Is the GV-R575SL-1GI (HD 5750) a good value?

[Cerb]

I'm looking at getting this Gigabyte 5750; but am kind of hoping, in the back of my head, that there might be something better out there, or coming out soon enough to wait a couple more weeks. $200 is an absolute maximum, including any aftermarket cooling (looking for <=45dBA@1M under load). I'm mainly concerned with SC2 at 1680x1050 w/ 2-4x AF & 2-4x AA.

My current PC, which I plan to keep unchanged, except for video card:
Seasonic S12 330W (older model, w/ no PCI-e power)
C2D E6750 @ 3.2GHz (gets to 3.5GHz before needing >stock Vcore)
8GB (4x2GB) DDR2-800 (1.1GHz w/ +0.1V)
GA-P35-DS3R rev 2.0
eVGA 7800GT 256MB w/ reference cooler (it was free, OK?)
AKG K271 mkII (with an dustbuster, it's pretty much a permanent PC component )
HP 2207w
Win 7 64, Arch 64

 

[happy medium]

Grab a gtx 460 768mb. Thats your best choice. Easily 40&#37; faster also.

And one of the quietest cards..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130562

 

[Bill Brasky]

Darn it. Didn't refresh the thread before replying. I posted the same gtx 460.

 

[happy medium]

Darn it. Didn't refresh the thread before replying. I posted the same gtx 460.

:thumbsup:

 

[Insomniator]

I don't think a 5750 could handle SC2 at those settings anyway. 460 sounds good though 5770 would be cheaper and probably do the job.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Why <=45 db under gaming / 3D load? Idle noise is what matters when you're doing anything except gaming and need the quiet. While gaming the sounds from your speakers will drown out stock cooling from a GTX 460.

(But the 460 is very close anyway.)

 

[busydude]

You need to upgrade your PSU before you start thinking about a video card.

 

[Cerb]

I don't think a 5750 could handle SC2 at those settings anyway. 460 sounds good though 5770 would be cheaper and probably do the job.

http://www.legionhardware.com/articles_pages/starcraft_ii_wings_of_liberty_beta_performance,1.html
Beta users seem to report everything working just fine with lesser hardware than my own, much less something modern in the midrange. Turning on AA appears to be the only problem, and that doesn't affect everyone (there's probably a trick to it, like maybe killing the tray tools). However, with the resolution, the 5670 does not look too stellar. Other tests show similar results to the one linked, and they match up well with user reports. I think maybe you misread it as, "I want everything maxed out," rather than, "my monitor is 1680x1050, and I've had AA and AF forced on ever since I could use them."

I've had no doubt a 5750 would be good enough for SC2, w/ my CPU & RAM, for months now. It's a question of whether it would be a good buy, as whatever I get will have to last a little while. That's something I've had doubts about, with the recent barren midrange landscape.

Why <=45 db under gaming / 3D load? Idle noise is what matters when you're doing anything except gaming and need the quiet. While gaming the sounds from your speakers will drown out stock cooling from a GTX 460.

(But the 460 is very close anyway.)

Ideally, I would only accept passive cards, and get back to my S12's fan being the loudest part of my computer. Accepting a fan at all is a means to widen potential options (like a GTX 460, and maybe an aftermarket cooler later on...). With 45dBA under load, I fully expect 10-15dBA less when idle, given that I know I can provide decent air flow (with an nVidia card, adjusting that stuff is not a problem).

You need to upgrade your PSU before you start thinking about a video card.

Also: CPU-centric power draw chart (AT's numbers are based on an i7-920, overclocked, at that).

It looks to me like any HD 57xx, a 9800GT, GTS 250, and even GTX 460, aught to manage just fine. My PSU aught to be able to handle 300W or so, without worry. I also have enough spare cables coming from the PSU to adapt to a couple PCI-e power plugs.

So, a part that is right at my maximum budget (technically a bit over, but it was just launched), which itself is actually more than I wanted to spend, looks like my best bet, but I really was hoping for something cheaper...you know, I'm usually on the giving end of this sort of thing .

