higher end videocards with no external power plug

[cpush]

do the external power plugs on videocards really matter? There is a 254 dollar x800xl out there for sale, but does not include an external power plug, there is also a 259 dollar x800pro (which some argue is slower, nm that) WITH an external power plug. Do these make a difference on the card?

Mostly for CS:S. I really just want speed and stability, and peace of mind my videocard is not being limited or affected by power issues.

 

[cbehnken]

no, the X800XL uses less power because it's built on a more efficient process. It is also definently faster than the x800Pro.

 

[cpush]

sounds good to me thanks.

 

[CheesePoofs]

Its also because the x800xl uses the pcie bus, which provides much more power than the agp bus does. (x800pro uses agp)

 

[cpush]

so i'd be safe with this? or should I save for a different card.. bah don tknow what to do now

 

[BobDaMenkey]

I'd be fine. If there was a need for it, they'd put one there. Many people have been running these cards for months with no ill effects.

 

[JBT]

Def get the XL those things are sweet.

 

[aatf510]

Originally posted by: cpush
do the external power plugs on videocards really matter? There is a 254 dollar x800xl out there for sale, but does not include an external power plug, there is also a 259 dollar x800pro (which some argue is slower, nm that) WITH an external power plug. Do these make a difference on the card?

Mostly for CS:S. I really just want speed and stability, and peace of mind my videocard is not being limited or affected by power issues.

It is not an argument whether the pro or the xl is faster because it's a fact that xl is obvious faster (16 vs 12 pipes)
and there isn't a power plug because it is no need for one.
If the x800xl needs extra power, I am sure the engineers at ATI would put one on.