Graphic Cards Graphic card buying advice
- Thread starter ragzdiablo
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ragzdiablo
Explorer
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
well...you can expect the prices of current DX11 cards to fall down when nvidia releases their products..
a HD 5770 costs around 9k now..you have a budget of 7.5k..
the difference is not that much..and maybe till next month..when nvidia comes with their products..the difference may decrease further..
If waiting is a no go..
then get the GTS 250.. the 512 mb version will be good for you..the 1 gig is only useful for very high resolutions..
well...you can expect the prices of current DX11 cards to fall down when nvidia releases their products..
a HD 5770 costs around 9k now..you have a budget of 7.5k..
the difference is not that much..and maybe till next month..when nvidia comes with their products..the difference may decrease further..
If waiting is a no go..
then get the GTS 250.. the 512 mb version will be good for you..the 1 gig is only useful for very high resolutions..
DarkAngel
Herald
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
Guys if u ppl are going for the GTS250 then make sure u get a decent 400w PSU like the FSP SAGAII 400/ Gigabyte Superb 460 minimum. Its a high power consuming card.
Also initially the 1GB version of the GTS250 needed a new PCB and was smaller than the 9800GTX+. But the 512MB GTS 250 could make use of the same PCB of the 9800GTX+ which was 1.5 inches longer than the one that GTS250 1GB used. End result was 1GB version ended up consuming lesser power than the 512MB version. So power consumption of 1GB GTS250 is on par with HD4850 512MB/1GB but the 512MB consumed more.
Not sure whehter all the partners adopted newer PCB for the GTS250 512MB. So make sure when you get a new GTS250 whether it uses a newer, smaller PCB or not. Some informed TEians plz throw some light on this issue.
Guys if u ppl are going for the GTS250 then make sure u get a decent 400w PSU like the FSP SAGAII 400/ Gigabyte Superb 460 minimum. Its a high power consuming card.
Also initially the 1GB version of the GTS250 needed a new PCB and was smaller than the 9800GTX+. But the 512MB GTS 250 could make use of the same PCB of the 9800GTX+ which was 1.5 inches longer than the one that GTS250 1GB used. End result was 1GB version ended up consuming lesser power than the 512MB version. So power consumption of 1GB GTS250 is on par with HD4850 512MB/1GB but the 512MB consumed more.
Not sure whehter all the partners adopted newer PCB for the GTS250 512MB. So make sure when you get a new GTS250 whether it uses a newer, smaller PCB or not. Some informed TEians plz throw some light on this issue.
Private Ryan
Explorer
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
Hi,
I was thinking of starting a new thread here,but came across this one. Hope you guys can help me with choosing a gfx card for my new system. :0)
My current config :
C2D E6300
MSI P965 NEO
Ram : 4 gb ddr2 667
Gfx card : XFX 7600 GS
Monitor : VS 19" WS
PSU: Powersafe 400W Gold
After upgrade :
Phenom II X4 955
Gigabyte 785 GMT USB3
RAM : DDR3 1333 4 GB
GFX card : ?
Monitor : Current one will stay.
PSU : Again,want to retain it.
I'm not much of a gamer. Actually, I do not remember the last time I played a game on my pc. Been over 2 yrs, I guess. And the only games I like are AOE3, Railroad Tycoon3 etc. So you get the idea. However, I do watch movies. But then again, I'm not really a sucker for HD content. Downloaded dvdrips are absolutely fine with me. My current 7600GS doesnt cause any problems on my 19" monitor with movies.
So, given my current usage pattern( which may not change in near future ), which GFX card would you suggest for my new system?
The 7600GS will go into my other rig. Even though the new motherboard has onboard ATI 4200 gfx, but I would still want to get a gfx card, so that it doesnt eat up from the system memory. Anything better than the 7600GS will do.
Budget for GFX card : 4-5k (lower the better..just want something to do a better job than the 7600GS )
TIA,
Ryan
)
Hi,
I was thinking of starting a new thread here,but came across this one. Hope you guys can help me with choosing a gfx card for my new system. :0)
My current config :
C2D E6300
MSI P965 NEO
Ram : 4 gb ddr2 667
Gfx card : XFX 7600 GS
Monitor : VS 19" WS
PSU: Powersafe 400W Gold
After upgrade :
Phenom II X4 955
Gigabyte 785 GMT USB3
RAM : DDR3 1333 4 GB
GFX card : ?