 

[MerrickAggie97]

http://www.legionhardware.com/articles_pages/starcraft_ii_wings_of_liberty_beta_performance,1.html
Beta users seem to report everything working just fine with lesser hardware than my own, much less something modern in the midrange. Turning on AA appears to be the only problem, and that doesn't affect everyone (there's probably a trick to it, like maybe killing the tray tools). However, with the resolution, the 5670 does not look too stellar. Other tests show similar results to the one linked, and they match up well with user reports. I think maybe you misread it as, "I want everything maxed out," rather than, "my monitor is 1680x1050, and I've had AA and AF forced on ever since I could use them."

I've had no doubt a 5750 would be good enough for SC2, w/ my CPU & RAM, for months now. It's a question of whether it would be a good buy, as whatever I get will have to last a little while. That's something I've had doubts about, with the recent barren midrange landscape.

Ideally, I would only accept passive cards, and get back to my S12's fan being the loudest part of my computer. Accepting a fan at all is a means to widen potential options (like a GTX 460, and maybe an aftermarket cooler later on...). With 45dBA under load, I fully expect 10-15dBA less when idle, given that I know I can provide decent air flow (with an nVidia card, adjusting that stuff is not a problem).

Also: CPU-centric power draw chart (AT's numbers are based on an i7-920, overclocked, at that).

It looks to me like any HD 57xx, a 9800GT, GTS 250, and even GTX 460, aught to manage just fine. My PSU aught to be able to handle 300W or so, without worry. I also have enough spare cables coming from the PSU to adapt to a couple PCI-e power plugs.

So, a part that is right at my maximum budget (technically a bit over, but it was just launched), which itself is actually more than I wanted to spend, looks like my best bet, but I really was hoping for something cheaper...you know, I'm usually on the giving end of this sort of thing .

Dude, you REALLY need to consider getting a new PSU. There is NO way that anything advertised as 330W will be able to handle any current radeon or geforce. These numbers don't tell the entire story. You need to give yourself a reasonable amount of leeway. You should get at least 550W from a reputable brand. The good news is that they aren't very expensive. If you can't spend the money to get the video card you want and get a more power PSU, then you are better off saving your money a little longer.

Running a PSU near or at its maximum output leads to problems. Sicne your PSU is 330W its also likely to be an older PSU. You put your system at a huge risk of an overload.

Upgrade the PSU first.

If you don't. Don't say you weren't warned.

 

[v8envy]

Stick to a low power card which takes at MOST one pcie connector. You could be fine, but you're also likely to need an entire system upgrade after components in your box catch fire. Sticking adapters on four molex connectors attached to a PSU so old it was probably designed for a 5v load more than 12v load is going to end in tears.

While your PSU was no doubt capable of 330 watts during its prime you may wish to consider capacitor aging in computing what it's going to be capable of *now*.

 

[MerrickAggie97]

Stick to a low power card which takes at MOST one pcie connector. You could be fine, but you're also likely to need an entire system upgrade after components in your box catch fire. Sticking adapters on four molex connectors attached to a PSU so old it was probably designed for a 5v load more than 12v load is going to end in tears.

While your PSU was no doubt capable of 330 watts during its prime you may wish to consider capacitor aging in computing what it's going to be capable of *now*.

Well said. Get a new PSU. If you absolutely can't afford to spend an additional $60 to get a respectable power supply then you need to mow some more lawns and get some extra money.

If you put the video card you want in with that PSU you are just asking for an overload and if that happens and ends up damaging other components...well...you will be paying more than $200.

 

[Cerb]

Well said. Get a new PSU. If you absolutely can't afford to spend an additional $60 to get a respectable power supply then you need to mow some more lawns and get some extra money.

Much over $200 would mean not getting a pasta machine. Is a smoother SC2 experience going to be worth delaying a pasta machine and accessories? Given the thousands of hours I've spent playing previous Blizzard games, and not making into beta, that actually is a tough decision .

