Increasing Video Horsepower

[Dorkenstein]

Here's my situation, I have a P45 motherboard and a GTX 285 SSC. I'd like to upgrade my video capabilities before year's end. Should I :

A) Get a single, more powerful video card

B) Get a dedicated PhysX card? (Would this work since I have a P45?)

C) Change from Nvidia to ATI so I can Crossfire? Please note that I don't want to spark a debate about brand names, I just want to know my best option.

Thank you all very much for any help. Good night.

 

[alyarb]

wait until Christmas and execute plan A.

 

[Dorkenstein]

Sounds good, is there a card in particular I should look out for? Also, I have a 750w Power Supply. I am guessing with an overclocked Quad Core and a few hard drives, I should also invest in a burlier PSU? Thanks.

 

[TheMeanestGuest]

No, you do not need a more powerful PSU.

 

[Dorkenstein]

That's a relief, I sure hope you're right. Anyone else? Thanks again.

 

[alyarb]

no, 750 watts is fine. if you want to spend more money, get an X25 or vertex turbo. Cards for you to look out for would be the Radeon 5870 (available very soon somewhere under but near $400) and GTX 380.

 

[Tempered81]

You can keep that PSU and get HD5850 crossfire in about a week and a half. $299 ea. and about as fast as the fastest $1000 Nvidia offerings GTX285 SSC Tri-sli or GTX295 quad sli.

Your alternatives are to buy now in the current gen, but you already have one of the fastest GPUs, so that leaves you with 4890OC crossfire on the P45, or do like the first suggestion i nthis thread and wait til christmas to see what the fastest GT300 gen single gpu brings to the table.

 

[Dorkenstein]

Wow, 5870? How impossible to get are those going to be after release? As bad as the Intel SSD drives? Thanks.

 

[Clinkster]

Originally posted by: alyarb
wait until Christmas and execute plan A.

This.

Originally posted by: Dorkenstein
Wow, 5870? How impossible to get are those going to be after release? As bad as the Intel SSD drives? Thanks.

It'll undoubtedly be pretty difficult, as there'll be enthusiasts and gamers alike trying to get thier hands on next gen GFX card. But your post said before year's end, and if you care to wait a few months for availability + price drop, the 5870 (or 5870x2 if it's ready by then) will suit you best.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

As for your question about part B, as long as you have a PCI-E slot into which to stick a video card, then you'll be able to use PhysX. You just won't be able to SLI your 285, but you can use another Nvidia card in your system as a PPU. But you should really look at the games that support PhysX and see exactly what they change before investing in it. It would be pointless to get a PPU if you don't plan to even play any of the games.