View Full Version : Graphics Card Advice?
BulletExodus
2012-06-22, 07:25 PM
Basically, I would like advice from you nice people on a graphics card with these conditions:
Must be within a price range of $150
Must be able to run under 550W power supply
Here are the complete specs for my computer:
http://support.gateway.com/s/desktop/2009/gateway/sx/sx2800/SX2800sp2.shtml
The objective? Run Planetside 2 smoothly. I'd appreciate the help, thanks.
Rbstr
2012-06-22, 07:42 PM
Your specs are:
Intel® Core™2 Quad processor (up to 1333 MHz FSB)
Intel Core 2 Duo processor (up to 1333 MHz FSB)
Intel Pentium® processor
Intel Celeron® processor
You're going to have to be more specific to get an idea.
but
PCI Express® 2.0 ×16 low-profile graphics card support
Low-profile really limits your options.
You're looking at low settings and/or low screen resolution in the best case.
Oh and you've got a 220w power supply according to that.
Ok well there is a major issue already. You have a case that only takes low profile video cards and there really isn't a graphics card out there that I can recommend to run PS2 smoothly due to that.
Another member had a problem exactly like this. What he ended up doing was just getting a new case and swapping all his parts from the original case into the new one. That allowed him to get a stronger GPU as a result.
Are you willing to do this?
What 550W PSU do you have? What resolution are you playing? What specific CPU do you have (your link doesn't specify)?
Rbstr
2012-06-22, 07:49 PM
This is the best low-profile card on newegg....seems to be the best anywhere unless you can find the "Palit GTS 450 low profile"
It's not very good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161397
BulletExodus
2012-06-22, 08:02 PM
I have a Quad core 2.3 GHz, resolution is 1920 × 1080, and the PSU I'm buying is this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016
If the case is as small as you say, will this PSU even fit?
No not by the looks of it to me anyway. Seems like there is a SFF PSU in the case you have currently.
Are you willing to do the case swap? Otherwise you will need a new desktop/laptop to run the game.
BulletExodus
2012-06-22, 08:09 PM
I'm willing to get a new case if need be, but my limit is around 200 bucks, maybe a little more if I can shake people down.
EVGA GTX 460 - $140 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130749) ($25 MIR)
Antec 550W PSU - $50 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016)
Rosewill R218-P-BK Black SECC Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - $30 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147073)
Total = $219.97 - $25 MIR = $194.97
Bare minimum I would go for this. Should run PS2 smoothly even with your current CPU.
If you can't do this for whatever reason we can swap out the video card to a 7750 and a cheaper PSU that would drop the price to around $180ish.
BulletExodus
2012-06-22, 08:29 PM
Sweeeet. Thanks, my friend.
Before you order anything let me check a few more things.
Yup wait on it please.
Along the right side of this picture there is a bunch of wire inputs along the area of the PCI-e connector. How many wires are actually plugged along in there? I'm a bit concerned that since you are getting a two slot GPU there maybe some interference issues is all.
http://www.ascendtech.us/mmASC/Images/MBG81010010.jpg
BulletExodus
2012-06-22, 10:05 PM
I can't tell specifically from the picture. Does it have to do with the PCI x16 slot?
I can't tell specifically from the picture. Does it have to do with the PCI x16 slot?
He means this area, I think. And the area to the south of it with identical pins.
Vancha
2012-06-23, 12:19 AM
Before you order anything let me check a few more things.
Yup wait on it please.
Along the right side of this picture there is a bunch of wire inputs along the area of the PCI-e connector. How many wires are actually plugged along in there? I'm a bit concerned that since you are getting a two slot GPU there maybe some interference issues is all.
http://www.ascendtech.us/mmASC/Images/MBG81010010.jpg
Considering the amount of mATX boards that use the bottom slot for the crossfire/SLI card, I'd have thought he'd be fine?
inspades
2012-06-23, 11:54 AM
There may be additional issues here, as it looks very proprietary. Will the screw holes on this board match up to a standard case? Also, if the PSU is proprietary, you will likely fry the thing by using a standard PSU, which will be a must for a modern GPU.
I researched the mobo looks like a DTX form factor from what I found. That will fit a ATX mobo.
You really think a standard PSU will fry that mobo? Can you give more reasoning for that?
I looked around at people who did upgrade the PSU and there wasn't any issues. I'm 99% sure this won't happen if he upgrades the PSU.
About the connectors. I was only concerned there maybe clearance issues with the wires being right under the card and it not going fully in.
