Videocard Question

[S!X]

K, I wanna get a BFG 6600GT PCI-E and it says


A minimum 350W system power supply

I have a 300 watt PSU and wonder if I can get away with running the card on it :blink:

[clocker]

Depends.
What 300w PSU do you have?

[Virtualbody1234]

Probably not a good idea to attempt that.

It would be easier for us to advise you if you would tell us everything else that would be powered. Oh, and the make and model of the power supply?

[Formula1]

When you play a game is when the vid card will start to utilise as much power as possibble. Chances are you have a pos psu that came with your case.. so i'll have to say no...

[S!X]

Fuck, Well I'll give you the comp specs for starters...

AMD64 X2 4200
Samsung 1GB PC3200 Ram
Seagate 250GB SATA HD
Lightscribe DVD Burner
DVD ROM Drive
Integrated ATI X200 graphics, its got somekind of tv hookup and shit which I havented played with yet.
Its got a card reader too, who the hell uses that shit lol :dry:

**Alright the PSU is a "Bestec MODEL: BST ATX-300-12Z CD OUTPUT 300 WATT MAX Peak 2.5A

[suprafreak6]

definatly not a good idea, just get a nice antec power supply for 80.00 will last you through many computers you make...

[S!X]

definatly not a good idea, just get a nice antec power supply for 80.00 will last you through many computers you make...

Fuck the whole setup was over 2 grand, no1 has that money for more shit now, I sold my old comp and wanna put that money towards a videocard.

[S!X]

Another thing that I may add... on newegg more then half the similar 6600GT's that have the "system requirements" section filled out dont even mention anything about PSU, its like only that BFG.. is that because its supposidly overclocked?! I need an answer asap cuz im goin out possibly to get it in about an hour or so. :(

[suprafreak6]

i still think a bigger power supply would be better...just in case

[S!X]

i still think a bigger power supply would be better...just in case

No doubt about that, its cashflow thats the issue:dry: :angry: :frusty:

[Virtualbody1234]

Why are you running a 2 grand PC on a 300 watt PSU?

[suprafreak6]

haha that was running in the back of my head

[S!X]

Why are you running a 2 grand PC on a 300 watt PSU?

Cuz thats what the dicks at HP give you :angry:

[harrycary]

You most definately will have problems with your current setup.

Once you start utilizing the full capability of your graphics card, the lack of enough current will cause dropouts and jerky game play.

Not saying it won't be usable, though the experience will be less than what you'd hope for.

[S!X]

You most definately will have problems with your current setup.

Once you start utilizing the full capability of your graphics card, the lack of enough current will cause dropouts and jerky game play.

Not saying it won't be usable, though the experience will be less than what you'd hope for.

So it'll run then? :D I need some temporary satisfaction till I can get a PSU lol

[Virtualbody1234]

Why are you running a 2 grand PC on a 300 watt PSU?

Cuz thats what the dicks at HP give you :angry:
Why did you buy an HP when you know we are here to advise you?

[Virtualbody1234]

You most definately will have problems with your current setup.

Once you start utilizing the full capability of your graphics card, the lack of enough current will cause dropouts and jerky game play.

Not saying it won't be usable, though the experience will be less than what you'd hope for.

So it'll run then? :D I need some temporary satisfaction till I can get a PSU lol
Don't do it. Why risk 2 grand?

[suprafreak6]

o manufactured computers usually have pci slots anyways? or were you planning on getting an agp, agp and pci use different voltages so make sure you figure that out
but i agree with VB

[S!X]

Pci-e.. EDIT: I couldnt go thru the problems of actually building a comp, thought this one would be sufficient for the my needs.

[lynx]

Before you go any further, check that you've actually got a pci-e x16 slot. Major manufacturers like HP and Dell keep their prices down by leaving out basic upgrade paths such as that.

[S!X]

Before you go any further, check that you've actually got a pci-e x16 slot. Major manufacturers like HP and Dell keep their prices down by leaving out basic upgrade paths such as that.

It does have one.

[Seedler]

My advice to you is:

Get an ATI card.

ATI card are MUCH less power-hungry than nvidia cards, and for main-stream cards, ATI currently outperforms Nvidia. Just get a X800GTO2 and unlock it to a X850 XT PE speeds. Or if u just go with a X800GTO like I do, it's even cheaper than a 6600GT.

