Upgrading video card

[Gusty987]

I just bought a PCI-E motherboard for my socket-754 rig (see sig). With a budget of about $125, what's the best option for a new video card? (Used or new okay). Also, I have a 380w Antec PSU if that's an issue.

 

[Kromis]

People usually go with a 7600GT, X1950GT (Or X1900GT), or 7900GS

There's also the X1650XT too but...

 

[lyssword]

7600gt, around $100, 1900gt is 50% faster, but I'm afraid your psu not be able to handle it (if it's the cheap type), it's around $130
Actually, go ahead with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102022 it's the best card you could buy for that price, if you have a solid..

*edit, nvm, antec psu should handle it well enough. Go ahead with 1900gt

Also, make sure your case is big enough, the vid card is 9inch long, so prolly not going to fit in mini-case.
*nvm, it will fit, if you are talking about antec sonata case

 

[happy medium]

Which Antec 380 do you have? Is it the one with duel rails or the single rail?

In my eyes you have 2 options. Option one would be to get a 7950gt because of it's low power requirements and it's 512mb ram. Any 7900 series card besides the gtx would work for you. So pick your price. I would also buy used.

Option two would be to get a 1950gt which I think is cutting it close with a overclocked cpu and it's relativley high power reqirements and don't try a 1950 pro your antec psu. So a change of psu is reqired with any higher end x19xx series.

Video card power draw chart

http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/forums.asp?s=2&c=7&t=9354

 

[Gusty987]

Originally posted by: happy medium
Which Antec 380 do you have? Is it the one with duel rails or the single rail?

In my eyes you have 2 options. Option one would be to get a 7950gt because of it's low power requirements and it's 512mb ram. Any 7900 series card besides the gtx would work for you. So pick your price. I would also buy used.

Option two would be to get a 1950gt which I think is cutting it close with a overclocked cpu and it's relativley high power reqirements and don't try a 1950 pro your antec psu. So a change of psu is reqired with any higher end x19xx series.

Video card power draw chart

http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/forums.asp?s=2&c=7&t=9354

Mine has one +12v rail at 24A.

Do you think the 1900gt that was recommended would work?

 

[JPB]

Yes, it will suffice. I had a X1900GT on a 118 watt bestech psu for weeks waiting on a replacement.

 

[rogue1979]

1900GT is a terrific deal. I have a couple running on Fortron Source 400 watt power supplies with no problems.

 

[happy medium]

Are you guys sure this is a decent card? It looks to perform at 7800gt levels? The 7900gt seems much faster. I think the 7900gs is faster also. I'd go for a 7900gt used. It should be in the same price range.

heres a little review


http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=36&page=1

Edit: and runs super hot!

http://www.pureoverclock.com/article36-8.html

 

[lyssword]

Originally posted by: happy medium
Are you guys sure this is a decent card? It looks to perform at 7800gt levels? The 7900gt seems much faster. I think the 7900gs is faster also. I'd go for a 7900gt used. It should be in the same price range.

heres a little review


http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=36&page=1

Edit: and runs super hot!

http://www.pureoverclock.com/article36-8.html

Cheapest 7900gt is $60 more expensive ($190 at newegg) And 1900gt is faster in some games like oblivion
Also, hot deal now (found in hot deals) : this card should run a little cooler than 1900gthttp://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102034

 

[Gusty987]

So if I came across a 7900GS for a good price it would be better than the ATI product?

 

[lyssword]

Originally posted by: Gusty987
So if I came across a 7900GS for a good price it would be better than the ATI product?

Not really, 7900gs is about same.. In some games a little faster than 1900gt in some a little slower.. 7900gs runs cooler/less power usage (not sure about the noise) Note that 7900 gs is slower than 7900gt

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: Gusty987
So if I came across a 7900GS for a good price it would be better than the ATI product?

I would just buy used. Heres a EVGA 7900gs KO edition for 115.00$. Only 1 month old. This card is as good as the x1900gt and overclocks better . Also less heat generated in your case.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=45&threadid=2013472&enterthread=y

Edit : theres alot of good used deals out there

 

[lyssword]

Originally posted by: happy medium

Originally posted by: Gusty987
So if I came across a 7900GS for a good price it would be better than the ATI product?

I would just buy used. Heres a EVGA 7900gs KO edition for 115.00$. Only 1 month old. This card is as good as the x1900gt and overclocks better . Also less heat generated in your case.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=45&threadid=2013472&enterthread=y

yep, 7900gs KO is decent