Main Menu

Graphics Cards

Started by Mofo Rising, July 09, 2008, 11:44:45 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

Mofo Rising

I ordered a PC yesterday (this PC to be precise) because I've been needing a new one for a while and it seemed a reasonable deal.

The main problem I foresee is that it only comes with an integrated graphics card, which I want to update as soon as possible. Problem is, I'm not down with the kids today as to what I should be looking for.

Ideally I would like something for under $100, although I can easily bump that up to $150 or so. Anything more seems a bit much, unless you really think I should go for it. Keep in mind, I payed less than $500 for the whole system.

Some specs (also check above link):
PCI, PCI-E and PCI-Ex16 slots available.

I also like the idea of that SLI tandem card stuff. I can easily buy a card now and buy another card later when prices drop.

Let me know any suggestions, and I'll start scouring for deals.

Thanks.
Every dead body that is not exterminated becomes one of them. It gets up and kills. The people it kills, get up and kill.

CheezeFlixz

Try this ...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130317

It really depends on what you are going to do, graphics, gaming, animation, Solitaire and Mine Sweep.

This cards need at least 500-600W or larger power supply the spec on your system didn't say the size of the power supply. I put one of these in my kids computer and I had to up the Power Supply to keep everything running smoothly. It's a PCI-Ex16 slot which is a faster slot, but I'd say this is a good all around card, runs a tad hot, and is a power hog, but it's cheap (inexpensive).

I use a XFX GeForce 9800 really nice card the support excellent high res on multiple monitors, but not that cheap.

Mofo Rising

Yeah, I noticed (later) that the power supply wasn't specified. I'd love to run good gaming on the computer, but it's not a powerhouse. It should arrive tomorrow so I can check it out.

Thanks for the input.
Every dead body that is not exterminated becomes one of them. It gets up and kills. The people it kills, get up and kill.

AndyC

#3
This is what I'm currently using:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130334
An excellent card for the money at $149.99 ($129.99 with the rebate). That's quite a bit less than I paid for mine a few months ago.

PCI-Ex16 appears to be your only option. It is rapidly replacing AGP, which I see your computer does not even have.

There are still a few PCI video cards available, but trust me, you don't want one.
---------------------
"Join me in the abyss of savings."

Mofo Rising

Thanks to both of you for the input. I believe I'm going to go with CheezeFlixz' suggestion, although I am also going to have to up the power supply, since this computer came with a 300W supply.

Thanks again.
Every dead body that is not exterminated becomes one of them. It gets up and kills. The people it kills, get up and kill.

CheezeFlixz

Quote from: Mofo Rising on July 11, 2008, 01:33:31 AM
Thanks to both of you for the input. I believe I'm going to go with CheezeFlixz' suggestion, although I am also going to have to up the power supply, since this computer came with a 300W supply.

Thanks again.

300W!! OMG! You did tell them you were going to actually USE the computer didn't you?

Make sure on upping the PS you it's not priority, some are like Dell and Compac which is now owned by HP are. You could end up with one that doesn't fit. (***cough**** like I did *** cough***)

One of the hardest things I bought was a PS, to get the fit, the right priority plugs etc etc ... all in the same unit. It was a pain.

I'd look at at least 750W or higher might be a tad large, but will handle expansion. The card should have recommend  PS size, but they tend to be the minimum. NewEgg's site has nothing on it, but the company website or user manual might, that and user reviews.

Mr_Vindictive

Here is what I am using:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130319

I have two of these in an SLI mode which is a bit of overkill at the moment, but it certainly does run Crysis at a nice clip!

300W, Mofo!?  I can't imagine running a basic PC with a 300W PSU.  I have this one in my PC at the moment:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182087

It is by no means a monster PSU, but it handles both video cards, my dual-core processor and a couple of hard drives without any issues.
__________________________________________________________
"The greatest medicine in the world is human laughter. And the worst medicine is zombie laughter." -- Jack Handey

A bald man named Savalas visited me last night in a dream.  I think it was a Telly vision.

AndyC

Yup, 600 should be more than enough. I'm running a system with three hard drives, a couple of optical drives, a number of cards, several fans and a bunch of devices powered by the USB, and a 550w supply is doing me just fine. Just remember to get a decent brand.
---------------------
"Join me in the abyss of savings."

Mofo Rising

Thanks to everybody for the input. I purchased a 650 watt power supply from a company called Ultra. Everything has arrived and while installation was definitely a bit of a hassle, it was all pretty straightforward.

It's all up and running now. I installed Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, turned all the visuals up to max, and it runs solid as a rock. I'm pretty satisfied.

Only problem now? I have no games that will use even a fraction of what the card is capable of, other than Oblivion. Every game I have bought is at least a few years old, if not more.

Thanks again, everybody!
Every dead body that is not exterminated becomes one of them. It gets up and kills. The people it kills, get up and kill.

Mr_Vindictive

Quote from: Mofo Rising on July 22, 2008, 02:11:00 AM
Thanks to everybody for the input. I purchased a 650 watt power supply from a company called Ultra. Everything has arrived and while installation was definitely a bit of a hassle, it was all pretty straightforward.

It's all up and running now. I installed Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, turned all the visuals up to max, and it runs solid as a rock. I'm pretty satisfied.

Only problem now? I have no games that will use even a fraction of what the card is capable of, other than Oblivion. Every game I have bought is at least a few years old, if not more.

Thanks again, everybody!

I quite like Ultra's products.  I've used their RAM in a few machines, a few of their cases and a few of their PSUs.  For the price, they are great products.

As for not having any games that will use the card's full potential, I highly recommend Crysis.  I have yet to see a piece of hardware that can handle that game with the settings cranked all the way up.  Even the developers say it will be a few years before we get to that point of technology.  Otherwise the game is a blast and looks gorgeous at even middling settings.

May I ask which card you ended up choosing?
__________________________________________________________
"The greatest medicine in the world is human laughter. And the worst medicine is zombie laughter." -- Jack Handey

A bald man named Savalas visited me last night in a dream.  I think it was a Telly vision.

Mofo Rising

Quote from: Mr_Vindictive on July 22, 2008, 11:43:59 AM
May I ask which card you ended up choosing?

I went with CheezeFlixz suggestion, the GeForce 8800 GTS.

Yeah, I know all about Crysis, but never even attempted to try and install it. There's a couple interesting zombie games coming out, Left 4 Dead and Dead Island. I'll probably end up buying Fallout 3 when it comes outl
Every dead body that is not exterminated becomes one of them. It gets up and kills. The people it kills, get up and kill.

Mr_Vindictive

Left 4 Dead looks like an absolute blast.  Anything that Valve touches seems to be pure magic and this looks to be no different.

Fallout 3 from what I've heard from quite a few people that played it at E3, is basically a copy of Oblivion in the Fallout universe.  I've heard that the world is not nearly as large but then again you have to walk everywhere you go in this game as you don't have a horse or any other type of transportation.  Everything else, gameplay wise, seem to be ported over from Oblivion, including the graphics.  I had one person tell me that the looting mechanic in the game is the EXACT same as Oblivion.  I guess when you have pure gold, it makes sense to continue it on.
__________________________________________________________
"The greatest medicine in the world is human laughter. And the worst medicine is zombie laughter." -- Jack Handey

A bald man named Savalas visited me last night in a dream.  I think it was a Telly vision.