Upgrading from a GeForce GT 240

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Imado

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Feb 23, 2012
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I'm currently looking into upgrading my graphics card, what I am running now is a PNY Nvidia GeForce GT 240 (512MB). I would like to keep my budget to around $100, but I have been looking at a GeForce 550 Ti. This EVGA 550 Ti specifically: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625

Here's the specs on my system:

Motherboard: ASUS P67 Sabertooth
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500k 3.30GHz
RAM: 8Gb VisionTek DDR3 1600MHz (2x4Gb)
PSU: Ultra 450W LSP

Now, everywhere I looks says the recommended PSU wattage is 400W for the 550 Ti. Since I don't intend on overclocking, should I be able to run that card? I know its a bit of a squeeze, but I'd like to hold off buying a new PSU until I'm ready to do an SLI configuration (which may not be that far down the road).
 
Solution
DM186
Going back to the begining. I don't think anybody ask what you are doing. Example Gaming lite or heavy. Photo's etc? That would help narrow it down because if you are not into gaming hard.

Then the 550's would work as they are working for me and what type of gaming I do. But if you are into heavy and hard core gaming then that is a different story.

If you want a good card that is not hard on the budget and be able to play most all the new games on high then I would suggest the HD 6870. I like Nvidia over AMD but AMD makes a better low end card and price.

The 6870 is a little bit more than the 6850 which I will link both of them to you and I will show how to compair both of them as well. And thank you for your under standing on what...
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stop argument :non: tell op what you wanna say not to us we know what we are telling and saying about ok.
 
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I already told OP the best options he had then people like you start in on me just cause I am 100% correct.
 
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cant stop laughing :lol:

cat-cant-stop-laughing.JPG


images


who is correct that seems you reply in every ones answer if u r correct so keep ur knowledge with you. :kaola:


 
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I think there is more poo in his boo. Is this guy for real? He attacts eveybody on here and I got the name ahole. So I guess I am the bad one. You do have to admit this is very entertaining and funny.

I feel for you OP to hear and see this kinda stuff going on in your thread. I am sorry for getting side tracked. We should be 100% focusing on your problem and not playing school yard antics.
 
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You attacked first friend and on this thread I attacked no one they attacked me.
 
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DM186 wrote :

^^+100%
You are right on the money Gman
Click to expand...


You say we drew first blood. Hey kid this is where you attack me and all I was doing was agreeing with Gman. Then you quoted my handle and you can see in your own words.

Boopoo wrote :

Um cause 6850 is a very good mid range card and the 6770, 6790, and 550ti are to close in price to the 6850 to recommend any of them over the 6850 that's why I recommend the Radeon HD 6850.
Click to expand...

Then you trun right around and say 6850.

de5_roy wrote :

then why were you recommending radeon hd 6850?
Click to expand...

Then de5 roy asked you why you said a 6850 after you making a big deal about me agreeing with Gman.

DM186 wrote : OOPs OP said 100 that is more than 100 oops :non:
Click to expand...

For you to challenge me over nothing for agreeing with Gman I thought you were being funny. I then in the sprit of having fun I did the oops thing.

Boopoo wrote :
6790 and 550ti are all over $100 asshole.
Click to expand...

Then you truned right around and called me an ahole. So again how did we attack you? We did not draw first blood. you had to challenge us at every turn.

It wasn't ugly untill you jump in and started sturring the pot. Have I made my self clear enough so we don't have continue on the OP's thread? So lets move on agreed?
 
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Well then let us simmer down on the Ad Hominem attacks please ;-) PS I miss interpreted your $100 comment my bad.
 
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To be honest, don't be sorry. I been on enough forums to know that misunderstandings happen all the time. I haven't been able to check this for a few days, and in that regard I am sorry. I can see points where if I would have provided a response, issues could have been avoided.

Now, as long as we are back on track, I would like to clarify a few things.

My budget is flexible, I am more that willing to go higher than $100 if the cost is justified.

This is my first PC build, and there are of course aspects I do not fully "get" yet. So bear with me if I ask common knowledge questions.


Back to the topic of a new graphics card. I did some digging and I think going with the 6850 is a great option, now that I understand the TDP wattage. I never knew about the TDP value until now, I always based my choice on the "minimum recommended" wattage on the specs. Also, I don't intend on running any benchmarks OR doing any overclocking, so it should't be pushed beyond the TDP (if I understand it correctly).

In regards to the crossfire PSU wattage. To be honest, I would feel more comfortable with a 600W over a 500W. I don't doubt what you are saying Boopoo and I agree that 500W would be enough, I'd just like more headroom just to be on the safe side. And a 600W really isn't much more expensive.
 
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Going back to the begining. I don't think anybody ask what you are doing. Example Gaming lite or heavy. Photo's etc? That would help narrow it down because if you are not into gaming hard.

Then the 550's would work as they are working for me and what type of gaming I do. But if you are into heavy and hard core gaming then that is a different story.

If you want a good card that is not hard on the budget and be able to play most all the new games on high then I would suggest the HD 6870. I like Nvidia over AMD but AMD makes a better low end card and price.

The 6870 is a little bit more than the 6850 which I will link both of them to you and I will show how to compair both of them as well. And thank you for your under standing on what took place. I do want to wish you good luck on your up grade.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150521

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150515

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/290?vs=291
 
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Solution
I do plan on some serous gaming, such as Battlefield 3 and Skyrim. I will also be editing some video, but this mainly a gaming machine.

Really the only reason I set my eyes on the 550 ti was the fact it said 400W for power requirement. Knowing what I know now, I will probably get the 6870. It is quite a bit more powerful than the 6850 and doesn't cost that much more.

Thanks for all the help. I'm glad I made the choice to post on here rather than just wing it on my own.
 
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I am glad that we all were able to help you and I want to wish you the best on your upgrade and good luck.
 
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Bringing this thread out of the depths, I figured I'd give an update.

I have had the Sapphire Radeon HD 6870 for about a week now, its running like a charm. Handles Battlefield 3 like a champ, I can finally retire console gaming. A bit more cable management, and my build is picture worthy.

Thank you again for the advice!
 
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As good as this PC is running, I may have discovered a slight issue.

It seems my CPU might be running a bit hot with the stock cooler. I noticed after a few hours of Battlefield 3, my CPU core temps were ~65-70C (checked with both HWMonitor and SpeedFan). Right now the idle temps are ~45-50C (see screenshot)

D4vc5.png


I did clean off the pre-applied compound on the heatsink and use the last of my Arctic Silver Ceramique when I first installed it, now I think I probably should have left it alone. That truly was the last of what I had, so I unfortunately cannot re-apply.

Should gaming for extended periods of time be relatively safe with temps like that, or should I hold back until an aftermarket cooler is installed?
 
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Sorry to hear that but I don't think you CPU has bad temps yes a little high but nothing to worry about. If you have to play, monitor your temps and if they get so high then stop gaming.

Then when you can get another cooler then do so. Just monintor it. You should be able to game and watch your temps at the same time or at least I can with MSI Afterburner. Good luck to you
 
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