New Video Card

[branch37]

guys i would like to upgrade my video card but im computer stupid and have no clue what to get. below is my current system...any comments are more than welcome 


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System Information
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Time of this report: 4/13/2009, 23:23:52
Machine name: BART
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.080814-1236)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: ELITEGROUP COMPUTER SYSTEM CO.,LTD.
System Model: NFORCE6M-A
BIOS: )Phoenix - Award WorkstationBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4600+, MMX, 3DNow (2 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 518MB used, 5874MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7300 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7300 GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_01DF&SUBSYS_C4363842&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200

[BaldEagl]

We need to know what type of power supply you have because you might have to upgrade that as well.  Open the case and there should be a sticker on it.  We need the total watts and the amps on the +12V rail.  If there's more than one 12V rail just add up the amps on each.

[branch37]

theres a part that says AC input DC output 400W      is that what your looking for?

[Masherbrum]

theres a part that says AC input DC output 400W      is that what your looking for?

400W, now what is the +12V in Amps?

[BaldEagl]

Yes, that's part of it.  We also need to know the amps.  There should be a sticker that looks something like this:



On this one you see DC Output +12V 16A.  That's the number we need.

If you can't find that at least try to get a brand name for the power supply and we can try to look it up.

[branch37]

it says +33V 16A 

[Ghastly]

it says +33V 16A 

"So falls ... another hero!"

12V, as in 12 volt. 

The 3.3 v is nearly meaningless  - unless you want to plan to switch to a motherboard with a Pentium III processor on it...

P.S. To respectfully disagree with BaldEagl - but if it lists only 2 12 V rails, he's going to need to know what the amperage is for each individually too.  (Not that I've seen many multi-rail 400 watt supplies, but - you never know).   

[Gaidin]

Its probably 3.3V 16A.

Look for the +12V and see what the amps are there.

[Wizer]

I just installed a GEForce 9800GTX+ and now can run the beta at full video settings with max Frame Rates.  However this card's recommended Power Supply is 450 watts.  Since I only had a 375 watt Power supply I upgraded to a 650 watt PS by Antec.  I purchased both items on sale at Best Buy.  My reviews revealed that a 500 watt supply was sufficient but the 650 watt PS was on sale for just $10.00 more than the 500 watt PS.  My computer is running smoothly and quietly.

[guncrasher]

If your ps is 400 might as well upgrade it.  I had a 350 too and replaced mine to run my low budget card that i got last year and it worksl, way better.  I only got a 500 but made a big difference.

semp