This or That?

[KnightShadow]

Well, I'm in the market for a new video card. My system is a P4 3.2ghz, 1024GB RAM. I currently have a Radeon 9800 PRO installed, but am looking for something a lot better for Oblivion and Neverwinter Nights 2, also Vanguard in the months to come.

I only have one issue, which is that my PSU in the Dimension 8300 is only 305w. Now, I've been told that Dell conservatively marks their Power Supplies, and that it likely can handle anything near like 425W. Any truth to that?

But, with that, I've decided to likely bite the bullet and try a minimum 350w card, unless someone can convince me otherwise.

So which card should I get?

This? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130264

This? http://www.bfgtech.com/6800GSOC.html

Or is there a Radeon card that would be better for me currently? I'm looking all over the place, but I'm just no expert on these cards and I'm worried I'll get something that could've been outdone for 5 more bucks or something.

Please help!

Thank you,

KnightShadow

 

[vulefu]

Men hir belove is what you are loking for.

http://forumz.tomshardware.com/hardware/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=179359&highlight=

 

[fainis]

regardless of your decision you`ll need a stronger psu ..at least 350W for that 6800gs......

 

[Dahak]

Dude;you need to get a bigger power supply.Irregardless of rumour,you really need to upgrade to a 450watt ps at the very least.Just make sure it is a good name brand.and you might try the 7800gt from Evga.Lots of bang for the buck,and you should be good for a year or so anyways.goodluck.

 

[fainis]

i`m not sure our friend needs 7800gt ...as far as i know that is a pci-e card ..maybe 7800gs (agp)..but ..ohh ..the price yahh..that`s another story

 

[vulefu]

Dont buy psu if it runs on it.

But you will probably need new one due overclocking.

 

[fainis]

there is no 7800gt on agp ...there is a mistake on that forum my friend....

 

[falsterbo]

This? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814130264

This? http://www.bfgtech.com/6800GSOC.html

Don´t buy the OC:ed one, because it only has 20MHz more on the GPU and 50MHz more on the ram...

If you want to see real perfomance gain on the graphics, then I recommend you to leave AGP behind and buy yourself a new mobo with PCI-Express 16x and a PCI-Express graphicscard. Buy atleast GeForce 6800, and if you can afford it go for a 7900-series...

 

[meyekal]

Someone on the Oblivion boards posted some screen shots and a video of their upgrade to a 6800GS and they were very happy with it. I think you might be able to find one for around $180

I don't know about your power supply though

 

[cleeve]

there is no 7800gt on agp ...there is a mistake on that forum my friend....

Not really.

The Gainward 7800 GS is actually a 7800 GT... it has 20 pipelines, unlike the other 16-pipe 7800 GS cards.



If you're looking to keep your AGP system to play the newest games like Oblivion & NwN 2, Gainward's 7800 GS is pretty much your only viable option, unless you want to upgrade to PCIe

 

[KnightShadow]

My system can't handle any higher than 305W without damage. So should I get either of these cards? Or get one with a lesser requirement?

 

[cleeve]

You're right though, Dell PSUs are conservatively rated. Most PSUs are rated at peak wattage, Dells are rated at sustained wattage I believe.

Worst case scenario, the system will crash if the PSU isn't up tto it. I'd get the card & try it out, if it doesn't crash under load you're laughing.

If it crashes, buy a better PSU...