Attempting a comeback

[Kermit de frog]

I'd just get something like a 9800GT, a 500W PSU and Windows 7 all for under $400 and save the rest for college.  You're going to need it.

If you're going to buy a 9800GT, might as well get the GTX250 instead.  It's the same GPU as the 9800GT, but operates at a faster speed, while using less power and producing less heat due to the smaller fabrication process.

[Boozeman]

If you're going to buy a 9800GT, might as well get the GTX250 instead.  It's the same GPU as the 9800GT, but operates at a faster speed, while using less power and producing less heat due to the smaller fabrication process.

At a higher price, though.
In the GTS250 price range, imho the HD5750 with 1GB RAM is the card to pick.

[BaldEagl]

I was just offering a "for instance" off the top of my head.  Not endorsing a specific card.

[Kermit de frog]

At a higher price, though.
In the GTS250 price range, imho the HD5750 with 1GB RAM is the card to pick.

Oh, I remember buying the GTX250 for $130, which was $10 more than the 9800GT.

[Boozeman]

Oh, I remember buying the GTX250 for $130, which was $10 more than the 9800GT.

512MB or 1GB VRAM?

Right now NewEgg lists the cheapest 9800GT at $75 and the cheapest GTS250 at $95 (both 512 MB).

[Kermit de frog]

512MB or 1GB VRAM?

1GB and I bought it at Fry's electronics.  More memory allows larger shadow texture for AH.


You can max out quality and detail settings and maintain 60fps, with some drops in framerate to 45fps.  I just can't run the smooth shadow option as that kills my frame rates.  Shadow quality is also set to 4k.

[Pannono]

How much power does a GTX250 need?

[Boozeman]

How much power does a GTX250 need?

Around 120-130 W during normal gaming, but up to 175 W in a stress test like Furmark.   

[Kermit de frog]

Only needs one 6-pin power connector.
I have a 550Watt Power Supply made by Antec.

[BaldEagl]

Around 120-130 W during normal gaming, but up to 175 W in a stress test like Furmark.   

If you try to run a GTX250 on a 200W PSU you're going to either burn up the card, the PSU or both.

[Boozeman]

If you try to run a GTX250 on a 200W PSU you're going to either burn up the card, the PSU or both.

I just stated what the card itself consumes, not how much you need in terms of a PSU. Of course you need a PSU with way more than 200W.
Considering his CPU( if it's the 65W TDP model), in combination with a GTS250, he'll need at a PSU that delivers at least 25A on the 12V rails, better 30+.   

[cattb]

I would think if his CPU is 65 watt, a good 500 hundred watt PSU run that card and the system.   

[Pannono]

Ok, so far on my list i have:
GTX250
a 500W psu
Windows 7
a Joystick

What company do you recommend I buy a PSU from?
And maybe can you guys recommend a joystick?

[Spikes]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341017

Get this. With this little guy I run a OC'd quad core, 5 fans, 2 hdds, 2 HD5770s, memory cooler, and a few LEDs. USed 4-5 of these and they all work great. Modular is nice too. Less cords you gotta hide. It will also give you a lot of head room down the road, if you upgrade more stuff.

Joystick...well you want a expensive one? Or a cheapo?
The ST290 is a good stick...X52 for a mid-range...CH for expensive. Like said before, I'm a lefty too...just learned to use it as a righty.

[Krusty]

Joysticks are rather personal things.


No, get your mind outta the gutter!

I mean that you can get really comfortable with one and like the feel of it, know instinctively where to position it for ergomonics, instantly have your hands dart to the different buttons, etc.

You go and get a "better" stick and you may spend up to 3 months relearning every movement from scratch.

So, before you get a new one, I'd ask "Are you totally fed up with your old one?" first.


Heh, I like my MS Sidewinder* so much I modified it to have more buttons on the handle!


* = actually Sidewinder 3D Pro Plus, but same lineage