Gurus: Looking for advice about video card

[bigblueman]

First, thanks in advance for helping. I ***really*** appreciate the help.

My old computer is one that I built in 2003 and has served me well. I'm not a hardcore gamer --- I play an occasional game of Madden and that is about it.

I have decided to order (rather than build) a new HP Quad Core because HP recently had a $400 off $999 voucher which I took advantage of. However from what I am reading the video card could be better which is why I am thinking about upgrading.

The system:

HP Pavillion Elite m9400t

- Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q6700 (2.66GHz)
- 4GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9500GS, DVI-I, VGA, HDMI
- 640GB RAID 0 (2 x 320GB SATA HDDs)
- LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
- 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, audio
- 350w power supply

Ideas? Suggestions?

Again, thank you!!!

 

[cusideabelincoln]

The video card could certainly be better, but the 9500 GS is a lot better than any video card from 2003. So unless you have any games in mind you would like to play, then it should serve you well. If you do, then let us know what games you might want to play.

 

[bigblueman]

That's a good question. Probably just Madden for now but I'd like to keep the option open in the future for playing a few other decent games.

 

[nerp]

It really depends on what resolution you're gaming at. I'd say if you're playing at higher than 1440x, you might want to consider upgrading to something else.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: bigblueman
First, thanks in advance for helping. I ***really*** appreciate the help.

My old computer is one that I built in 2003 and has served me well. I'm not a hardcore gamer --- I play an occasional game of Madden and that is about it.

I have decided to order (rather than build) a new HP Quad Core because HP recently had a $400 off $999 voucher which I took advantage of. However from what I am reading the video card could be better which is why I am thinking about upgrading.

The system:

HP Pavillion Elite m9400t

- Vista Home Premium (64-bit)
- Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q6700 (2.66GHz)
- 4GB DDR2-800MHz dual channel SDRAM
- 512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9500GS, DVI-I, VGA, HDMI
- 640GB RAID 0 (2 x 320GB SATA HDDs)
- LightScribe 16X max. DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
- 15-in-1 memory card reader, 2 USB, 1394, audio
- <350w power supply
Ideas? Suggestions?

Again, thank you!!!

That power supply limits you to a Nvidia 9600gt / Amd 3850. Especially with a quad core cpu.
Those cards should easily play Madden at high detail.

 

[bigblueman]

Originally posted by: nerp
It really depends on what resolution you're gaming at. I'd say if you're playing at higher than 1440x, you might want to consider upgrading to something else.

Not really sure what resolution I'd be playing at. (Actually I am clueless to be honest).

I bought a 22" Samsung LCD if that helps.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001310

So could you give me a few examples of a medium upgrade and perhaps a very good upgrade for the video card so I can get some ideas?

Again, thanks.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: bigblueman

Originally posted by: nerp
It really depends on what resolution you're gaming at. I'd say if you're playing at higher than 1440x, you might want to consider upgrading to something else.

Not really sure what resolution I'd be playing at. (Actually I am clueless to be honest).

I bought a 22" Samsung LCD if that helps.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16824001310

So could you give me a few examples of a medium upgrade and perhaps a very good upgrade for the video card so I can get some ideas?

Again, thanks.

1680 x 1050 resolution? A 9600gt/3850 should
be great for a casual gamer.

 

[bigblueman]

Originally posted by: happy medium
1680 x 1050 resolution? A 9600gt/3850 should
be great for a casual gamer.

Would something like this card be what you would choose?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814127333

 

[adlep]

I would recommend this:

Click

This Radeon HD 3850 512MB is cheap, provides for a good performance, and it goes easy on the power supply that you have in your PC and its only $50.00 AR!

Edit:

Take a look at the benchmarks.


As an alternative, take a look at a bit more expensive card:

Here

It is a $69.00-AR Radeon HD 3870 and it would be another good choice for a computer with a weak PSU.

Basically, I would recommend the HD 3850/3870 over Nvidia cards because of the good ratio of the performance to power requirement.

 

[bigblueman]

Thanks for the link - very good info.

How much of an upgrade would that card be over my current card?

I have been told that this is a OEM card so its tough for me to find any data on it at all to do comparison shopping.

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: bigblueman
Thanks for the link - very good info.

How much of an upgrade would that card be over my current card?

I have been told that this is a OEM card so its tough for me to find any data on it at all to do comparison shopping.

Here

Derek states that the 9500GT is as fast as the 8600 GTS
So, you have a card that is around 10% slower (the GS part) when compared to the 9500GT

So, the HD 3850 will be at least 60% faster and the HD 3870 will be at least 80% faster (these margins are the safe estimates. Your gains may actually be higher)...

You could prolly sell your current card for maybe $20.00 + shipping so your actual cost of upgrade will be even lower...

 

[bigblueman]

Originally posted by: adlep
So, the HD 3850 will be at least 60% faster and the HD 3870 will be at least 80% faster (these margins are the safe estimates. Your gains may actually be higher)...

Wow, seems like a no brainer for less than a hundred bucks.

Thanks for the information. This is just what I was looking for.

 

[adlep]

Originally posted by: bigblueman

Originally posted by: adlep
So, the HD 3850 will be at least 60% faster and the HD 3870 will be at least 80% faster (these margins are the safe estimates. Your gains may actually be higher)...

