Upgrade opinions

[atb1o1]

Hi all,

I need some opinions about my system and upgrade question. Currently My system,

Intel P4 2.6 Ghz
1 Gig Dual channel Ram
MSI Neo 2 Motherboard
ATI 9600 Pro 128 meg.

I'm thinking of upgrading my vid card cuz i think its the bottle neck for max performance for this system. I'm thinking the Gigabyte 6600GT AGP. My problem is that my case is one of cheap cases that comes with a generic 350 watt psu. I read alot about how Psu is important for running the 6600GT. Currently my system with 1 cdr, 1 dvdr, 2 WD HD and 1 floppy is running nice and smooth and quiet. Do i have to upgrade my PSU to make the 6600GT work? If i get a new PSU should i get a new case cuz my cheap case only comes with 1 rear fan which i installed my self.

Thanks.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Welcome to AT.

It would probably be a good idea to get a new case. A 6600gt isn't going to take much more power than a 9600pro, but if getting away from a generic PSU is always a good idea.

Antec makes really nice case/PSU combos.

There are ones that are better than that one, but that one should easily handle your system.

Monarch has a nice deal on an AGP 6600gt right now.

 

[atb1o1]

Thanks for the reply and welcome yoyo! Do you think i can get away with not upgrading the psu and case and still maintane a stable system?

 

[imported_Kensai]

If you're lucky.

 

[mwmorph]

what's thw +12v amps it's rated for? you might be able to.

 

[atb1o1]

the +12v amps is 18A

 

[mwmorph]

it should be ok, maybe a little low with so much stuff. i would upgrade to something with at least 22A if you have that much stuff running at the same time though.

 

[hans030390]

It will be fine...mine only has 17A and even lets me OC it alot.

but yeah, make sure you get a 6600gt (ill be mad if you get an ATI card...lol...and no, i'm not an nvidia fanboy...just sm3.0 fanboy) and get a Leadtek card...best quality you can get. trust me.

 

[atb1o1]

The only fanboi i am is a fanboi to my wallet right now the 6600GT is the best bang for your buck and thats what i care about Thanks for the advice.

I read on the Nvidia forums that alot of people are having problems with the Leadtek card. I know Anandtech and tom's review gave very good marks and recommandations for the leadtek but the number of complains on the leadtek is scaring me away from it.. the Gigabyte AGP ver is not good?

 

[atb1o1]

any more suggestions? leadtek or gigabyte?

 

[BobDaMenkey]

I've heard many a good things about MSI. BFG also makes a good card.

 

[Phlargo]

As for power supplies, there is always a fine line between "being able to get away with" and "being successful with"

 

[mwmorph]

laedtek if yuo want quality. gigabyte if you want quiet.

BFG for stock oc and lifetime waranty if yuo're into that sort of thing.

MSI usually ocs well but customer service can be a hassle sometimes.