So all I'm saying is:

choose one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&description=x800gto&Submit=ENE&Ntk=all&N=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

As opposed to one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=50001883&Subcategory=&description=6600gt&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&ATTR1=&ATTR2=50001883&ATTR3=&ATTR4=&ATTR5=&ATTR6=&ATTR7=&ATTR8=&ATTR9=&ATTR10=&ATTR11=&ATTR12=&ATTR13=&ATTR14=&ATTR15=&ATTR16=&ATTR17=

[S!X]

My advice to you is:

Get an ATI card.

ATI card are MUCH less power-hungry than nvidia cards, and for main-stream cards, ATI currently outperforms Nvidia. Just get a X800GTO2 and unlock it to a X850 XT PE speeds. Or if u just go with a X800GTO like I do, it's even cheaper than a 6600GT.

So all I'm saying is:

choose one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&description=x800gto&Submit=ENE&Ntk=all&N=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

As opposed to one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=50001883&Subcategory=&description=6600gt&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&ATTR1=&ATTR2=50001883&ATTR3=&ATTR4=&ATTR5=&ATTR6=&ATTR7=&ATTR8=&ATTR9=&ATTR10=&ATTR11=&ATTR12=&ATTR13=&ATTR14=&ATTR15=&ATTR16=&ATTR17=


Too bad neweggs prices werent in CAD lol :rolleyes: :lookaroun

[Seedler]

My advice to you is:

Get an ATI card.

ATI card are MUCH less power-hungry than nvidia cards, and for main-stream cards, ATI currently outperforms Nvidia. Just get a X800GTO2 and unlock it to a X850 XT PE speeds. Or if u just go with a X800GTO like I do, it's even cheaper than a 6600GT.

So all I'm saying is:

choose one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&description=x800gto&Submit=ENE&Ntk=all&N=0&minPrice=&maxPrice=&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

As opposed to one of these:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=50001883&Subcategory=&description=6600gt&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=&ATTR1=&ATTR2=50001883&ATTR3=&ATTR4=&ATTR5=&ATTR6=&ATTR7=&ATTR8=&ATTR9=&ATTR10=&ATTR11=&ATTR12=&ATTR13=&ATTR14=&ATTR15=&ATTR16=&ATTR17=


Too bad neweggs prices werent in CAD lol :rolleyes: :lookaroun

lol oopsy, i guess the website auto detect your regional settings...

Still, $190 CAD is higher than $150 CAD, you do comprehend that concept don't you?:P

[Skillian]

My bro has been running an Athlon 64 system, 2 HDDs and a 6600GT for a year with a cheapo 350W power supply (£30 case + PSU). Zero problems.

I advised him to buy an alternate one at the time, but seeing as his computer has been fine he still feels he made the right decision.

It's an unpopular point of view, but go through this board and see how many threads there are from people complaining that their PSU killed their computer - you won't find many.

To me, grabbing the card now and looking for a decent PSU later (or straight away if the card won't work) seems a fine decision, but I don't think many people will agree.

[Virtualbody1234]

Your CPU is AMD64 X2 4200 and you're currently running onboard graphics?

You now want to upgrade the graphics card to a 6600GT?

What is the purpose of this PC? Maybe you should select products that would be more balanced overall to meet your needs.

[S!X]

Your CPU is AMD64 X2 4200 and you're currently running onboard graphics?

You now want to upgrade the graphics card to a 6600GT?

What is the purpose of this PC? Maybe you should select products that would be more balanced overall to meet your needs.

gaming dude, all it needs is a videocard and its good to go...:frusty: Its a fecking HP media center pc, there too stupid to actually put a decent videocard in it.

[Seedler]

Its a fecking HP media center pc, there too stupid to actually put a decent videocard in it.

:lol: :D :lol:

[Virtualbody1234]

Well for gaming it doesn't make much sense to spend around $500 for a CPU and only $150 for a graphics card.

It also doesn't make sense to me to put a dual core AMD64 onto a modo that has onboard graphics and be stuck with an ATI RS Chipset.

[Seedler]

Well for gaming it doesn't make much sense to spend around $500 for a CPU and only $150 for a graphics card.

It also doesn't make sense to me to put a dual core AMD64 onto a modo that has onboard graphics and be stuck with an ATI RS Chipset.

I agree. Your system now seems like a video editing workstation rather than a gaming machine. But you only play CS anyways, which doesn't require very much GPU power at all. In fact, CS runs fine on pretty much any Integrated graphics after 2005.

[Snee]

I'm running a gf6600gt on a 250w supply.

