Looking for a new card

F

feverlax

Limp Gawd
2FA
Joined
Mar 1, 2005
Messages
350
There are tons of threads but I am looking for something specific so I thought it would be best to start a new one...

I'm looking for the best sub 200 dollar card that is capable of 1680x1050 resolution. I don't need to max EVERYTHING but I am looking to play any upcoming games fairly well.

The other thing is my PSU, it is an Antec EarthWatts EA380 so I need a video card that can run on that. The power supply has 34 Amps on the two +12 rails combined if that helps.
 
owenhehe said:
HD4670 or 9600GT will do the job.
Click to expand...

Neither of these will do high res levels at this resolution on most upcoming games AFAIK. But with that puny PSU you are highly limited. $200 will get you a decent card, but you'll need to upgrade your PSU if you want anything that will last for a while. Heck, spend $150 on the card, get the 8800 GTS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325 or 4850 similar http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121253, add another $50 and spend the $100 on a good 650W PSU. If you can't afford another $50-$75, you really shouldn't be looking at upgrading your compy right now.
 
I think he can save some bucks just to get a 500w PSU, that will be more than enough to run 4850.

Cheffy said:
Neither of these will do high res levels at this resolution on most upcoming games AFAIK. But with that puny PSU you are highly limited. $200 will get you a decent card, but you'll need to upgrade your PSU if you want anything that will last for a while. Heck, spend $150 on the card, get the 8800 GTS http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127325 or 4850 similar http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121253, add another $50 and spend the $100 on a good 650W PSU. If you can't afford another $50-$75, you really shouldn't be looking at upgrading your compy right now.
Click to expand...
 
feverlax said:
The power supply has 34 Amps on the two +12 rails combined if that helps.
Click to expand...

No it doesn't. It only has 27A on the +12V rails. You don't add up the rails. You find out the total wattage available on the +12V rail and divide that number by 12 to get the true combined amperage. So the EA380 has 324W on the +12V rails and that is 27A on the +12V rail.

Also, what are the specs of the rest of your PC? Depending on what they are, you could go as high as the HD4850 with that EA380W PSU.

But if you do need a new PSU, I recommend these:
Corsair 450VX 450W PSU - $70
Corsair 550VX 550W PSU - $85
Corsair 650TX 650W PSU - $95
Corsair 750TX 750W PSU - $115
 
As an Amazon Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
If you plan on using the card in the PC in your sig, a 4850 would be the best option, and your current power supply will be able to handle it no problem. You'll probably be around 200-220W of power usage at full load, so there's absolutely no need for you to spring for a new PSU.
 
Yeah I'm running on the rig in my sig, and I could probably even lower my overclock if that would make a difference.

Does the 8800GT use less power than the 4850? If so would that work? If not then it looks like I'll be getting a 4850
 
8800GT does use just little bit less power than the HD4850. And yes the 8800GT is a good option. However, do note that the HD4850 is faster than the 8800GT. But if you can get the 8800GT for $100 or so, then it will be a good deal.
 
I'm running a 4850 on the EA380. So far so good. I will upgrade the PS once I decide to get a more powerful card or add a second 4850. For 1680x1050 I think the 4850 will impress. If you've got a BestBuy near you, the Visiontek one is on sale for $149. I'm gonna go price match mine in the morning.
 
get an hd4850 and use your current psu, it will work perfectly fine
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top