It this best gfx card solution?

[TonyF]

SK22G2V2
AMD 64 x 2 4600+
GeForce7600GT (35.8 W)
2GB RAM
250 WATT PSU
Monitor 1280 x 1024 (Max)
One PCI-X 1.0 slot free
Windows 7
Calculated max load 200 W

I have got the above system which runs pretty well but noticed graphics starting to lag at times when in game play FSX / SH5.

I have seen ATI 5670 card http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-225-SP which looks like it might improve performance but will need an additional 34 W leaving system close to maxing out PSU.

I have read on here post issues with this card on older motherboards so is card a good choice or any suggested alternatives?

Slightly of topic but I was also thinking upgrading to AMD 6000+ (same wattage as 4600+) but wondered if it gives that much extra?

Thanks

 

[Marine-RX179]

Unfortunately HD5670 is fair bit slow than 9800GT and HD4770, so if you are moving from the 9600GT to it you would only be sidestepping at best.

Also for games like FSX it is known to be more CPU intense than actual graphic demanding, so I think it is most likely your CPU is holding your 9600GT back and making it not delivering it's full performance unlike most general games.

Have a look at the following review:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cpu-gpu-upgrade,1928-10.html

You can use the Intel [email protected]'s result as rough equivalent to your AMD 64 x 2 4600+ (but bare in mind that 4600+'s 2.4GHz should be a bit slower than [email protected]).

Also, 9600GT should be more than enough to handle SH5 (Silent Hill 5 right?).

I think you probably need to consider CPU upgrade instead of graphic card upgrade.

 

[Liampope]

Do you have some sort of emotional attachment to your existing 250W power supply that means upgrade decisions get the yay or nay depending on whether or not they allow you to keep it?

I'd consider a PSU upgrade which would broaden your horizons somewhat for upgrades.

Liam

 

[TonyF]

Sorry guys slip of the pen should be 7600GT not 9600GT.

Sadly no replacement PSU for Shuttle SK22G2.

 

[Liampope]

Sorry should have noticed the SK22G2 bit and googled it - assumed you were talking a 'standard' PC. Take it it's not a standard micro-atx PSU? How are your modding/electronics skills?

 

[Randomface74]

You just can't run a good graphics card with a 250W PSU.

 

[bhavv]

I think you would either need a new PC, or try a 5570 insted.

 

[Marine-RX179]

I think you would either need a new PC, or try a 5570 insted.

To play FSX at decent frame rate, he would need both (faster CPU and graphic card). And unfortunately his am2 motherboard is gonna be a limitation to his choice of CPU upgrade, unless am2+ CPU can run on it...which I doubt.

>Tony F
Yes switching from a 7600GT to a HD5670 should still be under 250W, but I'm not sure how good is your PSU...whether it would still be stable close to max W usage.

 

[TonyF]

I think you would either need a new PC, or try a 5570 insted.

Bought the 5570 in the end. Installed fine and now graphics in a different league