Monitor : Current one will stay.
PSU : Again,want to retain it.
I'm not much of a gamer. Actually, I do not remember the last time I played a game on my pc. Been over 2 yrs, I guess. And the only games I like are AOE3, Railroad Tycoon3 etc. So you get the idea. However, I do watch movies. But then again, I'm not really a sucker for HD content. Downloaded dvdrips are absolutely fine with me. My current 7600GS doesnt cause any problems on my 19" monitor with movies.
So, given my current usage pattern( which may not change in near future
), which GFX card would you suggest for my new system? The 7600GS will go into my other rig. Even though the new motherboard has onboard ATI 4200 gfx, but I would still want to get a gfx card, so that it doesnt eat up from the system memory. Anything better than the 7600GS will do.
Budget for GFX card : 4-5k (lower the better..just want something to do a better job than the 7600GS
)TIA,
Ryan
)
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
I think the ATI HD 4670 1GB should be suitable but please change that power supply if you could. Not that the graphics card requires an extra connector, but that is a pretty inefficient power supply with bad internals. I suggest you change it when you opt for the rig upgrade. IIRC, Sorcy's Powersafe 400W PSU's innards melted - but I don't think it took away anything along with it.
I think the ATI HD 4670 1GB should be suitable but please change that power supply if you could. Not that the graphics card requires an extra connector, but that is a pretty inefficient power supply with bad internals. I suggest you change it when you opt for the rig upgrade. IIRC, Sorcy's Powersafe 400W PSU's innards melted - but I don't think it took away anything along with it.
sahilshah1987
Contributor
Private Ryan
Explorer
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
@Desecrator : Thanks for your reply.
Would you mind telling me, how much would the HD4670 cost me? I would prefer an MSI make. Also, any comparable NVIDIA card with the same specs? I do not have a very good experience with ATI cards, and just more comfortable using NVIDIA cards. Also, please suggest me a card that runs cool. Reading a few replies here and watching cards go above 70-80c is not my idea of fun. My XFX 7600GS came with just the heatsink and no fan. I had to fit a fan onto the heatsink to bring the temps down. Now it runs very cool at 40-45C.. So you get the idea. Love to see everything running cool and quiet.
Will the HD4670 run cool with normal usage? IMO, ATI cards run hotter than comparable Nvidia gfx cards. (I may be wrong, though!)
Also, regarding the PSU, err, could you please elaborate a bit more on what exactly the PSU will not be able to handle? I mean, this PSU has been with me for the last 3 years+ and is powering my current rig, which i posted above. Just wanted to know, so that I can make a decision. Will 400w not be able to handle the Phenom II X4 955 and the gfx card? Also, I will be adding a 1 TB seagate hdd.
Waiting for your reply !
Thanks.
--- Updated Post - Automerged ---
@Sahil : Yaar, any Nvidia card in the same range?
@Desecrator : Thanks for your reply.
Would you mind telling me, how much would the HD4670 cost me? I would prefer an MSI make. Also, any comparable NVIDIA card with the same specs? I do not have a very good experience with ATI cards, and just more comfortable using NVIDIA cards. Also, please suggest me a card that runs cool. Reading a few replies here and watching cards go above 70-80c is not my idea of fun. My XFX 7600GS came with just the heatsink and no fan. I had to fit a fan onto the heatsink to bring the temps down. Now it runs very cool at 40-45C.. So you get the idea. Love to see everything running cool and quiet. Will the HD4670 run cool with normal usage? IMO, ATI cards run hotter than comparable Nvidia gfx cards. (I may be wrong, though!)
Also, regarding the PSU, err, could you please elaborate a bit more on what exactly the PSU will not be able to handle? I mean, this PSU has been with me for the last 3 years+ and is powering my current rig, which i posted above. Just wanted to know, so that I can make a decision. Will 400w not be able to handle the Phenom II X4 955 and the gfx card? Also, I will be adding a 1 TB seagate hdd.
Waiting for your reply !
Thanks.