I don't have much, but if I absolutely couldn't spend more than $200, my budget would be more like $100, and that would quickly get $150 recommendations. It always grows. Always.

If you put the video card you want in with that PSU you are just asking for an overload and if that happens and ends up damaging other components...well...you will be paying more than $200.

I'm not going to argue that my PSU isn't in need of replacement. I've gotten what, five good years out of it? My experience just hasn't lead me to be so pessimistic about what should happen, if I put something in it right near the edge of what it is rated for (let's call it 250W 12V). I do have experience with it degrading rather well, as a test supply for a hefty SLI rig, awhile back. I trust it not to die in flames, and/or commit a murder-suicide, if I try to see if I can cheap out with it.

...or, I could still get a lesser card, with a poorer value, well within my current PSU's limits, and not worry about it, too. That's still an option, but the MSI GTX 460s look to have an acceptable sock cooler, making a hopeful case for staying green.

 

[PieIsAwesome]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.439152

Cheap and low power. Even comes with a backup motherboard for when your PSU kills your PC.

 

[busydude]

The best option for you IMO is to buy a PSU+5770. The best I could find was seasonic 430W PSU + GB 5770 for $210 after rebates. That same PSU+5750 is $175 after rebates.

You can also look out for deals in FS/FT forum.

 

[tincart]

Not sure if you want to go this low into the GPU food chain, but the Sapphire 5670 performs pretty damn well and comes with a passive heatsink: http://www.overclockersclub.com/reviews/sapphire_hd5670__hd5550/

 

[Cerb]

New PSU for a HD 5750? If I assume 80W for the mild CPU OC, that would come to about 14A. Add a HDD, stuff on the mobo, and peripherals, and I still doubt it would be pushing much past 16A. So, if 100% were coming from just the +12V, and the CPU is on the hot side, it would still have 6A to breathe in.

 

[MerrickAggie97]

Much over $200 would mean not getting a pasta machine. Is a smoother SC2 experience going to be worth delaying a pasta machine and accessories? Given the thousands of hours I've spent playing previous Blizzard games, and not making into beta, that actually is a tough decision .

I don't have much, but if I absolutely couldn't spend more than $200, my budget would be more like $100, and that would quickly get $150 recommendations. It always grows. Always.

I'm not going to argue that my PSU isn't in need of replacement. I've gotten what, five good years out of it? My experience just hasn't lead me to be so pessimistic about what should happen, if I put something in it right near the edge of what it is rated for (let's call it 250W 12V). I do have experience with it degrading rather well, as a test supply for a hefty SLI rig, awhile back. I trust it not to die in flames, and/or commit a murder-suicide, if I try to see if I can cheap out with it.

...or, I could still get a lesser card, with a poorer value, well within my current PSU's limits, and not worry about it, too. That's still an option, but the MSI GTX 460s look to have an acceptable sock cooler, making a hopeful case for staying green.

At this time everyone is recommending a new PSU and you really should go with that for now and wait for a sale and get an even better deal on a video card. If you want a new video card for SC2 then I would recommend spending a little money now for a new PSU (at least 550W from a reputable brand) and find a way to raise some more money and get a 460. SC2 doesn't come for another two weeks. I don't know your situation, but Im sure if you really really tried you could raise some extra money to make that happen. Put some stuff on ebay, I dunno.

I think everyone will agree that if you push your current PSU to its limits now that it is around 5 years old its just plain not a good idea given its age.

 

[Bill Brasky]

New PSU for a HD 5750? If I assume 80W for the mild CPU OC, that would come to about 14A. Add a HDD, stuff on the mobo, and peripherals, and I still doubt it would be pushing much past 16A. So, if 100% were coming from just the +12V, and the CPU is on the hot side, it would still have 6A to breathe in.

I'm not sure why people are still harping about the PSU. You've made it totally clear you're willing to take the risk.

Anyway, enjoy that new 460.

 

[MerrickAggie97]

I'm not sure why people are still harping about the PSU. You've made it totally clear you're willing to take the risk.

