Author Topic: Video Cards  (Read 1741 times)

Offline BaldEagl

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #30 on: June 19, 2009, 08:44:18 PM »
I did some research for you.  You do have a PCIe x16 slot and it appears that your computer will accept a standard ATX PSU.  I've put together some recommendations as well:

If you are on a budget the 9500GT is about as low as you want to go.  That said it will run the game at full graphic settings but will need at least a 350W PSU.

This Asus 9500 GT ($50) is probably the best price/performance card you can get in the 9500 series:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121267

XFX has been building Nvidia cards much longer than ASUS and the XFX 9500 GT ($70) carries a lifetime warranty vs 3 years on the ASUS but the card itself is a little slower:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150332

Sorry to say but PSU's aren't cheap.  If you buy a cheap one you'll probably burn it and/or your video card up.  This Seasonic 380W ($65) is from a reputable manufacturer and is 80+ certified:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151032

If you have a little more money to burn on both the video card and the PSU you can step up to the 9600GT but it requires at least 425 Watts.  The big advantage with the 9600 is more pixel shaders.

Like XFX and eVGA, BFG Tech has been making Nvidia cards forever and this is the fastest price/performance 9600GT I could find ($80):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143134

Couple it with this 80+ certified Seasonic 500W PSU ($85) and you're good to go:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151056

To install the PSU turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.  Open the case and lay it on it's side.  You need to unplug all the wires that come from the PSU to any part in your computer.  There will be one plug (20 or 24 pin) to the motherboard, a four pin for the CPU plugged into the motherboard and connectors to things like hard drives, optical drives and the floppy drive if you have one.  Once all the power connectors are unplugged, unscrew the PSU and pull it out.

Now reverse the process with the new PSU.  Don't worry as each type of connector can only be used with it's appropriate device so you can't screw it up.  Just make sure that everything that needs power has it.  Take any unused connectors and bundle them up and tie wrap them.

As to installing the video card you have onboard video.  First you'll need to uninstall the drivers for that card.  They should be located in your control panal under add/remove programs.  Just locate the video driver in the list and click uninstall.

Shut down your computer and install the new video card.  It just slips into the slot.  Make sure to screw it in to secure it.

Reboot your computer and enter the BIOS (usually delete or an F key during the post screen... check your computer documentation) and disable the onboard video.  Save changes and continue to windows.

Once windows has rebooted it will tell you that it's found new hardware and launch the install hardware wizard.  Close this and insert the CD that came with the video card.  Select install drivers.  Better yet would be to go to the manufacturer's web-site and download the newest video drivers for your card and install those instead.  Any time you update drivers in the future you'll need to uninstall the current drivers before installing the new ones.

After all of that you can open the Nvidia control panal and set the cards global video settings.  Don't be afraid to crank things up.  You can always turn some things back down later if you're not happy with your frame rates.


Always remember not to wear shoes and to ground yourself to the computer's chassis (you just need to touch it) before working inside your computer.
« Last Edit: June 19, 2009, 08:51:39 PM by BaldEagl »
I edit a lot of my posts.  Get used to it.

Offline TheZohan

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #31 on: June 21, 2009, 11:48:46 PM »


For NVidia GeForce:                                       ATI:
7---Series: 7900-7950                                  3850-3870
8---Series: 8600-8800                                  4850
9---Series: 9600-9800                                  4870
GTX 2-- Series: Any


the 4850 is more of a mid range 9000 series nvidia.. its runs with the 9800 GTX+ on some things

Offline usvi

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #32 on: June 22, 2009, 04:57:28 PM »
Windows Vista Home Premium
Manufacturer: HP
Model: a6242n
Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4800+ 2.50 GHz
32-bit OS

Vid Card: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430      
   
Where would i find power supply information?
I have an HP with almost exactly the same specs.
What is your model number?
Mine has a 350 watt power supply.
If so you can get a Nvidia 8600gt video card.
They are cheap and don,t require a new power supply.
It is also 100% compatable with the HP.
Mine runs the game great.
But if you do upgrade the PS you can get a much better card.
As usual it all comes down to money. :salute
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Offline falcon23

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #33 on: June 22, 2009, 05:13:06 PM »
I do not reccomend the 8600GT...Had one..not impressed..I have an asus "TOP" 4850 ATI card and it blows the 8600GT away...

Offline Hamltnblue

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #34 on: June 22, 2009, 06:20:05 PM »
I say save a few more bucks and go with the GTX 260.  You'll be more than ready for the next release and then some. :rock

Offline BaldEagl

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #35 on: June 22, 2009, 06:24:07 PM »
I say save a few more bucks and go with the GTX 260.  You'll be more than ready for the next release and then some. :rock

His CPU wouldn't keep up.
I edit a lot of my posts.  Get used to it.

Offline Boozeman

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #36 on: June 23, 2009, 03:35:19 PM »
His CPU wouldn't keep up.

Correct. I once had a C2D E6300 which is roughly comparable to his 4800+. This CPU was already the limiting factor for a HD4670 in AH, which is CPU intensive. In other Games the CPU limitation was not that severe, but it clearly shows that it makes no sense to put a high end GPU beside a weak CPU.
I'd say the max. his CPU can make good use of is a 9600GT or a HD3870.   

Offline Pannono

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #37 on: June 25, 2009, 06:21:27 PM »
I think I have my Video Card picked out, but I am on a budget and cant decide on a PSU. I still have a few questions.
The video card I have selected requires a 300W PSU. Should I get a 300W PSU or get something with 350W to be safe?
Pannono
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Offline BaldEagl

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #38 on: June 25, 2009, 06:29:04 PM »
I think I have my Video Card picked out, but I am on a budget and cant decide on a PSU. I still have a few questions.
The video card I have selected requires a 300W PSU. Should I get a 300W PSU or get something with 350W to be safe?


Wow.  It's about time they were able to produce a modern low power graphics card.  I couldn't believe it so I went to the eVGA web-site and it's true... 300W.  300 or 350 won't matter as long as it has 18 amps on the 12V rail and is 80+ certified.
I edit a lot of my posts.  Get used to it.

Offline BaldEagl

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #39 on: June 25, 2009, 06:30:40 PM »
Stupid BBs double posts!   :furious
« Last Edit: June 25, 2009, 06:46:52 PM by BaldEagl »
I edit a lot of my posts.  Get used to it.

Offline Pannono

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #40 on: June 25, 2009, 07:51:27 PM »
300 or 350 won't matter as long as it has 18 amps on the 12V rail and is 80+ certified.
Is there one you would recommend?
Pannono
Proud Member of Pigs On The Wing
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MA Tours: 87, 97-113, 143-144, 160-Present
FSO: JG54

Offline BaldEagl

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Re: Video Cards
« Reply #41 on: June 25, 2009, 09:55:12 PM »
I edit a lot of my posts.  Get used to it.