Curse

Armageddon · Sep 02, 2010, 02:36 PM // 14:36

I really dont think it will, its really an old low end card

you can compare the 2 cards here

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts...d[3527]=on

I think whatever card you get, you will need a new power supply, cooling can wait till you can see if theres a problem, your airflow will probably be ok as it is, if not it would just need a few € for a fan or two

Milennin · Sep 02, 2010, 02:44 PM // 14:44

Aaha, I see. I was hoping I could avoid getting a new power supply, but I guess that won't happen.^^ Hmmm, I'll try if I can find a webshop that sells those in Sweden.
EDIT: Got one.=p

Undead Cheese · Sep 02, 2010, 03:08 PM // 15:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milennin

Hmm, would this card be good enough to run Guild Wars 1 at max? http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...56&subcat=1833

Found it to be cheaper than the previous ones mentioned.^^ And as long as it can run GW1 at max I'll be happy. How do I see if I would need a new cooler or power supply for this one?

Actually it can run it at max, at about 30 FPS usually which is playable, I had this card in the past as a back up and tried it out. But I would really spend more, as it isn't a good card either, pretty bad to be honest.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...=56&subcat=938 or http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showpr...56&subcat=1009

That's probably the best card you can get in your price bracket. Keep in mind the 4850 is faster than the 9800GT.

Elektraaa · Sep 02, 2010, 03:31 PM // 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undead Cheese

400-450W would be enough for a GTX 460 or a 5850, that's it, provided you do not overclock. If you wan't more power hungry cards, for example a 5870, GTX 465/470/480 you will need more power.

Depends on what you think is ''power hungry'', any card around the 150Wish mark can be powered by a 400w.

480 I consider power hungry

. 5870 is actually pretty good on current draw.

Not to confuse the OP, but you may not need to spend as much as the 9800, considering you're going to be upgrading later anyway. Look around for a 9600/8800GT if you can.

Obviously manufacturers over-rate their cards but it's nice to feel comfortable that you can add hdd's etc.

www.inet.se
www.komplett.se

Shops for the OP.

Milennin · Sep 02, 2010, 06:49 PM // 18:49

Thanks alot, I couldn't find the 8800 nor 9600 versions on the Swedish shops (closest results were 8400 and 9800 instead). I was looking at this card: http://www.inet.se/artikel/5408392/l...e-8400gs-512mb - It's a 8400, I guess it should be enough if I get the Corsair 400W with it?

Lord Sojar · Sep 02, 2010, 10:09 PM // 22:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undead Cheese

400-450W would be enough for a GTX 460 or a 5850, that's it, provided you do not overclock. If you wan't more power hungry cards, for example a 5870, GTX 465/470/480 you will need more power.

Depends on what you think is ''power hungry'', any card around the 150Wish mark can be powered by a 400w.

A quality 450w will power the cards you listed. A 400w will not, at least properly without either decreasing the cards performance or damaging it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milennin

Thanks alot, I couldn't find the 8800 nor 9600 versions on the Swedish shops (closest results were 8400 and 9800 instead). I was looking at this card: http://www.inet.se/artikel/5408392/l...e-8400gs-512mb - It's a 8400, I guess it should be enough if I get the Corsair 400W with it?

The 8400GS is a horrible card, and will either barely start GW2, or not run it at all.

You want this card:

http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=579472

You won't have to upgrade your PSU to power that card.

It will run Guild Wars 2, but it certainly won't be maxing it out. I suspect you will be able to run it at a midrange resolution with some effects on medium, others on low, maybe 1 or 2 on high (that's a big maybe on last one) But, it will run it.

If that card is too much (it shouldn't be, 85 Euros by conversion, which is in your 50-100 Euro range), then you could go with this one, albeit for a big performance hit.

http://www.komplett.se/k/ki.aspx?sku=584573

Elder III · Sep 03, 2010, 12:20 AM // 00:20

There's no way in hell a 8400 will max GW out if you plan to play at 1080p - If you can swing it go for the 240, unless you can increase your budget enough to upgrade the PSU as well....

Armageddon · Sep 03, 2010, 01:20 AM // 01:20

heres a good article from tomshardware about the total system power consumption, its from early last year so a little out of date and doesnt have the latest graphics cards but it gives a good idea of the total power needed

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...ower,2122.html

*Darcy* · Sep 03, 2010, 02:17 AM // 02:17

If you add a video card, you will definitely need a better power supply. There is no question about that.

