GPU for a 220 watt low profile PC

[metalfingers]

Hey everybody,


The title about explains it. My girlfriend's cousin wants to play Diablo 3 with me, but he has a slim HP desktop with a 220 watt power supply.
His monitor supports a max resolution of 1600x900, but it wouldn't be a problem to run lower resolutions. He's fine with running it on lower settings. Earlier today on my gaming rig I put all the settings on low and capped the FPS at around 27 on 1280x1024, and he said he wouldn't have a problem with that. We'll most likely build him a gaming system later on this year that is up to heavy stuff, but for now he just needs to play Diablo 3 on low to moderate settings.

Here is a link to the exact specifications

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03141285&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5192696#N1015

The cards I've been looking at include:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1380614&CatId=3669

It says it requires a 300W minimum PSU, but I've heard of people running on as low as 200 watts.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6792880&CatId=3669

This one is 300 watts, some other models are up to 400.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=934359&CatId=2306

400 watts, probably pushing the envelope. Or making it into a paper airplane and throwing it down the grand canyon.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=306254&CatId=3669

a 1gb version of the gt 520.


I'm leaning towards the first selection, but I'd like to hear a few people's opinions first. Upgrading the power supply is not in the budget, so I really don't have that many choices.

 

[joaompp]

you should be fine with any graphics card that doesn't require an additional power source because a full PCI-E slot supports a maximum of 75W

This would probably be your best choice -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102958

you should check to see how much space you actually have for a video card. that one is 7.48in or about 190cm.

Also the memory amount isn't really an issue at that resolution, what you should care about is type; 512mb GDDR5 > 1gb DDR3 memory in case you wanted an example (it's because of transfer speeds)

 

[metalfingers]

That one is a bit out of my price range, and you're right about ddr5 512 mb. I hadn't thought about that. I've been so used to dealing with the higher end of things that I've forgotten what to do with a tight budget! haha. I'd be willing to pay between 50-65$ before shipping. And I'd prefer to order from tigerdirect or amazon, no tax here in TN from those sites.

 

[jsc]

A GT520 only needs about 30 watts for itself. So your 220 watt PSU should be OK.

 

[joaompp]

well...you should talk to your girlfriend and/or her cousin and talk about possibility splitting the difference so you don't have to absorb the entire cost.

To be honest, the 6670 is definitely worth the extra couple of bucks. those other cards are only going to marginally increase FPS and once they patch and update graphics you're going to be back at square one.


2 low profile options:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1734309

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1499304

 

[metalfingers]

A GT520 only needs about 30 watts for itself. So your 220 watt PSU should be OK.

In that case, how about the gt 430? I watched a few youtube videos and found this guy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHhQjrNhgaw having nice performance at 1600x900 with that card. I've found this one, I know that it is overclocked but I could just bring it back down to stock if that were an issue. I like the dual fan cooling on it as it will be in a slim case.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7228991&CatId=3669

Or the first gt 430 I mentioned

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=6792880&CatId=3669

I think I've almost got it narrowed down. If the gigabyte 430 is viable, that would be the one I'll get.

 

[joaompp]

EVGA is the better brand with a better warranty and it's cheaper, I'd go for that one instead. Also keep in mind that the price is still $65 *before* MIR.

 

[metalfingers]

EVGA is the better brand with a better warranty and it's cheaper, I'd go for that one instead. Also keep in mind that the price is still $65 *before* MIR.

That is true, but my total cost and with 2 day shipping for the gigabyte came to 80$ and some change, and the cooler is very tempting considering the size of the case.
Temperature would be a concern here, so I am willing to go the extra 10-15$ there.


UPDATE: I found a comment on the Gigabyte gt 430 from someone running it on a 220w power supply playing battlefield 3 on high settings. I imagine if it can handle that, it can handle d3 easily.

 

[joaompp]

The gigabyte card is also a 2 slot card and is OC'd, it's designed to create more heat and take up more room in the case.

IMHO the EVGA is better for that case since it has a smaller footprint, and it also has a fan next to the heat sink.

 

[metalfingers]

The gigabyte card is also a 2 slot card and is OC'd, it's designed to create more heat and take up more room in the case.

IMHO the EVGA is better for that case since it has a smaller footprint, and it also has a fan next to the heat sink.

A valid argument. I'll admit I may be a little too tired to think right now, I'll have to sleep on it and pick one tomorrow. Thanks for the help everyone, much appreciated.

 

[joaompp]

for when you have a spare moment tomorrow

--> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125346&Tpk=GIGABYTE%20GV-N430OC-1GL

newegg has better pics of the gigabyte card.

 

[chimera201]

UPDATE: I found a comment on the Gigabyte gt 430 from someone running it on a 220w power supply playing battlefield 3 on high settings.

Oh man, who is that guy. More importantly what is that machine!! That machine should be put in a museum after he's done with it.

Personally i feel that 220w is way too low.
I would try going for Geforce GT 610

 

[joaompp]

@chimera201

The CPU runs @ 65W, everything else in the system runs at very minimal wattage, let's say 35W, that still leaves 120W for the rest of your components so a 75W card isn't far stretch, I still say a 6670 or or a 7750 is the best route to go.

 

[joaompp]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/diablo-iii-performance-benchmark,3195-4.html

diablo 3 bench marks, has 6670 ddr3 and 6770 and some other stuff, to be honest the performance you get out of a GT430 is going to be almost negligible

 

[metalfingers]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/diablo-iii-performance-benchmark,3195-4.html

diablo 3 bench marks, has 6670 ddr3 and 6770 and some other stuff, to be honest the performance you get out of a GT430 is going to be almost negligible

Yep, I referenced that myself in my search. It's worth remembering though that he doesn't mind playing the minimum of 1280x1024 with all low details though.
I may see if I can squeeze an extra 32$ out of somewhere to get the 6670 low profile I found. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1734309&sku=V261-6672 112.98 with shipping vs 80 and some change for the gt 430.

UPDATE

Wow. Just looked at the bank and either a new statement came in or the money fairy took pity on me. Got some extra money in the bank, I'll have to look at some 6670's or equivalent nvidia cards. Thanks for all the help everyone, I know what to look for now for sure and have a solid budget.

 

[metalfingers]

Best answer selected by metalfingers.