Anyway, enjoy that new 460.

Its our duty to help this man make an informed decision. That PSU is not going to cut it and he has a decent chance to pay a huge price for it.

 

[MrK6]

New PSU for a HD 5750? If I assume 80W for the mild CPU OC, that would come to about 14A. Add a HDD, stuff on the mobo, and peripherals, and I still doubt it would be pushing much past 16A. So, if 100% were coming from just the +12V, and the CPU is on the hot side, it would still have 6A to breathe in.

You wouldn't need a new PSU at all with a 5750, that's for certain. Ironically, if you want to keep your computer "green," I wouldn't look at any of the high-end parts from NVIDIA. Their performance/watt ratio is much worse compared to equivalent AMD parts at every level. If you want more power, a 5770 would be worth considering. The problem is you have a dilemma here where you want price/performance and efficiency, and unfortunately the options in your budget don't combine both. The GTX 460 has the best price/performance ratio under $200, but that'd be cutting it close on your PSU (especially considering it's age).

If you absolutely wanted to stay within budget, go for a 768MB GTX 460 with a bing cashback deal for ~$174 and see how it goes on your PSU. For me, that's a bad decision for two reasons: 1) I wouldn't risk it on that PSU (and I'm a big proponent of not over buying wattage, but that's not the case here), and 2) The 1GB GTX 460 offers a lot more for only $30 more, which is a real shame to overlook if you're buying a new card and want it to last.

Anyway, your money, your rig, definitely all things to consider.

 

[Cerb]

It powered a A64 X2 and one GTX 260 just fine. Said GTX 260 in SLI, it nicely shut down after 1-10 seconds of any serious load. I can't recall the details, now, but there was also a server board it just couldn't keep powered, too, and nothing died (my PSU would sometimes have to be used as a test PSU, until 24-pin PSUs became the norm). The GTX 460 768MB might pull enough to be too much, I just doubt it will take other things with it, if it takes too much from 12V. Even if it were to work fine, a new PSU would be the next thing to get, as such a load will certainly be eating away at what service life the PSU has left.

Ironically, if you want to keep your computer "green," I wouldn't look at any of the high-end parts from NVIDIA.

Staying green was referring to buying another nVidia-based card. Even so, the idle power really isn't bad at all, which was fairly surprising, and is a far more important wattage consideration for those of us who don't waste our idle cycles folding and such.

The 1GB GTX 460 offers a lot more for only $30 more

Will the extra ROPs, bandwidth, or 256MB really make that much difference? Currently, only in a very small number of games, and with a narrow range of settings, does it approach getting the cost difference's worth of performance increase, except way up at 2560x1600 (the lopped of ROPs). With some overclocking, the 1GB variants appear to really take off (closer to linear gains for shader-heavy games), but stock, they look to have only a little bit more. If something comes up on the side, and my car behaves, I could very well bring myself to splurge (S12II 520, MSI GTX 460 1GB). One way or another, though, the dustbuster has to go, and that multiplayer gaming itch has been growing, so bringing back the 7300GT is not the way to get rid of it.

Overall, I managed to miss the GTX 460 release, except as a passing headline. Being busy in real life can do that. It's not enough to make me excited, but that's been about the case for awhile. I mean, I'm here now, because I figured, back in '07, that the lackluster midrange video card selection would surely end by the time a game I couldn't pass up came out, so I should get something crappy and wait (7300GT/DDR2). Instead, there was a little blip with the 4770 and 4850.

I'm glad I decided to post something, instead of going ahead and ordering, but I still can't say exactly what I'm going to do, quite yet. Whatever it is will get done by 7/28, though.

 

[Cerb]

Update: the gods of gaming are smiling down upon me. More than just 'a little something' has come up, so good PSU and 460 1GB factory-OCed it is.

P.S.
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/foru...-starcraft-ii-gpu-performance-comparison.html

It'll be overkill for so many things, but looks just perfect for that, assuming similar performance scaling with lower details.