Looking for New Video Card - Help Please

[frel-dar]

Never mind, I figured it out....I'm a little slow sometimes.

 

[frel-dar]

Ram Question:

I have 4 slots, as mentione previously. I'm looking at the following ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145440

will this be usable in my current setup? Should I be looking for something else with different features? Once again, any help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Crashman]

That RAM will work fine. In fact, it might even work with the RAM you already have to provide you with 1.5GB total. If not, at least you'll have 1GB of reasonably good stuff and can use the old stuff in another system.

 

[frel-dar]

I would like to thank everyone for your help. I have ordered both the X850 XT a gig of ram. One question - my power supply is 350Watt...am I in any danger of some other problems creeping up...<sigh>

 

[Crashman]

Yes. A good 350W power supply might handle it, but a low-quality model will likely go nuts.

 

[frel-dar]

What kind of problems could I be expecteing? (I'll check the model when I get home).

 

[Crashman]

Instability, maybe a fire, nothing you can't handle.

 

[frel-dar]

Instability, maybe a fire, nothing you can't handle.

heh...um...fire? Well, I'm going to go check my power supply now. Supposing it's a junk 350 - what type of 400/450 powersupply should I purchase (spending the least money as possible).

Also, an even more Noob question:
What troubles can I expect when I install it? I've never done this type of thing before. (I can do the basics - remove the old drivers, Reg entries, etc) - should I expect anything unsual/troublesome while installing the card itself (cables, screws, etc)?

 

[Crashman]

Fortron Source/Sparkle Power (same company owns both brands) makes good inexpensive power supplies. These are rated at 70% peak load, so a 400W unit should be enough unless you can find something around 450W for a small price increase.

 

[Admiral_Cecil]

Hello,

If cost isn't a major factor, then try a 6800 GT or X800 XL (AGP version). Make sure your agp port is a 4x and/ or 8x. Both cards are not too expensive due to the arrival of the much newer cards.

 

[frel-dar]

Fortron Source/Sparkle Power (same company owns both brands) makes good inexpensive power supplies. These are rated at 70% peak load, so a 400W unit should be enough unless you can find something around 450W for a small price increase.

I currently have a Turbolink LC-A350ATX 12V power supply...thoughts?

 

[Crashman]

I haven't heard too many complaints, I'd think it would be good for at least 200W continuous power and probably not too much fluxuation so long as your local power grid is "clean".

 

[frel-dar]

I haven't heard too many complaints, I'd think it would be good for at least 200W continuous power and probably not too much fluxuation so long as your local power grid is "clean".

Thanks. What exactly do you mean by "clean"?

 

[Crashman]

I live in an area prone to power surges/brown outs. Surge protectors aren't really surge protectors, they're spike protectors (a spike is the opposite of a surge).

 

[frel-dar]

Thanks. Just to be clear though, my power supply should be up to the task of taking on my new card?

 

[Crashman]

Nope, I can't tell you whether your power supply will work OK or not. I don't have enough information.

I'll tell you what: A 500W PowMax might not work with that system, but a 300W Fortron Source probably would. It's all about the quality, choppy voltage is a no-no.

 

[frel-dar]

How difficult would it be to install an new power supply? Also, what should I be looking for (beside wattage)? Any more suggestoins - I'd like to spend as little as possible.

 

[Crashman]

First thing is, I've never heard of your power supply damaging anything from being overloaded. So I'd try it. If the system isn't stable, I'd try something else. Guys in here will give you a list of trusted brands, or you can read a bunch of reviews.

 

[frel-dar]

Thanks! Once again, this site has been most helpful and Crashman, and everyone else has been very informative. My thanks to everyone! I'll post my results once everything is installed.

 

[frel-dar]

I should have my new graphics card tomorrow sometime. Any tips for instalation? I've never installed a new card before - anything to be weary of or watch for?

 

[Crashman]

I'd download Catalyst 5.11 and unzip it first (it comes in an exe which is actually a self-extracting zip file). Pop in the card and instal the new drivers.

Cat 5.12 isn't better than 5.11.

 

[seaMusnet]

HOLYshit..wif dat much info provided,everyones gonna select the very best card for u.
for me...i would choose the ATi x1600 (pro or xt) from gecube *(AGP version)
coz its not too expensive n u get the latest features like SM3 n HDR from ATi

if ur opting for nVidia...i'd say a geforce 6600gt or 6800gs would be nice..

 

[frel-dar]

Thanks, Crashman. I'm all set on the software side of things. I'm more concerned about the actual hardware instalation - any tips for removing and putting in the new board? This is what I have never done before. Is it fairly straight forward?

 

[Crashman]

Yes, cut the power first. Then take the screw out. Look for a hook/latch near the other end of the slot, and disengage it if needed. Slide the old cards out.

Er, I can't remember what to do after that...

 

[RichPLS]

Put the new ones in an hook up power! :lol: