Help on what I'm going to need when getting new video card.

[Jsongz]

Okay, sorry this is my second thread but I have basically decided on what I'm going to get. I'm either going to get a Radeon 9800np or a Radeon 9700P. I'm not sure if my comp could handle the Radeon 9800P, someone mentioned earlier that it may be to big for my computer.(As in dimensions) That is still the card I mainly want. Keep in mind that I am not going to overclock the card on account I have no experience in this what-so-ever, and I wouldn't be able to handle myself if I some how messed up the card.

Here are my Specs again:
Specifications of eMachines T2615

Microsoft® Windows® XP Home Edition
AMD Athlon? XP 2600+ Processor (2.13 GHz) with QuantiSpeed? architecture
VIA KM 266
7.25"w x 14.125"h x 16"d
120 GB HDD
AOL 3 month membership included, click here for details
512 MB DDR (PC 2100)
56K* ITU v.92 ready Fax/Modem
10/100Mbps built-in Ethernet
48x Max. CD-RW Drive, 16x Max. DVD Drive, 3.5" 1.44MB FDD
Premium Multimedia Keyboard, 2-Button Wheel Mouse, Amplified Stereo Speakers
AC '97 Audio
S3 ProSavage8? integrated (1 AGP slot available)
6 USB 2.0 ports (2 on front), 1 Serial, 1 Parallel, 2 PS/2, Microphone-In & Head Phone jack on front, Audio-In & Out, 3 PCI slots (2 available)
Micro ATX 250WATTS PSU

Now if I got a PS upgrade to 300-350 would I be able to run Radeon 9800P, 9800NP, or 9700P. Also would the card even fit in my CPU? I could not find the dimensions to the cards🙁

I really do appreciate all the things you have all done for me, and would appreciate this a lot if you could help me again.

Thanks in advance
-Jacob

 

[sniperruff]

heh actually, this is what i would get...

1) new case with new PSU. anything over 300W major brand

2) cheap nforce2 mobo

3) a 9600pro would be enough... and yes the 9800XT would be the fastest card now

4) i also think that a sound card upgrade would be in order too.

5) remind yourself do not buy a emachine next time expecting to game a little...

 

[Jsongz]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
heh actually, this is what i would get...

1) new case with new PSU. anything over 300W major brand

2) cheap nforce2 mobo

3) a 9600pro would be enough... and yes the 9800XT would be the fastest card now

4) i also think that a sound card upgrade would be in order too.

5) remind yourself do not buy a emachine next time expecting to game a little...

See right now money is kind of a problem, I could probably do all that stuff in a year or so just right now im looking for a new PSU and new VID card preferrablly the ones i described earlier. I might even go in for a new sound card upgrade. But, also this comp isn't more than 3-4 months old so im gonna wait around a year til I start thinking about it.

 

[Terranboy]

Your talking about actual size? Like inches and stuff?

The 9800 is only a few inches (if that) longer than the 9700. Although I think eMachines tend to be small, I see no reason why you couldn't just rearrange some stuff to make it fit. Its not as long as a full ATX motherboard is wide. A 9800 is no Voodoo5 after all.

If you're wanting to overclock, definitly get the 9800np. You can simply flash the NP bios and make it a Pro for free. You can ask around here to find out how, and get links to the downloadable bios and all.

The power supply should be ok but if you computer starts rebooting and locking up on you just grap a better PS for $60 or so. No big deal

You should be set with all the hardware you mentioned and either the 9700 or the 9800. Although I vote for the 9800. I just bought a 9800NP (turned PRO with the bios flash) and I'm very pleased. You computer is basically mine (mines custom built though) and its nice and fast.

 

[Jsongz]

Well, I'm still unsure about the power supply, but on overclocking I am not going to do that.

 

[Jsongz]

Money is issue and it isn't, I think I am going to go ahead and get the 9800np and not overclock it, see how it goes with my power supply etc. How do i check that ne ways? Also if anyone knows the dimensions please tell me so i know there is clearance

 

[Bonesdad]

why do you want/need the 9800? Are you prepping for HL2 or Doom3? You actually might be better off getting the new case/mobo. You should be able to get a decent case with PSU for about $70 and an NForce2 mobo for as little as $70. Everything else you have can go into this new system, even the memory, tho it would be the next thing I would upgrade...you can get 512MB PC3200 Buffalo for $87 now. It's possible the prices on the 9800s will be dropping a little over the next couple of months.

Look at the Shuttle AN35N mobo, find a case locally or online and look at that Buffalo memory(winbond chips). I know you don't wanna do all this stuff, but there's something to be said for having a firm foundation on which to build...

 

[Super6]

I'd bump up the power supply to 300/350. I built a system with that MB and it ran well. Not a good overclocker but you aren't into that anyway.

Super6

 

[Bonesdad]

Originally posted by: Super6
I'd bump up the power supply to 300/350. I built a system with that MB and it ran well. Not a good overclocker but you aren't into that anyway.

Super6

He cant with this emachine case...it uses a microATX PSU (250W) - there's the rub. Everything else is good. He MIGHT be able to run the card with the PSU, but it's chancy.

 

[Jsongz]

If I get a new case, would I be able to get a different PSU, that isn't so picky like my emachine thing? lol sorry

 

[Jsongz]

Bonesdad, I think I am going to do what you said. I think it would be the best thing, I'm not quite sure on what to do when I get a new case etc. But I emailed a few friends for their input. So if you could possibly explain to me everything that could go into this like what to do etc, I would appreciate it. You don't have to of course on account your the one with the idea that I like alot. But thanks for your idea I'll be doing it in about a week or so.

 

[Bonesdad]

Yes...you can either get a case that comes with a PSU or buy a case and then buy a PSU. I recommend Fortron or Antec PSU. There is a nice little Forton PSU at Newegg for $32 shipped. You kinda take your chances with a case and PSU combo, unless you buy an Antec Case.

Here are Antec Cases at Newegg (most with PSU). ANY of them should work for you, just depends on budget. Make sure you get a case that can fit an ATX mobo (not a microATX). Leaves room for future upgrades...

EDIT: As I have never seen the inside of an emachine...I don't know if their mobos are proprietary or if they can be moved to another case with no problem. Anyone? You might be able to move everything to the new case and get by for a while...I'd still do the mobo upgrade, i think...

 

[RamIt]

Get the card. There are way too many shuttles running around with 9800 pro's and 200w power supplies.

 

[MDE]

Anyone want to bust out a ruler and measure their 9700\9800 for him? My GeForce4 Ti4600 (a friggin long card) is 7.5-8 inches long for comparison. I'm pretty sure the 9800/9700s are shorter.

 

[Jsongz]

Originally posted by: RamIt
Get the card. There are way too many shuttles running around with 9800 pro's and 200w power supplies.

What do you mean?

Bones, you said get the nForce2 mobo. I'm not quite understanding does it still have to be compatible with the emachine one? ?!

 

[Jsongz]

I do have a question on cases though. What would be the best case I could get under 100 bucks? (PSU INCLUDED) And are there ne compatibilty issues with cases. Also what motherboard should I look into getting thats compatible with microATX (emachine comp) thanks!!

 

[Jsongz]

ne recommendations?

 

[Bonesdad]

If you looked at the link I supplied from Newegg, those are good cases and excellent power supplies. There are others, of course, but most here on AT will agree that Antec cases and PSUs are among the best.

I'm not sure if your existing mobo is standard ATX or microATX or something else. I only suggested getting the NF2 mobo because they are great mobos and it would eliminate any uncertainty about compatibility with CPU, video card etc. It appears that the only thing in your system that is not "standard" is the motherboard/case/PSU. A new motherboard/case/PSU could be purchased for about $150 total ($70 mobo - Shuttle AN35N, and $80 case/PSU - Antec SLK3700AMB). It's more $$, but you now have a very good mobo and a case PSU that you can build into for the future.

OTOH, you can take your chances and get the video card to see if it works in your present system. With a 250W unknown PSU, all bets are off. But again I ask "Why do you NEED the 9800 Pro?"

I suggest getting the new mobo/case/PSU and wait for a couple of months for the 9800 Pro video card prices to drop (as the new 9800XT is being released). Eventually, you will want to upgrade memory to DDR400, but it isn't vital to do so now.


EDIT: If you do get a new case/psu/mobo, you will have to take CPU and heatsink off your emachine mobo and put it onto the new mobo (delicate operation, but very doable) and also take your memory (PC2100) off and put it on the new mobo. Also any PCI cards (modem, sound etc) need to be moved to new mobo. Just put the CPU, heatsink/fan, and memory on before putting it in the new case. PCI cards should be dropped in after the new mobo is mounted. If you are at all uncertain, have a tech do it for you.

 

[Jsongz]

Yea, I am going to wait for the card like you said the prices will drop. I plan on getting the new case and mobo (nforce2) here in a couple weeks time. I don't think I am going to do it myself though going to get a tech to do it. Thanks for all the help if you do come across a good mobo for a cheap price be sure to tell me. 🙂 THanks@

 

[Bonesdad]

Originally posted by: Jsongz
Yea, I am going to wait for the card like you said the prices will drop. I plan on getting the new case and mobo (nforce2) here in a couple weeks time. I don't think I am going to do it myself though going to get a tech to do it. Thanks for all the help if you do come across a good mobo for a cheap price be sure to tell me. 🙂 THanks@

That Shuttle mobo is a good mobo, if you are not going to try overclock. It's not the BEST nforce2 mobo, but I was considering your request for inexpensive. Doing it yourself is fun and rewarding, you should consider it. Just be careful. There are good websites around that can help you with the particulars. Good luck!