9600GT? Wrong purchase? Need advice.

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mcse_crossover

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Nov 2, 2009
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Hey all -

I just built a brand new system that I was going to use primarily for Linux. But, my son has started harping on me that he would really like to start playing some "shooter" games - he is 8...

When I initially built the system, I built it with the mindset that it wouldn't be used for gaming.

It is a Tri-core (4th core enabled) Phenom II 2.6 w/ 4GB DDR3 1600. 400w Corsair PS and a 9600GT running Windows 7 Pro 64-bit

I bought "Section 8" last night and it runs fine on maxed out settings. I am just wondering if it will be more worth while to return the video card and PS while I still have the option.

Is the 9600GT capable of running recent and upcoming new titles? Is a 400w PS enough? What card is recommended if I swap them out? I was looking at the 4870, 4890, GTX260 or GTX275...not sure what is the best option. I am certainly not the "big gamer" type but want something that will have a bit of longevity as a system.

I appreciate your comments and input!
 
Solution
alikum
The advantage 5770 has over 4870/4890 is that it requires only 1 6-pin connector which serves well for people who have exactly 2x 6-pin connectors that would like to crossfire and gain 4870/4890 crossfire class performance. Also, 5770 CFX scales very well.

I'd give 5770 my vote.
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PSU might be an issue long term, but the 9600GT is essentially the bargin GPU (alongside the 4670) for mid-end gaming. You won't max out modern games, but most everything would run at least on medium settings, if not higher. Its showing its age a bit, but its not a bad card.
 
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You'd need to use an adapter, which I wouldn't do.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016
OCZ ModXStream Pro OCZ500MXSP 500W ATX12V V2.2 / EPS12V SLI Certified CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Modular Active PFC Power Supply compatible with core i7 - Retail

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161306
HIS H577F1GDG Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

$210 AR, I think.
 
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Get a 4870 for about $150, or a 5770 for about $160.

The former is slightly better, while the latter supports DX11.


"So why is the 5770 less than the 4870/4890?"

The 5770 is the "mid range" of the newest generation, while the 4870/4890 are the "upper range" of the last generation.
 
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The advantage 5770 has over 4870/4890 is that it requires only 1 6-pin connector which serves well for people who have exactly 2x 6-pin connectors that would like to crossfire and gain 4870/4890 crossfire class performance. Also, 5770 CFX scales very well.

I'd give 5770 my vote.
 
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Solution
Let me get this straight...

Your son is 8, right?

You won't need anything more than a 9600GT. I've been using that to play games on a 1920 x 1200 and I found it's performance to be more than adequate at medium settings. Of course as my signature states I have a HD 5850, but I bought that with my own money.

Don't spoil your 8 year old son. The 9600GT is not the newest, fastest kid on the block, but it is definitely no slouch. It should be good enough for most games at medium settings for about the next two years at which point you may want to replace it with another capable mainstream card. Don't forget that you can lower the resolution, sure images will not look as sharp, but come on he's 8 years old.

Young kids generally don't know the value of money. If he wants a better video let him earn it. If you are giving him an allowance, then tell him to save up some money on the side for that "raining day". You can even tell him you are willing to match him dollar for dollar to get a better card than he would normally not be able to buy.

If the price difference between the 9600GT and the HD 5750 / HD 5770 doesn't seem too much then go for it. Just remember to teach your son some fiscal responsibility when he's itching for an upgrade.
 
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Agreed...but he has no idea about anything with video games. He has a PSP, which he paid for with his own saved money and accumulated Target giftcards. But, he has friends that play computer games and wanted to play, too.

I understand the 9600GT will probably serve it's purpose. But, I just bought all these components and built a new computer and I am still within my 30 return window. I figured if there is a better option at this stage of the game for just slightly more money, why not?

If anyone is interested, I will sell the corsair 400W PS and 9600GT for $120...

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/sys/1448993728.html

 
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True, he would be fine. However, there may come a time when he needs to upgrade again, and he'd rather have a great PSU and without the need to buy a new one.

Besides, it just doesn't seem right to use adapters with a PSU of that size. I'd rather have a PSU that was made for gaming than adapt a PSU to be suitable.
 
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Then let him upgrade when "that" time comes. right now, he's fine with what he has, and he could use his money for something more useful right? ..like invest in a business or save it in the bank to earn interest, or send his kid(s) to school.. it would be wise to go with a more powerful psu IF, he still doesn't have a capable one as of the moment, but right now he has it.

that psu has 30amps on the 12 volt rail, the gtx 260 ALONE (not considering other parts), only needs 19 amps; got that from a credible site, just couldn't remeber it. im guessing the 5770 consumes a little less or equal, and the 4870 consumes a little more.

dont know with you guys, but my reply is with frugality(but not dismissing safety) in mind.
 
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