GPU Advice Wanted

[TubeTote]

Hi all, I am looking for a little advice on a SFF pc I am building. This computer will not be my 'gamer', but I won't be able to build that for a while. In the meantime, the computer I am building will be using an Antec Aria case. This limits the power supply to 300W (it is a custom fit psu so it cannot be upgraded). With my 300W limitation, what is the best possible graphics card I can buy? Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[biostud]

maybe a 9600GT

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articl...0gt-512gs_7.html#sect0

 

[ther00kie16]

There's a chance that you can run a 9800gt on it depending on how many Amps are on the 12V rail but it's unlikely. So I'd recommend a 4670, which is around the performance of a 9600gt but less power hungry. Since there are no good deals on 4670 or 9600gso (had been as cheap as ~$40 after rebate), there's a good deal on the 8800gs (same as 9600gso) here.

 

[biostud]

yeah the 4670 seems to be good choice too:
http://xbitlabs.com/articles/v...670-512mb_5.html#sect0

 

[Denithor]

4670 FTW

The best low-power GPU available today. Only mid-range card that doesn't require a separate power input.

Team it up with either an e5200 or X2 4850e for some nice quiet low power performance.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Originally posted by: TubeTote
Hi all, I am looking for a little advice on a SFF pc I am building. This computer will not be my 'gamer', but I won't be able to build that for a while. In the meantime, the computer I am building will be using an Antec Aria case. This limits the power supply to 300W (it is a custom fit psu so it cannot be upgraded). With my 300W limitation, what is the best possible graphics card I can buy? Thanks in advance for any advice.

What PSU is it? Specs?

Some PSU's in Shuttle XPC's are capable of running 8800gt-class video cards.

 

[crisium]

4670 is the safest bet. But if you can give us more detailed specs we can let you know if you can go higher. Give us the 12v amps, for example.

 

[TubeTote]

Hi all, I greatly appreciate your replies and advice. For those who asked, here are some additional specs of the PSU (Antec AR300).

+5V Max 26A Min 1.5A
+12V Max 18A Min .8A
+3.3V Max 27A Min .5A
-12V Max .8A Min 0A
+5V sb Max 2A Min 0A

I hope this helps. One thing I will mention...I have seen lots of recommendations for the 4670, and I am very interested. I have never used an ATI card...anything I need to know that is different from nVidia cards? Thanks again for all your help!

 

[lyssword]

Another vote for 4670

 

[biostud]

Originally posted by: TubeTote
I have never used an ATI card...anything I need to know that is different from nVidia cards?

Not really, other than the software looks a little different, but the functions are more or less the same.

 

[Flipped Gazelle]

Yup... 4670.

 

[TubeTote]

Hi all...again, I appreciate your responses. I have looked into the 4670 a bit more. Here is a model I am considering:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...Cards-_-MSI-_-14127383

According to the ATI website, they are recommending a minimum of a 400W PSU...but this is the only spec that they give. My Antec 300W PSU has decent enough specs to run this card in your opinions? Is the model I am considering decent enough, or should I be looking at a different version of the 4670? I'm sorry for my newbie questions here, I'm only on my 3rd computer build. Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

[ther00kie16]

4670 doesn't require additional power input and PCIe supplies 75W I believe so there's no way it'll draw more than about 6A from 12V rail.
The article on anandtech shows the whole system drawing <150W so you are fine with 18A on 12V rail, which would work out to >200W.

 

[TubeTote]

Thanks, Rookie...that is a very informative article and makes me feel much better about buying the 4670. I don't really understand how the 12V rail works, and what determines how many amps will be drawn from it...but I can see that this card is very effecient and cool running; perfect for my small case.

At this point, I'm more or less sold on this graphics card...ATI here I come LOL. Any final thoughts on what model of 4670 is best for the buck? Thanks.


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For anyone who is interested, this is my build so far. Any comments or recommendations are always appreciated.

http://forums.anandtech.com/me...=2256017&enterthread=y