I'm looking to upgrade my nVidia GeForce 7300LE to either an 8600GTs or an 8800GT. I just don't know what would be best. my specs are: intel pentium D 3.00ghz 2gb ram Dell 0WG864 motherboard some 305w power supply (im getting a new one although I don't know how many watts i need yet) Could anybody also point me to some good deals on the video card that you think would be best? thanks
Welcome to HWF This depends why you want to use the card for. 8600GT is a basic DX10 graphics card. But if you want to play next-gen games, I would suggest the more powerful 8800GT. The geforce 8800 series requires at power supply with at least 450 watts output and 2 PCIe power connectors. For more information about a good PSU, look at this thread Always make sure to get a good PSU, and not some cheap one. The Geforce 8800GT is actually the best choice, because of the high performance / low price.
The 8800GT requires only 1 power connectors. PSU's with 1x PCI-E connector are fine for GPU's that have 2x PCI-E connectors since you get an adaptor (Molex - PCI-E) with most GPU's now adays.
Ive heard the 8600GT is good for being used as a doorstop. The latter is the better option, though it all depends on what monies u have to spend. here is the 8800GT nVidia GeForce 8800GT 512MB PCI-E - Aria Technology or u could go for the 8800GTS here. http://http://www.ebuyer.com/product/131673 not really to much more wonga. As for a PSU well how about Hiper 580W TRUE POWER PSU - Aria Technologycurrently out of stock but i'll be ordering one when they come back in.
The 8600's are comparable to the 7900GS/7800GTX line in DX9. Now, that's not bad, but after playing the Crysis and Unreal Tournament III demo's, I have concluded that I won't be playing at any higher than 1024x768 with the details at medium, if not low. And this is just from DX9.
My 8800GTX runs the Crysis demo at 1680x1050 resolution. All set to Very High, except AA (set to 0) with DX10. But I can 'feel' that the card is struggling to get that performance. So the GTS or GT won't be able to get full performance on highest settings.
I have that PSU, brilliant build quality the meshed body and great fan keep the PSU from overheating has loads of cables that can be nicely managed to allow good circulation in the case. If aria still don't have it then buy it from OCUK or Scan its around £45 which is CHEAP.
Crysis is a video card company's dreams. There is literally no consumer hardware that will run that game at it highest settings (I've even heard 2 GTXs won't do it..) If you've read my other posts I am raving for the new 8800 GTs and recommend that product.
