know is that Dell rates most of their PSUs at CONTINOUS Max
wattage
Not peak wattage like aftermarkets
the Dell 305w is easily equal to a 350-400w aftermarket

I use the Dell 280w for my system

the HD 5670 draws 64w max load
also the HD 6670 and HD 6570 are also under 70w for power consumption
remember without a PCIe external power connector the card isnt able to draw more
than 75w (most a PCIe slot provides)


so
HD 6670
HD 6570
HD 5670

any of those three would be good choices IMHO
the HD 6670 has the highest performance

My HD 5670 is about %15 slower than the HD 6670
and can play Crysis 2 at 1920x1080 DX9 Hardcore setting
plus other games like Metro 2033 and The Witcher 2
all at 1920x1080 medium to high settings

also are great mulitmedia cards

 

[papalonglegs]

I use a HD 5670 in a a Dell Optiplex 745 with no problems since April
and rarely turn computer off

I OC the card and also OC the CPU (there is way to OC Dells)
plus have 1 sound card,1 tv tuner PCI,4 sticks of ram and a 10K rpm HD
and power an external HD

what you need to know is that Dell rates most of their PSUs at CONTINOUS Max
wattage
Not peak wattage like aftermarkets
the Dell 305w is easily equal to a 350-400w aftermarket

I use the Dell 280w for my system

the HD 5670 draws 64w max load
also the HD 6670 and HD 6570 are also under 70w for power consumption
remember without a PCIe external power connector the card isnt able to draw more
than 75w (most a PCIe slot provides)


so
HD 6670
HD 6570
HD 5670

any of those three would be good choices IMHO
the HD 6670 has the highest performance

My HD 5670 is about %15 slower than the HD 6670
and can play Crysis 2 at 1920x1080 DX9 Hardcore setting
plus other games like Metro 2033 and The Witcher 2
all at 1920x1080 medium to high settings

also are great mulitmedia cards

Thanks, that's the perfect answer for me and the most detailed. Looks like I'll be getting a 5670.

Thanks again, all the best!

 

[king smp]

watch out for one thing is the card physically fitting into the case
For example I have a Slim Desktop Dell so I had to cut the plastic
fan assembly in half to fit it
if you have a full size tower you should be fine
but if you have one of the slim styles it can be tricky

 

[jasonbaldry]

Hi There,

I have been trying to help out a mate you has an old 745 optiplex.

he wants to get on BF3 but we bought a 6670 but it wouldn't work... wouldn't even post.

We thought this was due to the incompatibly between 2.1 cards and the 1.0a pci express on the 745 but now people on here are saying that that card has worked for them so im quite confused~!

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[king smp]

@jason-Private message me by clicking on my avatar/picture and send me a PM about the problem
describe in detail what happened

 

[jasonbaldry]

done.

Cheers