8600GTS to 4670,4770, or 5750 512MB + TDP question

[jvroig]

Finally decided to replace my 8600GTS.

I just want this to be a drop-in replacement like my processor, so I just want a low-power card so I don't have to change my two-year old PSU yet. Hence, hovered on just the 4670/4770. Also looked at a 5750, but still too expensive, and I want a card rather sooner. Might not be able to wait for it to drop in price. Or, I could instead get a 512MB 5750, it's just about $25 more.

From googling, I saw that the 8600GTS has a maximum power draw of 71W, wihile the 4770 has 80W TDP.

Both cards require a 6-pin external power connector. I can understand that for the 4770, since it just exceeded the 75W limit by a hair.

I'm wondering why the 8600GTS requires a 6-pin even though it's just 71W. Is there any other reason for having a 6-pin connector? (Not really important for my case, just curious as to why it has one)

I'm not quite planning to go hi-res. Maybe just 1600x900 max, probably even lower. Still undecided on what my new monitor will be.

I'm probably going for the 4670 if it happens that I decide to just go with a lower resolution. However, if I do end up with a 1600x900 monitor, I'm curious if the $25 price premium of a 5750 512MB will be worth it over a 4770 512MB.

Thanks.

 

[WildW]

I've had both 8600GTS and 4670 without extra 6-pin connectors - I think it comes down to who made it. The extra power is just needed for overclocking I guess.

The 4670 is a reasonably good upgrade from the 8600GTS, but I would go for one of the slightly faster cards now.

 

[BernardP]

The PCIe 1.1 spec/slot had a maximum rated capacity of 75W. The power connector on a 71W card can be viewed as an insurance policy. The current PCIe 2.0 spec/slot has AFAIK, a 150W rating, but all cards that consume more than 75W still have a power connector.

If you are staying with Windows XP until you upgrade, there is no need to bother with DirectX 11 capability in the latest ATI videocards.

Another option you might consider is to wait for the successor to the ATI 4670, that is to be named 5670. It's litterally just weeks away from release:

http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16659/34/

http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16681/34/

 

[happy medium]

Finally decided to replace my 8600GTS.

I just want this to be a drop-in replacement like my processor, so I just want a low-power card so I don't have to change my two-year old PSU yet. Hence, hovered on just the 4670/4770. Also looked at a 5750, but still too expensive, and I want a card rather sooner. Might not be able to wait for it to drop in price. Or, I could instead get a 512MB 5750, it's just about $25 more.

From googling, I saw that the 8600GTS has a maximum power draw of 71W, wihile the 4770 has 80W TDP.

Both cards require a 6-pin external power connector. I can understand that for the 4770, since it just exceeded the 75W limit by a hair.

I'm wondering why the 8600GTS requires a 6-pin even though it's just 71W. Is there any other reason for having a 6-pin connector? (Not really important for my case, just curious as to why it has one)

I'm not quite planning to go hi-res. Maybe just 1600x900 max, probably even lower. Still undecided on what my new monitor will be.

I'm probably going for the 4670 if it happens that I decide to just go with a lower resolution. However, if I do end up with a 1600x900 monitor, I'm curious if the $25 price premium of a 5750 512MB will be worth it over a 4770 512MB.

Thanks.

yes the 25$ is worth it. It's faster the a 4850 and has better features.

 

[21stHermit]

Another option you might consider is to wait for the successor to the ATI 4670, that is to be named 5670. It's litterally just weeks away from release:

http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16659/34/

http://www.fudzilla.com/content/view/16681/34/

Thanks for the heads up on the 5670.

Question on your sig rig, do you know the power draw at the wall, idle and load?

Thanks