Fastest video card w/out extra power connector?

[Mloot]

Are the 9600XT and FX 5700 non-pro the fastest AGP video cards that do not sport an extra power connector, like their higher-end brethren do?


Upgrade query:

My brother-in-law has an older HP desktop, with an XP 2000+ (1.67ghz), 768mb pc2100, and an 8500LE. He won't be able to afford to build a new system for at least another year, but some of the types of games he likes to play are getting to be a bit too much for his setup. I figured that for about $160-175 (depending on getting a good video card deal from the FS/FT forums), I could upgrade his current system with a T-Bred 2600+ (2.1ghz) and a 9600 Pro/XT. If he plans on keeping his current desktop for another year, would this be a decent upgrade for the price? I couldn't afford to do more, since it would be coming out of my limited funds.

TIA for any insight you guys could give me.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Beats me why the extra-power thing's a stickler, but yeah, those are the two respective card ceilings for no plug needed.

Upgradewise, he's only got PC2100 RAM, so that's going to hold you to 133FSB XPs. Running asynch is not an option if you care at all about performance, and I doubt the HP has multiplier adjustments. Buy the fastest 133/266 FSB chip you can find (2400+?) and a 9600XT ($105 refurb from Newegg?) and watch him be oh so delighted with the results.

Oh, and your PCI video card review still kicks ass. :beer:

- M4H

 

[Mloot]

Thanks for the kind words, M4H.


The HP has a 266hhz FSB, so I think any Barton proc is out of the question. The fastest 266mhz FSB XP I found was the 2600+, running at ~2.1, but I think it's kinda rare, since I saw only 1 or 2 places on Pricewatch still carrying it.

As far as the extra power connector, I would normally just get him something like a used 5900xt or 9800Pro and call it a day, but I believe his comp. has a rinky-dink 200 or 230w PSU. I'm running a 5900xt in my current rig, but it's backed by a 400w Antec. I've never tried to run a card like a 59xx or so on such a skimpy PSU as he has in the HP, and I'm afraid I might blow something up if I try.

If my fears are groundless, then I'll just throw my 5900xt in his comp. and perhaps get myself a 9800Pro (haven't played with one of those yet).

 

[Arcanedeath]

If your willing to wait a bit I belive the Nvidia 6600GT does not require an external power connector and it's prolly the best performaning value part your going to find, but I'm not sure how much longer the AGP version is gonna take to be released.

 

[computron9000]

What 9800 Pro is it that you intend to get that doesn't require a molex power connector?

 

[natto fire]

Originally posted by: computron9000
What 9800 Pro is it that you intend to get that doesn't require a molex power connector?

He was talking about giving his friend his 5900 and buying a 9800 for himself.
To OP you can probably assume that his PS is not putting out rated power unless it is a decent brand but here is a good place to check PS requirements. Try to find out the manufacturer of the PS though. Here is a link that has a pretty good "rough estimate" of the PS needs.
linky

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: Mloot
Thanks for the kind words, M4H.


The HP has a 266hhz FSB, so I think any Barton proc is out of the question. The fastest 266mhz FSB XP I found was the 2600+, running at ~2.1, but I think it's kinda rare, since I saw only 1 or 2 places on Pricewatch still carrying it.

As far as the extra power connector, I would normally just get him something like a used 5900xt or 9800Pro and call it a day, but I believe his comp. has a rinky-dink 200 or 230w PSU. I'm running a 5900xt in my current rig, but it's backed by a 400w Antec. I've never tried to run a card like a 59xx or so on such a skimpy PSU as he has in the HP, and I'm afraid I might blow something up if I try.

If my fears are groundless, then I'll just throw my 5900xt in his comp. and perhaps get myself a 9800Pro (haven't played with one of those yet).

People are running 9800s in Shuttles. If it's a quality unit, you'll have no problems with the PSU.

Mind you, it is an HP though. Check the rails if possible and compare then with a beefier unit like a 300W Antec.

- M4H