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Graphics card choice...

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Joined
14 Oct 2005
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www.benjaminwaller.co.uk
I've recently built my new computer, everything is now installed minus the graphics card because I'm waiting till I get paid to snap that final component.

I've had my heart set on an X1950Pro (512mb, PCI-E) but I've found an ATI 2900XT going for under £200, brand new. Now, I'm aware of the power consumption/heat issues with regards to that card, my case (Antec 900) is well equipped to deal with it, however, I'm concerned about the PSU.

I installed a Corsair 520W, which, if a 2900XT was installed, would leave 300W for the rest of the system. I'm pretty sure I know the answer to this already but just thought I'd check with you guys whether it's a sensible idea or not to snap it up instead of the X1950Pro?

My system is made up of...

CPU - Intel Core2Duo E6750 (cooled with an Asus Silent Knight)
M/B - Asus P5K
RAM - Crucial Ballistix (2GB, 667Mhz)
PSU - Corsair 520W
HDD - Western Digital SE SATA 160GB
DVD - Samsung 18x18 DVD-RW
Case - Antec 900
Sound - Soundblaster Audigy 2 ZS

Thanks for your time everyone, really appreciate it.
 
Should be? Would it be comfortable or stretched because I'm only really prepared to go for a 2900XT if it's going to be comfortable enough for the rest of the system.
 
I've been looking at the x1950pro 512mb and came across a review that measured the power draw of a number of cards.

Under load, the 2900XT could draw as much as 337W compared to the 1950pro of 252w.

Check it out here

At the end it said that the card company (Diamond) recommended at least a 750w PSU for the 2900XT.
 
I've been looking at the x1950pro 512mb and came across a review that measured the power draw of a number of cards.

Under load, the 2900XT could draw as much as 337W compared to the 1950pro of 252w.

Check it out here

At the end it said that the card company (Diamond) recommended at least a 750w PSU for the 2900XT.

Read the review properly it clearly states under the pics that the watts relates to total system power draw and not just the graphics card, so thats 337w for the whole system.

Im running my system spec below with the overclocks on a corsair 520w without any problems.
 
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That's really impressive, especially considering you have a Q6600 and 4GB of Ballistix in there, as well as the 2900XT! I think I may just have to get the 2900XT then, thanks for the advice!!!
 
That's really impressive, especially considering you have a Q6600 and 4GB of Ballistix in there, as well as the 2900XT! I think I may just have to get the 2900XT then, thanks for the advice!!!

Np glad to help the corsair range of psus are really high quality.
 
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lol sorry if i came across brash its just some people purposefully try to over exaggerate power consumption on here, obviously you are not one of them.
 
I'm tempted with a 2900XT but the noise thing bothers me.

I dont have one I can try out either...

Running a 8800gts atm, what the level like compaired to that?

(sorry for the hijack!)
 
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