The 8800 GTS would be better and might even do GW2 at low settings, giving you more time to complete your upgrade.

As for cooling, I was talking about case cooling, not necessarily your cpu cooling. Graphics cards put out quite a bit of heat. You could replace your case fan with a better one and make sure the case is up off the floor where it won't get as dusty. Keep it clean by blowing out any dust on a regular basis as dust holds in the heat.

Lord Sojar · Sep 03, 2010, 02:35 AM // 02:35

You do no need a new power supply if the card has no PCIe power connector.... That means that the card draws 75W or less, which is gets from the PCIe 16x slot.

So for a GT240, the OP will NOT need a new power supply.

Undead Cheese · Sep 03, 2010, 08:03 AM // 08:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Sojar

A quality 450w will power the cards you listed. A 400w will not, at least properly without either decreasing the cards performance or damaging it.

Umm, no

A 400w can power a 5850 or a GTX 460 provided there isn't any overclocking, the OP is also using a low power dual core. Stop over estimating the amount on pwoer a PC uses so much. Get a standard GTX 460 and a stock CPU with a Kill-a-watt and I garuantee your full Prime95/Furmark load is under 400w. Even less when you take the 80% effiency into account. Under general gaming load it will be 300w or so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Sojar

You do no need a new power supply if the card has no PCIe power connector.... That means that the card draws 75W or less, which is gets from the PCIe 16x slot.

So for a GT240, the OP will NOT need a new power supply.

You tell me about an insufficient PSU decreasing and damaging a component, yet you don't think the OP would need a new PSU if he got a new <75W card on a generic PSU? hypocrite.

I honestly can't be bothered having to argue with you again, just so you can go ahead and close the thread, but I have stated facts here, nothing else.

Milennin · Sep 03, 2010, 08:22 AM // 08:22

EDIT - after reading above post. Hmmm...

Aaha yes. Just searched for some information, and the recommended PSU for it is 400W.

Undead Cheese · Sep 03, 2010, 09:13 AM // 09:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milennin

EDIT - after reading above post. Hmmm...

Aaha yes. Just searched for some information, and the recommended PSU for it is 400W.

400W for what card?

And just a FYI, most manufacturers (ATI and Nvidia in this case) over spec the amount of wattage you need for your card. The reason they do it is because alot of people (most of the market) buy generic/bad quality powersupplies that actually don't deliver their rated wattage and when they start to fail/get damaged, the manufacturers have to deal with the returns/RMA's which costs them alot of money.

Milennin · Sep 03, 2010, 09:49 AM // 09:49

The GT240 does need 400W.
I'm kinda annoyed by how hard it is to upgrade graphics card, the numbers on those things don't seem to make any sense (like how you guys recommended 7900 to me, but said 8400 is crap, then recommend a 8800). I might just stick with my current card and play on minimum.>__>
Choices choices...

Lord Sojar · Sep 03, 2010, 11:26 AM // 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Undead Cheese

Umm, no

A 400w can power a 5850 or a GTX 460 provided there isn't any overclocking, the OP is also using a low power dual core. Stop over estimating the amount on pwoer a PC uses so much. Get a standard GTX 460 and a stock CPU with a Kill-a-watt and I garuantee your full Prime95/Furmark load is under 400w. Even less when you take the 80% effiency into account. Under general gaming load it will be 300w or so.

You tell me about an insufficient PSU decreasing and damaging a component, yet you don't think the OP would need a new PSU if he got a new <75W card on a generic PSU? hypocrite.

I honestly can't be bothered having to argue with you again, just so you can go ahead and close the thread, but I have stated facts here, nothing else.

Milennin: The discussion below that is italicized is IRRELEVANT for you. It's offtopic argument, as is becoming seemingly typical in Tech as of late...

SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIGH!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm getting really tired of this arguing in Tech...

This isn't an issue of purely wattage in regards to high end gaming GPUs. It comes down to stable voltages on the 12v rails, enough amperage to power the PC properly, and since PSUs are only efficient at 80-90% and drop off sharply above that, that means you need to have a PSU that provides the needed stability at 80-85% of its peak power output.

