Last Generation

[Wise]

I'm planning on buying a GeForce FX 5900 Ultra rather then a 6 Series because my Processor wouldn't fully use the card. So I'll get a A64 3000+ and a ZIPPY 700W PS.

 

[CastleBravo]

An A64 3000+ is still enough processor to get a HUGE performance increase from a 6800 vs. a 5900. Pretty much EVERYTHING is processor-limited with a 6800 GT, except maybe a FX-53 or a 3800+, that doesn't mean they don't get a huge performance boost from the next-generation cards anyway.

In Doom 3 my P4 3.2E system is mainly processor-limited until you get to 1600x1200, but going from a Radeon 9800 Pro to a 6800 GT increased my Aquamark 3 score from about 43,000 to about 60,000 at 1024x768 0xAA 4xAF. Instead of being unplayable at 1600x1200 I'm getting over 60 FPS in Doom 3. And so on.

 

[Wise]

I currently have an AMD Athlon XP 2000+

 

[kick@ss]

Why would you get a 700W PSU?

 

[darktiger]

That is what I was thinking, 700watt psu???

 

[SEALTeamSix]

The microwave just wasn't cutting it... upgrade to 700 Watts!

-SEAL

 

[ignitionxvi]

most likely my 370w Enermax Noisetaker would be a better powersupply than that, definately stick with brand names.

 

[Wise]

Why? Because 6800 already prefers a 500W PS, so a 700W would last VERY long imo.

 

[xSyzygy666x]

Why? Because 6800 already prefers a 500W PS, so a 700W would last VERY long imo.

lol...500 is already overkill.....and if you can afford / find a name brand 700w psu then get one...but itd be better for your card and last longer if you a say a 400/450w name brand psu...such as fortron or sparkle........cheap psu are known to not have many amps on the lines and also to sometimes spike badly.....

 

[theNoid]

Why? Because 6800 already prefers a 500W PS, so a 700W would last VERY long imo.

I have a 6800 running on a 400w psu.. with 2 optical drives, 8 fans, mobo, fan controllers, etc... and no power issues at all. You do not and will not need a 700 psu for several years.

 

[jonavin]

700W? hmm...you planing to juice 2 6800U cards?

 

[yevaud]

That is what I was thinking, 700watt psu???

Just what I was thinking. Egad man, before long we will have 1 or 2 kW power supplies in our cases. What's next, switchgear?

Back on topic: Get the 6800 or the ATI X800. You'll be glad you did.

 

[ameoba]

Exactly - no point in spending the same amount of money to geta slower card. If your CPU can't send enough data to the GPU to tax it, start turning on AA and AF to use the 'extra' power.

 

[kick@ss]

Why? Because 6800 already prefers a 500W PS, so a 700W would last VERY long imo.

My 350W PSU works with my 6800 just fine. 700W PSUs are a waste of money. I'd take the extra money you'd save by buying a 400W one and use it purchase a 6800 NU or GT.