But I have a shuttle, so it's a bit different. For starters my psu is high quality.

At any rate I can't stress the importance of having a good psu, and I'm not talking about wattage so much as quality.

You don't want some random cheapo supply to break down and send random jolts through your mobo and other hardware on its way out, trust me.

EDit: and I have seen that happen to people twice, irl, so there.
Skillian: I think it's been the number one cause of mobo death for years now.

[clocker]

... and I have seen that happen to people twice, irl, so there.
Skillian: I think it's been the number one cause of mobo death for years now.
I see PSUs take out mobos probably twice a week, on average.

LP, this is nothing to take lightly.
You are much better off getting a good PSU now and waiting on the vid card.

However, I know you won't heed this advice, so good luck.

Should we reserve space for your "OMG, I'm Fuxored!" thread now or wait a few days?

[S!X]

LP, this is nothing to take lightly.
You are much better off getting a good PSU now and waiting on the vid card.


Yeah, are antec psu's any good? I could pickup one of those.

[Seedler]

LP, this is nothing to take lightly.
You are much better off getting a good PSU now and waiting on the vid card.


Yeah, are antec psu's any good? I could pickup one of those.

Antec, Enermax and OCz all make quality psus. Stay away from thermaltake psu though, I (and many others) have had bad experience with them.

[Formula1]

sorry i had to post this again...

http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62830


i'd recommend this cpu.. David Hammock at EOCF recommends it..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103937

[S!X]

sorry i had to post this again...

http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62830


i'd recommend this cpu.. David Hammock at EOCF recommends it..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103937


Thats what I was looking at actually, 400 watt tho.

[S!X]

IS this psu good? http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=22430

This place called office depot carries it and there just down the road, I was looking at it the other day... its $119 which is pretty fecking steep but if its worth while ill buy it.

[Seedler]

IS this psu good? http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=22430

This place called office depot carries it and there just down the road, I was looking at it the other day... its $119 which is pretty fecking steep but if its worth while ill buy it.

NO! That PSU should only cost like half as much as $120! Stay away from Office Depots as their items tend to be overpriced...:(

[S!X]

NO! That PSU should only cost like half as much as $120! Stay away from Office Depots as their items tend to be overpriced...:(

Thought so lol, I was so tempted to but it when I was there yesterday night but I was like naaa :frusty: :pinch: :ermm:

[Seedler]

NO! That PSU should only cost like half as much as $120! Stay away from Office Depots as their items tend to be overpriced...:(

Thought so lol, I was so tempted to but it when I was there yesterday night but I was like naaa :frusty: :pinch: :ermm:

Get this PSU:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103457

extremely DECENT PSU for its price range, the same one I have:P

[S!X]

Im gonna try and hit up an ncix store asap (http://www.ncix.com/index.php) they have good prices on just about everything. :)

[S!X]

Sigh, Im gonna buy that 119$ antec today.... I just cant help it :( is 430 watts adequete for a 6600GT?

[lynx]

Sigh, Im gonna buy that 119$ antec today.... I just cant help it :( is 430 watts adequete for a 6600GT?I thought you only needed 350W. :unsure:

[Seedler]

Sigh, Im gonna buy that 119$ antec today.... I just cant help it :( is 430 watts adequete for a 6600GT?

Why? Are you high/drunk or something you crackhead/alcoholic?:O

Please someone, clocker lynx or VB tell him he's getting ripped off:blink:

[S!X]

Sigh, Im gonna buy that 119$ antec today.... I just cant help it :( is 430 watts adequete for a 6600GT?

Why? Are you high/drunk or something you crackhead/alcoholic?:O

Please someone, clocker lynx or VB tell him he's getting ripped off:blink:

LOL jk :lookaroun

[Formula1]

sorry i had to post this again...

http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=62830


i'd recommend this cpu.. David Hammock at EOCF recommends it..

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817103937


Thats what I was looking at actually, 400 watt tho.

why do you want 400W? If you plan on upgrading the vid to card to say 7800gt, you'll need atleast 480W. As i said , PSU only take up the neccessary amount of power needed. So your computer won't be running at a constant 500W, incase you're worried about the electric bill.... Who ever manages the prices at Office Depot should be slapped also. You can get an OCZ powerstream 520W psu for around 120$

[S!X]

I was looking at a OCZ Modsteam 450 watt, http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=13610&vpn=OCZ45012U&manufacture=OCZ%20Technology

Looks quite noice imo, the price is good too, money right now is the issue so thats why I cant go heavy duty.

