Which graphic card

[chad1975]

I have a geforce 8600gt card. I have a friend that wants to give me a geforce 8600 gts. Which card is better. Is the difference in graphics enough to mandate a change. Any info would be most helpful

 

[Peaks]

The 8600gts really isn't that much better and if you were buying it back in the day the extra monies probably would be worth it. But its free so why not?

Plus the gts in SLI dominates the gt in SLI and they are so cheap these days that might be a tasty option for you?

 

[Kkkk1]

I agree with Peaks if it's free or worth a couple of beers why not. If you went the SLi route make sure your PSU is 550W or more.

 

[outlw6669]

It really depends on the amount of RAM on either card.
The 8600GTS itself is somewhat faster than a 8600GT (540/1190/700 Mhz vs 675/1450/1000Mhz, same G84 chip).
If, however, your current card is a 512Mb variant and the new 8600GTS is a 256Mb variant it may very well be slower.

If they both have the same amount of RAM or the GTS has more and it is free, defiantly pick it up.
If you have to pay anything for it, save you $ for a 4670 as it is roughly twice as fast as either.

 

[Onus]

The 8600GT probably doesn't require an auxilliary power connector, and the 8600GTS probably does. If your current PSU does not have such a connector on it, let us know what you've got; an adapter is probably safe to use. If you're looking for a cheap upgrade, an HD4670 requires no auxilliary power either, and is a LOT better than an 8600GT.

 

[chad1975]

The 8600gts really isn't that much better and if you were buying it back in the day the extra monies probably would be worth it. But its free so why not?

Plus the gts in SLI dominates the gt in SLI and they are so cheap these days that might be a tasty option for you?

I am new the computer world. How would i know if my pc is SLI compatable. What info would i need and where would i find it. I am a gamer of battlefield 2142 and would like to make some upgrades soon

 

[chad1975]

I agree with Peaks if it's free or worth a couple of beers why not. If you went the SLi route make sure your PSU is 550W or more.

Yea im running a 650 watt psu.

 

[chad1975]

It really depends on the amount of RAM on either card.
The 8600GTS itself is somewhat faster than a 8600GT (540/1190/700 Mhz vs 675/1450/1000Mhz, same G84 chip).
If, however, your current card is a 512Mb variant and the new 8600GTS is a 256Mb variant it may very well be slower.

If they both have the same amount of RAM or the GTS has more and it is free, defiantly pick it up.
If you have to pay anything for it, save you $ for a 4670 as it is roughly twice as fast as either.

both of the 8600 cards have 256 ram. Id love to invest in a faster card but its not in my finances at the present time

 

[outlw6669]

both of the 8600 cards have 256 ram. Id love to invest in a faster card but its not in my finances at the present time

In that case, a free upgrade is much better than nothing.
You will defiantly see a boost in performance although it will be nothing spectacular.

 

[sprucebr1]

A HD4670 would really be the best deal here, though seeing as both cards are 256MB, SLI is a good option, if your motherboard supports it, your 600Watt PSU should be fine. For sure this is better than nothing. G Luck.