Curse

mekhettremere · Jul 24, 2009, 08:32 PM // 20:32

I just got back into Guild Wars, and am thinking about upgrading my video card. Currently, I'm running a Radeon X1300. I found this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161273 , should this run GW well?

My other concern is that I have a 300W PSU, but the only "extra" I have in the box is a 2nd HDD, which I've been thinking about putting into a USB enclosure anyway. Does anyone think I'll run into any issues with the above Video card?

Thanks

moriz · Jul 24, 2009, 09:30 PM // 21:30

that card can be run on a 300W PSU, and should easily run GW. in fact, the HD4670 is noted to be the most powerful graphic card that doesn't need any additional power source.

Lord Sojar · Jul 24, 2009, 09:31 PM // 21:31

Who is the manufacturer of your PSU, and what is the model type/number? The 4670 is very power efficient, but 300w will be cutting it close (usually PSUs with that little power have shoddy 12v rails). 400w+ is more in line with gaming grade cards, but again, it depends on rail design and implementation.

Post that info, and I can give you some more detailed advice.

Elder III · Jul 24, 2009, 10:10 PM // 22:10

as stated above it really depends on your PSU - if it's an off-brand, mass produced (ie came in a Dell or HP) it's probably going to give you trouble. If it's a nice Corsair, Antec, etc... it will likely be ok. A new 500 watt PSU can be had for $40-50 if you shop the sales... name brands too.

Brett Kuntz · Jul 24, 2009, 11:19 PM // 23:19

I'd wait until Sept 1x, when ATI's new cards come out, as all existing cards will more than likely drop in price substantially. Basically, waiting 2 months could save you 25% or more (on car insurance).

Elder III · Jul 24, 2009, 11:40 PM // 23:40

if you're talking 25% in regards to a 4670's price it's not worth waiting 2 months... they're pretty cheap already - if you are talking a 4870 x 2 then it may be worth it. lol

Nanood · Jul 25, 2009, 12:37 AM // 00:37

The best article IMO for up to date value for cards.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/...card,2362.html

Check it out

dilan155 · Jul 25, 2009, 04:24 PM // 16:24

well you have to consider the 12v rail, whether there's multiple ones, whats the efficiency rating is. also the brand matters as well.

Malician · Jul 26, 2009, 07:31 AM // 07:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by dilan155

well you have to consider the 12v rail, whether there's multiple ones, whats the efficiency rating is. also the brand matters as well.

Efficiency just relates to how much wattage is wasted (the PSU's draw from the wall will be higher than what it actually outputs).

Amps on the 12v rail times 12 = watts available. 10 amps on the 12v = 120 watts. Of course, what the manufacturer claims may be higher than what the PSU can actually supply... that's where brands come in =)

N E D M · Jul 27, 2009, 03:57 AM // 03:57

I will recommend the version manufactured by Gigabyte rather than HIS.(i have one, just put in a new pc i built)
I have heard poor reviews on HIS products.
Also new PSU may be wise
and it plays GW very well

Elder III · Jul 27, 2009, 05:43 PM // 17:43

HIS makes quality video cards, esp the ICEQ editions. I have both a HIS 4850 and a Gigabyte 4850 in my PC and I've been happy with both of them. The HIS I bought shortly after they came out on the market, and it's holding up very well for me so far.

mekhettremere · Jul 27, 2009, 07:05 PM // 19:05

Thanks for the responses guys. I bought the HIS, should be here this week. My next purchase will either be a PSU, or if I win the lottery, a new machine.

I figure I can live without my DVDROM for a bit if there's too much power draw. I rarely use it anyway.

mekhettremere · Jul 31, 2009, 03:33 PM // 15:33

Well, I got the card, but apparently Dell builds their Motherboards badly. The PCIE slot is too close to the Proc Heatsink, and the fan enclosure hits the HS enough that the card doesn't fit.

On the bright side though, this helped me convince my wife to let me buy a new machine, peice by peice for the next few months.

Elder III · Aug 01, 2009, 12:08 AM // 00:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by mekhettremere

Well, I got the card, but apparently Dell builds their Motherboards badly. The PCIE slot is too close to the Proc Heatsink, and the fan enclosure hits the HS enough that the card doesn't fit.

On the bright side though, this helped me convince my wife to let me buy a new machine, peice by peice for the next few months.

Unless you have a weird non-standard ATX motherboard the Processor is above your PCIe x 16 slot.... which means that the video card would have to be installed with the fan/heatsink facing downwards, away from the Processor.

*is confused*