Graphics Assistance Required

[mdk88]

Hey,

My brother has a system that is getting pretty dated, and we're looking to throw a new graphics card into the mix.

His spec:

ASUS M2N-X
AMD 4400+ @ 2.3Ghz
2GB DDR2 667Mhz RAM
160GB HDD SATA
8600GT 256MB PCI-E
XP

His PSU is a 480W, and has two 12V rails, one is 25A, whilst the other is like 0.8A.

I wonder if his setup could power a new age card?

If so, are there any that anyone could reccomend that would be a worthwhile investment, in addition to definitely working ?

Cheers.

 

[mdk88]

....

 

[willhub]

His rig would power an 8800GT I think.

On that PSU the 12V rails are 18A and 16A, the 0.8 rail is the -12V.

Would not hurt though to get a new PSU though as thats going to need upgrading soon enough.

 

[mdk88]

No no, not the PSU in my sig, thats my pc. he has 480W. and one 12V 18A rail

 

[willhub]

No no, not the PSU in my sig, thats my pc. he has 480W. and one 12V 18A rail

For some strange reason I thought you said he had a Hiper 480W PSU.

Whats the make/model of this 480W PSU?

 

[TheMorningStar]

A HD3870 would be my sujestion. The HD3850 is worth a look also and cheeper but as your moving from a 8600gt which is a half decen't card really, your going to see more punch from a 3870. Your PSU will have no problems powering it, think it draws less than the 8600gt tbh.

 

[AgedIdiot]

Monitor?

 

[rolypolyman]

If on a budget I would recommend a 512mb 3850, if you can go more money then it would have to be the 8800gt. I would say though that going from 8600gt to the 3850 is a worthy upgrade.

 

[mdk88]

He has an unbranded PSU, but only been running it since February, and has encountered no problems.

Also, he has a 20" Monitor.

In addition, how would i go about connecting the card... all cables are tied up neatly and jumbled in such a way that i have no idea which is the +12V rail, also it definitely has no PCI-E connector.

 

[AgedIdiot]

20" - running at 1680x1050 I assume. IMO:-

8800gt - best card but uses most power.

HD3850 (256mb)- cheapest and most power efficient.

HD3870(512mb) - nearly as much as a 8800GT and not , allegedly, as fast.

Custom P.C. in Feb '08 edition conclusion ref 3850 ' Considering that this card can handle 1680x1050 , it's a far more sensible purchase if you have a 22" or smaller monitor ' (as compared to 8800Gt & HD3870)

Personally I run a 8800GT which I do love and would recomend BUT the 3850 is a lot less and uses less power - allegedly (I do not own one , nor have I seen one working)

no PCI-E connector.

Often with the card a 2 molex to one PCI-E connector will be provided - whatever choice is made you could always e-mail o'clockers to query this before buying.

 

[AgedIdiot]

Just a thought ; noted you run a 8800GT check to see if you got a connector. If you did try your card in your brothers p.c.- if it runs it o'k you know the PSU can cope