Wow, seems like a no brainer for less than a hundred bucks.

Thanks for the information. This is just what I was looking for.

Ehm...
HD 3850 will cost you $50.00 after mail in rebate
HD 3870 will cost you $70.00 after mail in rebate
Which means WAY under $100.00

:thumbsup:

 

[bigblueman]

The 3850 has $9 shipping where the 3870's shipping is free. So the difference between the 2 is actually only $16.

With that said I think I am going to go with the 3870. The benchmark you linked sealed it for me. Quite a huge increase in performance over my baseline.

 

[Denithor]

Powercolor HD 3870 $70AR + FS

I think that's the one you're looking at, right?

Performance benchmarks - 3870 really stands out here as great value for the money, especially at $70. There is a 4670 available for $65AR but it just cannot keep up with the 3870 consistently.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: Denithor
Powercolor HD 3870 $70AR + FS

I think that's the one you're looking at, right?

Performance benchmarks - 3870 really stands out here as great value for the money, especially at $70. There is a 4670 available for $65AR but it just cannot keep up with the 3870 consistently.

A 3870 is a great card but I'm still a little concerned with his 350 watt psu. I hope it has at least 20 amps on the 12v+ rail. I mean he does have a quad core cpu and 2 hard drives. I remember reading even the 3850 pulls 105 wattts under full load.

Just a thought........

 

[BenSkywalker]

Some power draw numbers. 9600GT uses less power, runs cooler, produces less noise and is faster in every bench they compare for about the same money as a 3870. $70AR for a 9600GT. Given what you are looking for, it seems to me that the 9600GT would be a much better choice.

 

[nerp]

Does your PSU include a 6-pin PCIe power plug? If not, the ATI 4670 might be a good option. Its performance is basically on par with the 3870, uses very little power and doesn't require the six pin connector.

 

[rogue1979]

If you take overclocking into account, the options change.

First of all those cheaper 3870's have DDR3, the same as a 3850.

Overclock them both and the end result will be about the same, so $16 more is not worth it for the 3870.

Second of all, for the Nvidia option I would go for a 9600 GSO. After rebates it's probably the cheapest of all video cards mentioned. It is a stellar overclocker, easily matching the 9600GT, even after overclocking both.

If the power supply or overheating is an issue, maybe spending a few more bucks on a 4670 would be a good option?

 

[BenSkywalker]

If you look at this picture you'll see a six pin adapter to 2x molex. With a 350Watt PSU he should be fine with a lower power board using one of those.

Second of all, for the Nvidia option I would go for a 9600 GSO.

They are starting to ship 9600GSOs with different cores then the old ones, they don't have the performance when pushed that the old ones do.

 

[happy medium]

A q6700 has a TDP of 95 watts (not over clocked)

http://processorfinder.intel.c...tails.aspx?sSpec=SLACQ

A 9600gt/3850 pull about 100/105 watts under full load.

He also has 2 hard drives.

I really think a 3850 is pushing it and a 3870 is overboard.

EDIT: does anyone know the specs on the HP psu? I can't find them.

I hope it ins't this one?

http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-PSU-HIPRO-HP-P350W-300W

 

[Denithor]

Meh...those OEM powersupplies typically run great and can handle even 8800GT without a problem.

Power consumption of entire system. The 3870 pulled 168W under load on a testbed that included G45 motherboard and a Q9450. That's the entire system there, people. So I doubt that his system will have any problems running a 3870.

Just in case you're worried about it though, you could go for this MSI 4670 for $65AR. Performance won't be quite as good as 3870 (still much, much better than 9500GT) but it's $5 cheaper and will use less power.

EDIT: In that 9500GT benchmark comparison, you will see the 4670 trading shots with the 9600GSO. Keep in mind, however, that is the old 8800GS rebadged 9600GSO. nVidia, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to release a new 9600GSO that probably won't stack up as well. Don't know if these are in the channel or not yet, but I'll bet newegg will get some of them first, based on how many cards they ship.

 

[n7]

+12V amperage is likely only 19A at most on that PSU.

I've seen countless PSUs in HPs; they are usually only 15A or 19A on the +12V, which makes me concerned about recommending even a mid range video card.
Very rarely they use a dual +12V PSU; if that's what his is, then he's good.

But if not...I'd personally be suggesting a new PSU before a new video card.

 

[bigblueman]

Wow. You guys are great.

So what PSU would you recommend if I upgraded to one of the cards mentioned? I tried to get more info today from HP but it was fruitless.

Not wanting to run SLI (whatever that is) or anything else really intense. Just want a good solid PSU that would be able to power all this stuff.

BTW - Here is the best spec sheet I can find on the rig I bought: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfr...roduct=3832294&lang=en

 

[bigblueman]

Dammit. Why didn't I just build this damn thing. Too late now. I was able to get them to refund me $50 for my trouble. Whippee! (sarcasm)

So I just bought a better PSU. I went with the Corsair VX550W ATX12V & EPS12V Power Supply - CMPSU-550VX for $65 after rebate. I hope that this is an ok PSU (what do you all think?).

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsai...loc/101/205852646.html

Installing this thing is going to void the HP warranty but what the hell.