Recommended GPU???

[dkrebo87]

Dell OTP406 MoBo with Intel X38 Chip - 1066MHz (BIOS LOCKED)
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4GHz CPU
XFX 650W PSU Single-12v-rail@53a
4GB DDR2 800 SDRAM (4 x 1024MB)
500 GB Standard SATA 7200rpm DataSafe Hard Drive
(Best Suited GPU)

I will be using a 40" Samsung LCD HDTV via mini-HDMI/HDMI. 1920x1080p resolution.


What's the best GPU I can run on this Board (only 1 PCI-E x16) & CPU and expect consistent/reliable performance?

The 2 stock 1024MB SDRAM sticks are PC 800, the 2 G.SKILL 1024MB SDRAM sticks I ordered are PC2 6400. Are there any compatibility issues between them?

I plan on backing-up and re-formatting the 500GB HD and installing Windows 7 64bit. Is there any risk in formatting a 4-5 year old HD? Will formatting "cleanse" the HD? It needs it.

Is there anything else that I should be considering? I plan on upgrading the MoBo and CPU at some point, but I want to try this and get the most out of it as possible. All advice is welcome, Thank You.

 

[aicom]

1) Please don't use a TV as your monitor. You'll surely regret it.
2) You'd probably be fine running any modern GPU, including some of the enthusiast ones.
3) No, PC2 6400 is 800 MHz.
4) No risk at all in reformatting an old hard drive. It's just a disk access like any other.
5) Consider buying a real monitor.

 

[dkrebo87]

Why shouldn't I use my 40" HDTV? Isn't it basically the same as a LCD Monitor Display? I have a 22" Dell LCD but I'd really like to and had planned to use my TV as it would make my set-up a lot more accessible (already have a 360, DVR and Gamecube connected to it, maybe it could use a break). Why would I regret it? Thanks for the advice, I'm leaning towards the GTX 560 TI right now btw.

 

[TheBigTroll]

tvs usually have lower response times and a much lower pixe desnity. therefore giving you not so good viewing experience

 

[ilysaml]

GTX 560ti sounds to be a very good choice, but be noted that you'll get a CPU bottleneck in CPU intensive games such as Skyrim, but as long as you're not upgrading right now...just grab the GTX.

 

[dkrebo87]

I see, well if I give you some specs maybe it'll make a difference?

Samsung 40" LCD

120,000:1 contrast ratio

Native 1080p resolution full HD

4ms response time

16:9 aspect ratio

Auto Motion Plus 120Hz

This is the TV same specs: http://www.samsung.com/us/video/tvs/LN40C630K1FXZA-features

 

[dkrebo87]

GTX 560ti sounds to be a very good choice, but be noted that you'll get a CPU bottleneck in CPU intensive games such as Skyrim, but as long as you're not upgrading right now...just grab the GTX.

You think so? I know the minimum requirements are 2GHz dual-core 2 GB RAM and Recommended is Quad-Core Intel or AMD with 4 GB RAM. I think with a 560 ti the game will run nice, I have Skyrim for the 360 so it'll have to run better on my PC no?

 

[ilysaml]

It will be fine.

 

[dkrebo87]

1) Please don't use a TV as your monitor. You'll surely regret it.
2) You'd probably be fine running any modern GPU, including some of the enthusiast ones.
3) No, PC2 6400 is 800 MHz.
4) No risk at all in reformatting an old hard drive. It's just a disk access like any other.
5) Consider buying a real monitor.

I figured out the difference is response times and pixel density between my Samsung 40" and Dell 22"

Samsung 40" LCD HDTV = Approx. 55 PPI and 4ms response time

Dell 22" LCD Monitor = Approx. 90 PPI and 2ms response time

PPI = Pixels Per Inch

Is that a very significant difference compared to most TV's? Considering it's 18" bigger screen and has a lot more features, do you think I'll be OK with the HDTV?