A 400W PSU can provide a total of 33 amps (in theory) on the 12v rail. That's way too close for comfort. It might cut it, provided it was a top top quality 400w, but that's it.... and just cutting it isn't worth it.

To your second (insulting for no reason) point....

His power supply is already bloody providing the PCIe channel with the 75W it needs. So no, he won't need a new PSU to power a card that his power supply is already providing power to. He has a low power CPU and very few system components. He doesn't own a gaming rig! Honestly, I think you are just trying to start arguments for the sake of starting arguments at this point...

Milennin: HERE IS RELEVANT INFO TO YOUR THREAD>

The GT240 requires a 300w PSU... nothing more.

Specifically...

Thermal and Power Specs:

Maximum GPU Temperature (in C) 105C
Maximum Graphics Card Power (W) 69 W
Minimum Recommended System Power (W) 300 W

It isn't difficult to upgrade your GPU. Just buy the GT240, and you won't need to upgrade your PSU. Trust me, I worked for nVidia for nearly 2 years, I know their products inside and out.

Milennin · Sep 03, 2010, 11:35 AM // 11:35

Alright alright, sorry.xD I'll take the GT240 and shut up before I say any more stupid things.=p Anyways, I appreciated the help lots.^^ This thread can be closed then.

Elder III · Sep 03, 2010, 11:36 AM // 11:36

Sorry friend, it would be easier on everyone if the better video card = the higher number, but that's not the case. I'm going to list the cards that should be able to play GW1 at the high resolution that you said you play at (1920 x 1080). This list won't include every card and it won't say which is better, but it will at least give you a rough idea of what to shop for and what not to even consider if it was free.

NVIDIA Geforce 8800 series, 9600GT, 9800 series, 240, 250, 260, 275, 280, 295, 460, 470, 480 -

ATI (AMD now) Radeon 4670, 4770, 4800 series, 5670, 5800 series, 5970 -
anyone of those should do just fine with GW1 at 1080p. I suspect they would all play GW2 as well, but the cheaper ones listed here likely will not be able to "Max" GW2 out at 1080p resolution.

Once again, that's not a total list of every video card, and I'm sure I left a couple capable options off the list as well, but until I get my morning coffee, that's the best I can do, and it ought to help you some with your decision.

***I do suggest that you try to upgrade your Power Supply if the cash is available; if not I would probably wait a few months and upgrade your video card at that time.... your choice, but unless you get one of the "weaker" cards (ie. not as good for GW2) on there it likely won't let you game on that power supply that you currently have.***

Lord Sojar · Sep 03, 2010, 11:40 AM // 11:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milennin

Alright alright, sorry.xD I'll take the GT240 and shut up before I say any more stupid things.=p Anyways, I appreciated the help lots.^^ This thread can be closed then.

You don't have to shut up.

Misinformation abounds. Your 250w PSU should be enough to power the GT240. It will be a bit starved for power, but nVidia's lower end cards feature some amazing power management technology. The GT240 will throttle down.

I'd still save for a 500w PSU and toss that in when you get the chance/money, but it's no rush. Just don't go pushing that card using Furmark or Crysis. ^_^

You are most welcome for the help as well, and I'm sure you'll be a lot happier with the GT240 than the aging ATi you have now.

Milennin · Sep 03, 2010, 11:49 AM // 11:49

Yeah, I probably won't be playing any other graphic-heavy games on my PC until I get my full Guild Wars 2 upgrade.8)
And yes, I wil consider upgrading my PSU if my current one is going to cause problems.

Lord Sojar · Sep 03, 2010, 11:53 AM // 11:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Milennin

Yeah, I probably won't be playing any other graphic-heavy games on my PC until I get my full Guild Wars 2 upgrade.8)
And yes, I wil consider upgrading my PSU if my current one is going to cause problems.

I wouldn't say problems, that only really happens on higher end GPUs. Voltage fluctuations are more likely to occur with direct line power (aka PCIe power connectors going to the card) Mainboard 20(4) pin power is very well regulated by the board in almost all instances, so the determent to the card should be minimal or more likely, nonexistent.

Still, and upgrade can't hurt down the road. Not only that, but it will open the door to a higher end GPU (example: GTX 460) that will slaughter GW2 for you at high/max settings, should you decide to upgrade again. You can then demote the GT240 to a CUDA/PhysX dedicated card, which is always nice to have.