Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: cicada on April 30, 2010, 09:32:46 PM

Title: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cicada on April 30, 2010, 09:32:46 PM
I have 150 bucks to spend....my power supply is 305 watts.  Whats the best  video card for MY MONEY to buy with what i have to spend.

PCI E slot.

If i need to give more info on my rig...let me know.

Thanks Guys.





Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: Denholm on April 30, 2010, 10:04:59 PM
We need to know how many amps are available on the +12V rail. In addition, a DxDiag output would be helpful.
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cicada on April 30, 2010, 10:07:32 PM
rgr.   let me check.
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: guncrasher on April 30, 2010, 10:49:27 PM
Which VC u have now?
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cicada on May 01, 2010, 01:47:31 AM
Which VC u have now?

7800LE...very low end card.. ah...its starting to fail..running high 90 degrees C.. Colors popping in and out (purples..blue..pink..)  that sorta stuff.  It has no fan built into it.  :(

Anyways need a better card.  If need be ill buy a bigger Power Supply (Power Up / 550-Watt / ATX / 120mm Fan / SATA-Ready / Power Supply)  Only like 40 bucks.

Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cicada on May 01, 2010, 01:48:16 AM
We need to know how many amps are available on the +12V rail. In addition, a DxDiag output would be helpful.


How do you check available amps? And send DxDiag?  Sorry been awhile since i sent a DxDiag . :)
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cattb on May 01, 2010, 01:56:56 AM
Take the side of your PC off and look inside at the power supply. There should be a sticker on the side. This sticker should have the specs you need. If there is no sticker try and find the model number and make and do a search on google with the information.
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cicada on May 01, 2010, 02:02:56 AM
Take the side of your PC off and look inside at the power supply. There should be a sticker on the side. This sticker should have the specs you need. If there is no sticker try and find the model number and make and do a search on google with the information.


Ok  here the Power Supply I'm using.  http://cgi.ebay.com/Genuine-Dell-305W-Power-Supply-NPS-305BB-PS-6311-1DS-/220555263826 (http://cgi.ebay.com/Genuine-Dell-305W-Power-Supply-NPS-305BB-PS-6311-1DS-/220555263826)
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: guncrasher on May 01, 2010, 02:27:46 AM
u are gonna need a power supply too.  i was running the nvidia8400 on a ps that size, but it was starving for more power.  post the model for your computer that may get u more help.

semp
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cicada on May 01, 2010, 07:21:04 AM
u are gonna need a power supply too.  i was running the nvidia8400 on a ps that size, but it was starving for more power.  post the model for your computer that may get u more help.

semp

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.100216-1514)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.               
       System Model: Dimension 4700               
               BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A10
          Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs)
             Memory: 2558MB RAM
          Page File: 340MB used, 9739MB 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

Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: Spikes on May 01, 2010, 07:42:25 AM
Since you'll be needing a PSU as well 150 is pretty tough. Usually 150 is the range of just the video card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152028
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130435

I would have rather picked up a better branded PSU but none were really available for that price.

The 9800GT is getting a bit older but still should play the game.

Anyone have any other recommendations?

It is over 150 by 20 bucks but tyou also have a 10 dollar MIR.
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: BaldEagl on May 01, 2010, 12:19:45 PM
Your problem is that you need both a PSU and a video card and don't have enough money to plan ahead.  If you did then you could spend what you need to on a PSU, maybe get a little cheaper video card now and plan to upgrade that again in the future.  As it is, if you get both now and stay in budget, when it's time to upgrade again you'll need to buy both pieces again.

That said you should be able to pick up an 80+ certified 400-500W PSU in the $70 range and an Nvidia 9500GT or possibly a 9600 also for about $70 (or whatever the ATI alternative is to these cards).  That's still not going to give you great game performance but it should be a step up from where you're at.
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cattb on May 01, 2010, 12:53:52 PM
Chalange had a good post with info http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,287808.0.html (http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,287808.0.html), please read this.
A Nvidia 9800 or a 250 will work and play the game. Another possibilty is the ATI 4770, another card to consider is the 4850.

 Online stores like Newegg, Tigerdirect, and others, have speacials. If you can  pick up on the specials you may be able to keep within your budget.
 I bought  a 550 ocz Fatality for 39.00 after a 20.00 rebate last winter.
 I use a 8800gt and the card plays this game just fine.

 Please look at some reviews before buying. The OCZ PSU I bought is a average PSU,it is not the best, it is not the worst. It did fit my budget and what I was looking for.
Title: Re: 150 bucks to spend.
Post by: cicada on May 01, 2010, 09:29:02 PM
Thx guys ..problem solved..thing look so pretty now.

Now back to the war!  :salute