--- Updated Post - Automerged ---
@Sahil : Yaar, any Nvidia card in the same range?
sahilshah1987
Contributor
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
Ryan,if you want nvidia only, then go for 9600 GT, would fit your needs. It costs around same 4.6-4.7k.I am not sure how decent ur psu is wait for other's views on it. But since ur PSU is already 3 yrs old buy a new one yaar Gigabyte 460W/FSP Saga 400W do the job costs only 1.5k.
Ryan,if you want nvidia only, then go for 9600 GT, would fit your needs. It costs around same 4.6-4.7k.I am not sure how decent ur psu is wait for other's views on it. But since ur PSU is already 3 yrs old buy a new one yaar
Gigabyte 460W/FSP Saga 400W do the job costs only 1.5k.
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
^Been out of the GPU scene for sometime I presume? ATI has been dominating all the market segments ever since the HD 4850 launched close to 2 years back.
If you haven't tried a ATI card as yet, now is the time to. The card from nVidia which would fit your budget would probably be a 9600GT 1GB or perhaps a second hand 9800GT. Performance wise, the 9600GT would be perform a notch above the ATI card but perhaps you could save some moolah here and invest in a better power supply.
So trust me on this and get yourself a Sapphire 4670 1GB. Here's a link to the product - TheITWares -Sapphire Radeon HD4670 1GB DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card - TheITWares
As for the power supply, the present one would have lasted fortunately for you but a system overhaul calls for a better power supply - when you can invest in a system worth 20k, would it not be sensible and worthwhile to invest in a power supply costing 10% as much? A good power supply is a safeguard investment for your system - ensures that your system is powered without hiccups, efficiently and would even lower you power bills in the long run.
^Been out of the GPU scene for sometime I presume? ATI has been dominating all the market segments ever since the HD 4850 launched close to 2 years back.
If you haven't tried a ATI card as yet, now is the time to. The card from nVidia which would fit your budget would probably be a 9600GT 1GB or perhaps a second hand 9800GT. Performance wise, the 9600GT would be perform a notch above the ATI card but perhaps you could save some moolah here and invest in a better power supply.
So trust me on this and get yourself a Sapphire 4670 1GB. Here's a link to the product - TheITWares -Sapphire Radeon HD4670 1GB DDR3 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card - TheITWares
As for the power supply, the present one would have lasted fortunately for you but a system overhaul calls for a better power supply - when you can invest in a system worth 20k, would it not be sensible and worthwhile to invest in a power supply costing 10% as much? A good power supply is a safeguard investment for your system - ensures that your system is powered without hiccups, efficiently and would even lower you power bills in the long run.
DarkAngel
Herald
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
TheITWares -Sapphire Radeon HD4670 512MB PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card - TheITWares
Else grab a HD5670 512MB GDDR5. Performance is ~25% better than HD4670. (Almost equivalent to 9800GT). Power consumption at full load is just 60-65w and doesnt need a PCI-E connector.
TheITWares -Sapphire Radeon HD5670 512MB DDR5 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card - TheITWares
Currently it is the most powerful card amongst the bunch that doesn't need a PCI-E power connector.
Get the 512MB version of the HD4670 instead. Its Rs.750 cheaper and performance is similar unless u play VRAM hungry games like GTA-4Private Ryan said:@Desecrator : Thanks for your reply.
Will the HD4670 run cool with normal usage? IMO, ATI cards run hotter than comparable Nvidia gfx cards. (I may be wrong, though!)
Also, regarding the PSU, err, could you please elaborate a bit more on what exactly the PSU will not be able to handle? I mean, this PSU has been with me for the last 3 years+ and is powering my current rig, which i posted above. Just wanted to know, so that I can make a decision. Will 400w not be able to handle the Phenom II X4 955 and the gfx card? Also, I will be adding a 1 TB seagate hdd.
Waiting for your reply !
Thanks.
--- Updated Post - Automerged ---
@Sahil : Yaar, any Nvidia card in the same range?
TheITWares -Sapphire Radeon HD4670 512MB PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card - TheITWares
Else grab a HD5670 512MB GDDR5. Performance is ~25% better than HD4670. (Almost equivalent to 9800GT). Power consumption at full load is just 60-65w and doesnt need a PCI-E connector.
TheITWares -Sapphire Radeon HD5670 512MB DDR5 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card - TheITWares
Currently it is the most powerful card amongst the bunch that doesn't need a PCI-E power connector.
