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GPU - The Up Downgrade

EvilAlchemist

2[H]4U
Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
2,732
My Main rig is the Dual X5550 System with an ATI 4850 ICEQ Turbo.

It has been a while since I run F@H on it and trying to figure out the best path to take.

My only requiement is it must have 2 x DVI ports to run my 2 x Samsung 24" monitors.

If I downgrade, to an XFX HD-465X-ZDF2 Radeon HD 4650 - i could lower my power consumption. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150396

(If you can suggest another card to downgrade to - post a link)

My other option is to put some nVidia Gpu's in there and run F@H.
I am worried the GPUs may hurt my A3 performance to the point where there is no gain.

I don't do any gaming on this system so that is not a concern at all.

Thoughts?
 
If you're not averse to using a DVI>VGA adapter with 1 of the monitors, the 8400GS for a "offer" price of $13.50 is a great deal.
http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1477510
I picked one up myself as a backup card (along with a compatible low profile bracket from another seller, just for grins/to have a low profile option).

There's a fair amount of cards out there (downgrades) with 2 DVI ports...you could do basically anything. NewEgg search
 
Another option is to run Collatz or MW@H under boinc on your 4850 in order to keep it productive. The CPU usage when running those GPU clients is non-existent. My 2 4890s running full steam consume less than 1% of my AMD x3 CPU.
 
the gtx260 is the best bang for the buck folding. you will lose 1000ppd smp tops but gain 6500-7500 on the gpu add another 1000 ppd if you overclock the card. i would wait till the gtx300's come out as it should lower the price of current cards i use this one @ 700/1560/1100 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814143189 it will fold at this speed but will not game with the shader this high. and 80% fan speed in a good flowing case.dont run a new card this high as it seems to be it takes a couple days for the thermal paste they use to break in.
 
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My other option is to put some nVidia Gpu's in there and run F@H.
I am worried the GPUs may hurt my A3 performance to the point where there is no gain.
That's not going to happen. You would see a small drop in PPD, but you would gain much more if you stuck in a bunch of good nVidia cards like GTX260s.
 
I would think about waiting another month or so to pick up a card unless you want to go with a bargain basement card at the moment. Yes, I know it's been delay after delay for Fermi but if nVidia is actually going to release the thing there may be price drops on ATI and nVidia cards finally. It probably won't be much on the nVidia side due to nVidia rebranding G92 series cards yet again but there could be some decent drops on ATI. However, this won't affect the lowest end cards.

 
+1 for the 13.51 8400 GS

I've got 4 of them already , buying 1 or 2 more
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