BulletExodus
2012-06-23, 01:13 PM
Apparently some GPU reviews explain the components catching fire after about a month of use. Lol, now I'm afraid.
Apparently some GPU reviews explain the components catching fire after about a month of use. Lol, now I'm afraid.
On your board? Can I get those reviews you are looking at?
BulletExodus
2012-06-23, 01:38 PM
No, just specific cards that were suggested to me.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130750
If this isn't even relevant to the issue, then I'll shut up and let you guys handle it.
I wouldn't worry about that. One user reporting isn't reason to be concerned. Now if the card had a 1 star rating with 80% of the people saying it catches fire then yes I would be.
Rbstr
2012-06-23, 03:07 PM
I wouldn't worry about that. One user reporting isn't reason to be concerned. Now if the card had a 1 star rating with 80% of the people saying it catches fire then yes I would be.
Yeah, a lot of times those are even troll reviews. Video cards can be a very...fanboy-ish thing sometimes and inspire some serious business.
BulletExodus
2012-06-23, 03:41 PM
If things check out, then about 1-2 weeks from now, I'll make the orders. So there's time to go over the compatibility questions.
inspades
2012-06-23, 05:36 PM
You really think a standard PSU will fry that mobo? Can you give more reasoning for that?
I looked around at people who did upgrade the PSU and there wasn't any issues. I'm 99% sure this won't happen if he upgrades the PSU.
If it's designed for use with a proprietary power supply, absolutely. They are wired differently from standard ATX PSUs.
I did some looking into this, and I havent seen anything to suggest it's proprietary. Additionally, there are PSU replacements floating around out there that call themselves "TFX-standard PSUs", which is essentially "honey, i shrunk the ATX".
In light of all that, there shouldn't be any issue from using standard ATX
BulletExodus
2012-06-24, 09:01 PM
Last question, since I've never upgraded a PC before. I don't have to do any reinstallations or backup any data before I do this do I? Or is it just component switching that shouldn't have a huge effect?
Last question, since I've never upgraded a PC before. I don't have to do any reinstallations or backup any data before I do this do I? Or is it just component switching that shouldn't have a huge effect?
I wouldn't back up everything, since it'd be pretty damn hard, maybe impossible to brick your harddrive when installing a new GPU. Only run the risk of you PSU being bad and killing everything, but if you buy a good brand that's unlikely.
Installing a new GPU is as easy as popping it into the slot on the motherboard and plugging in two 6pin connectors.
So if you have anything of vital importance, might not be bad to back that up, but bricking your PC isn't something you should be worried about if you are not completely reckless while installing your new stuff.
inspades
2012-06-24, 09:59 PM
^This
If you're paranoid about your data, you could disconnect the power and data cables going to your hard drive, do the upgrade, and then power on the computer.
If you get a single beep out of your computer when you power it on, then you're in the clear, and will want to reconnect the power and data cables to your hard drive.
If you get a bunch of magic smoke, your data is safe because you disconnected the hard drive prior.
DarkChiron
2012-06-24, 10:27 PM
I'm getting a ATI Radeon 6850. Since my max resolution is 1360x768, I think it should be sufficient for higher end settings.
Ailos
2012-06-25, 03:04 PM
Last question, since I've never upgraded a PC before. I don't have to do any reinstallations or backup any data before I do this do I? Or is it just component switching that shouldn't have a huge effect?
As long as you remember that nothing in the PC requires a hammer or any kind of measurable strength to install (even the screws that you put in to hold your mobo should be tightened just enough to not come loose, and that's it), you should be fine. I normally recommend putting your most sensitive documents on a flash drive if that's the only thing you're really paranoid about losing as a precaution (e.g. some school papers or work-related documents or something - but you should always have these stored in several places anyway).
Also, you can do the drive disconnect thing - when you turn it on, if everything is fine, it'll eventually say something like "No boot device found" or "No operating system found". If you see that, turn the system off, re-connect the drive, and it should start right up.
BulletExodus
2012-06-26, 03:14 AM
I'll remember that, thanks. Now to just wait for PS day for more info! :D
Mutant
2012-06-26, 04:07 AM
I normally recommend putting your most sensitive documents on a flash drive if that's the only thing you're really paranoid about losing as a precaution (e.g. some school papers or work-related documents or something - but you should always have these stored in several places anyway).
This.
It amazes me how many people just don't keep any important data backed up.
Flash drives and external HDD are so cheap these days.
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