Private Ryan
Explorer
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
Err, yes..:ashamed: I've been out of not only the GPU scene, but all things related to computers since i stopped visiting TE. :ashamed: (Growing up sucks. :-( ) So please pardon my ignorance regarding current stuff in the market.
Okay, in case I get this GPU, and suppose i upgrade to say, a 22" display later, will it be able to handle the resolution? Again, I wont be playing any games really.
Fair point.) So which psu would you suggest? Brand and power rating..?
--- Updated Post - Automerged ---
I will definitely check the HD5670 as well. I think I should give ATI a try one more time.
Desecrator said:^Been out of the GPU scene for sometime I presume? ATI has been dominating all the market segments ever since the HD 4850 launched close to 2 years back.
Err, yes..:ashamed: I've been out of not only the GPU scene, but all things related to computers since i stopped visiting TE. :ashamed: (Growing up sucks. :-( ) So please pardon my ignorance regarding current stuff in the market.
Okay, in case I get this GPU, and suppose i upgrade to say, a 22" display later, will it be able to handle the resolution? Again, I wont be playing any games really.
As for the power supply, the present one would have lasted fortunately for you but a system overhaul calls for a better power supply - when you can invest in a system worth 20k, would it not be sensible and worthwhile to invest in a power supply costing 10% as much? A good power supply is a safeguard investment for your system - ensures that your system is powered without hiccups, efficiently and would even lower you power bills in the long run.
Fair point.
) So which psu would you suggest? Brand and power rating..? --- Updated Post - Automerged ---
Thanks!DarkAngel said:
I will definitely check the HD5670 as well. I think I should give ATI a try one more time.
DarkAngel
Herald
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
AnandTech: AMD?s Radeon HD 5450: The Next Step In HTPC Video Cards
For the PSU consider a FSP SAGAII 400w ~ 2k(2 yrs warranty) or a Gigabyte Superb ~ 2.2k(3 yrs warranty) Both will handle ur rig easily and a couple of upgrades as well.
If u are not upgrad much any time soon then a FSP SAGAII 350w~1.5k or a Zebronics Real watts Pro 350w ~ 1.6k would suffice.
Get the HD5670 instead. Its more than enough to handle HD resolution if u dont want to play the latest and greatest games. Its a DX11 card as well. Its almost the most perfect HTPC cardPrivate Ryan said:Err, yes..:ashamed: I've been out of not only the GPU scene, but all things related to computers since i stopped visiting TE. :ashamed: (Growing up sucks. :-( ) So please pardon my ignorance regarding current stuff in the market.
Okay, in case I get this GPU, and suppose i upgrade to say, a 22" display later, will it be able to handle the resolution? Again, I wont be playing any games really.
Fair point.
--- Updated Post - Automerged ---
Thanks!
AnandTech: AMD?s Radeon HD 5450: The Next Step In HTPC Video Cards
For the PSU consider a FSP SAGAII 400w ~ 2k(2 yrs warranty) or a Gigabyte Superb ~ 2.2k(3 yrs warranty) Both will handle ur rig easily and a couple of upgrades as well.
If u are not upgrad much any time soon then a FSP SAGAII 350w~1.5k or a Zebronics Real watts Pro 350w ~ 1.6k would suffice.
Private Ryan
Explorer
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
Err, noob question here, but I already have a 400w psu (VIP Powersafe golden one). So how much difference will a PSU of the same rating from another brand like FSP or Gigabyte make? Wouldnt it be better to get a higher powered PSU? The 350w models will actually be a downgrade,no?
DarkAngel said:
Err, noob question here, but I already have a 400w psu (VIP Powersafe golden one). So how much difference will a PSU of the same rating from another brand like FSP or Gigabyte make? Wouldnt it be better to get a higher powered PSU? The 350w models will actually be a downgrade,no?
DarkAngel
Herald
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
But good PSU's deliver the rated wattage continuously at 45 C which is more like the normal operating temps of the PSU.
FSP is a major PSU OEM. Gigabyte superb uses FSP SAGAII OEM inside but has longer warranty. The Zebby Pro uses a HEC OEM.
Also good psu have over current, over voltage protection. That is when u try to draw more power than it can handle it safely shuts down but cheper PSU just burn. Ya u heard it right, it burns and may take few of the PC parts with it.
As ur CPU has a 95w TDP its good to go for a 400w PSU as ur typical load would be in the range of 160w to 220w and the PSU gives maximum efficiency in the 40-60% range. It also lets u add a couple of HDD's later without pushing the PSU.
I am not sure how good the VIP Powersafe PSU's are. Ppl say they are pretty decent and some with older batches are even said to use FSP OEM. Check ur PSU Serial in the net and if its a good OEM then its safe to go.(FSP OEM ones are Blue colored ones i guess. Guess its the Blue Storm series) Desecrator would be better placed to clarify this i guess.
Quality of the internal components matters. Even the ones that come with cabbies would say 400w. But it is the peak wattage it may deliver at very low temps of 20 C.Private Ryan said:Err, noob question here, but I already have a 400w psu (VIP Powersafe golden one). So how much difference will a PSU of the same rating from another brand like FSP or Gigabyte make? Wouldnt it be better to get a higher powered PSU? The 350w models will actually be a downgrade,no?
But good PSU's deliver the rated wattage continuously at 45 C which is more like the normal operating temps of the PSU.
FSP is a major PSU OEM. Gigabyte superb uses FSP SAGAII OEM inside but has longer warranty. The Zebby Pro uses a HEC OEM.
Also good psu have over current, over voltage protection. That is when u try to draw more power than it can handle it safely shuts down but cheper PSU just burn. Ya u heard it right, it burns and may take few of the PC parts with it.
As ur CPU has a 95w TDP its good to go for a 400w PSU as ur typical load would be in the range of 160w to 220w and the PSU gives maximum efficiency in the 40-60% range. It also lets u add a couple of HDD's later without pushing the PSU.
I am not sure how good the VIP Powersafe PSU's are. Ppl say they are pretty decent and some with older batches are even said to use FSP OEM. Check ur PSU Serial in the net and if its a good OEM then its safe to go.(FSP OEM ones are Blue colored ones i guess. Guess its the Blue Storm series) Desecrator would be better placed to clarify this i guess.
nj_gamer
Contributor
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
@all
thanks for the suggestions, i'll wait till mid july and buy a cheaper DX11 card, else i'll go for the 250GTS. I hope my CM eXtreme Duo 600 PSU will support it. It sucks that it has such bad reviews now, when i bought my system in 2007, everyone was recommending it... donno what happened...
@all
thanks for the suggestions, i'll wait till mid july and buy a cheaper DX11 card, else i'll go for the 250GTS. I hope my CM eXtreme Duo 600 PSU will support it. It sucks that it has such bad reviews now, when i bought my system in 2007, everyone was recommending it... donno what happened...
Private Ryan
Explorer
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
Based on yours and Desecrator's suggestions, I've decided to get the Gigabyte Superb 460W PSU and the ATI HD 5670 gfxcard. 
I'll not be upgrading for a while after this, so I'd better get something that'll serve me for year or 2 atleast.
Okay, a final question. Is Sapphire a good brand? How much warranty do they provide on the card? I think, I'll be more comfy with MSI or XFX, but of late, i've been hearing a lot of warranty related issues with XFX because of Rashi peripherals. :-/
So which brand do you think would be the safest choice?
Thanks,
Ryan
Thanks for the info, buddy!DarkAngel said:
Based on yours and Desecrator's suggestions, I've decided to get the Gigabyte Superb 460W PSU and the ATI HD 5670 gfxcard. I'll not be upgrading for a while after this, so I'd better get something that'll serve me for year or 2 atleast. Okay, a final question.
Is Sapphire a good brand? How much warranty do they provide on the card? I think, I'll be more comfy with MSI or XFX, but of late, i've been hearing a lot of warranty related issues with XFX because of Rashi peripherals. :-/ So which brand do you think would be the safest choice?
Thanks,
Ryan
crvinay_4u
Contributor
Re: The Graphic Card Advisor
^^^^sapphire is a premium partner of AMD.So you can expect the quality to be good.I've heard it offers good warranty too when compared to others.
^^^^sapphire is a premium partner of AMD.So you can expect the quality to be good.I've heard it offers good warranty too when compared to others.
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