[S!X]

Well I got that PSU, its great only down side is the cords arent very flexable, especially the mainboard connector. Never the less its great. The 6600GT is quite nice too :D

[clocker]

Yeah, those ModStreams (like the X-connects) double sheath the wiring (silver wrap encased in plastic tube) and can be quite stiff and unwieldy.
A hairdrier might help relax them some, one of our customers claims that's how he got his to bend to his will.
His installation looks OK...

Glad you're enjoying the new vid card.
Have your framerates in PONG improved?

[S!X]

Glad you're enjoying the new vid card.
Have your framerates in PONG improved?

Heh, in DOD:S and CS:S I get pretty decent FPS :) usually in the 80's-100 range.:ermm: One dissapointing this is the heatsink on the videocard pretty much like fell off when I took it out of the box.... one of the pins wasnt even pushed in that holds the heatsink on :dry: Do I need to re-apply the thermal paste to it? Ive got some antec formula 5 :unsure:

[clocker]

Certainly wouldn't hurt.

[Virtualbody1234]

When I purchase anything new, it should be in working order. I would return it for replacement.

[Skillian]

I agree.

Applying thermal paste would probably invalidate the warranty too - that's OK if you were gonna mod it anyway, but if the warranty's important to you then think before you do it.

[S!X]

When I purchase anything new, it should be in working order. I would return it for replacement.

Both items are non returnable :dry: The thermal pase would void the warranty? how would they even know I put it on :ph34r:

[Virtualbody1234]

Non returnable? Do you really mean that you don't have any warranty?

Anyway I didn't say to return it for a refund. I said return it for replacement under warranty.

[S!X]

Non returnable? Do you really mean that you don't have any warranty?

Anyway I didn't say to return it for a refund. I said return it for replacement under warranty.

Well on the invoice it says *NO RETURN* on both items, but there is a 1 year warranty on eVGA and I think the dude at the store said the card has a 1 year warrantly from them but I cant remember :frusty:

[Virtualbody1234]

Marking "non returnable" doesn't mean that you accept faulty merchandise.

Better check the warranty terms.

[S!X]

VB, take a look at the invoice I scanned it

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9909/img003large6gj.th.jpg (http://img225.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img003large6gj.jpg)

I might have to phone em, but its not that big of a deal, was kinda dissapointing tho because the heatsink was only holding on by one of those plastic pins:pinch:

[S!X]

Also im getting some fucked up watering effect in DODS/CSS dunno wtf the problem is but these nvidias... fuck

[lynx]

Your invoice tells you all about it.

Normally they give you 15 days to return for refund/exchange. That's what they are talking about when they say "No Returns".

Other than that you still have the 30 days warranty on "applicable retail boxed parts".

[S!X]

Your invoice tells you all about it.

Normally they give you 15 days to return for refund/exchange. That's what they are talking about when they say "No Returns".

Other than that you still have the 30 days warranty on "applicable retail boxed parts".

Do you think its worth bringing back?

[lynx]

Your invoice tells you all about it.

Normally they give you 15 days to return for refund/exchange. That's what they are talking about when they say "No Returns".

Other than that you still have the 30 days warranty on "applicable retail boxed parts".

Do you think its worth bringing back?Of course, if it's actually broken. That's what warranty is for. My supplier recently stopped stocking one brand of cards (can't remember which it was, don't think it was evga) because they had so many returns for broken heatsink mounts.

On the other hand, if it was simply that the pin wasn't pushed through the hole properly and you've put that right then there isn't much point. I usually remove the heatsink and check the thermal compound anyway, you might be surprised how often it has been misapplied.

Btw, you only really need to re-apply thermal compound after a heat cycle. Since the card was new that shouldn't be necessary.

[S!X]

On the other hand, if it was simply that the pin wasn't pushed through the hole properly and you've put that right then there isn't much point. I usually remove the heatsink and check the thermal compound anyway, you might be surprised how often it has been misapplied.


Yeah it was one pin that wasnt pushed thru, the heatsink was barely holding on :frusty: but when the heatsink is removed wouldnt it be a good idea to reapply the thermal paste?

[lynx]

On the other hand, if it was simply that the pin wasn't pushed through the hole properly and you've put that right then there isn't much point. I usually remove the heatsink and check the thermal compound anyway, you might be surprised how often it has been misapplied.


Yeah it was one pin that wasnt pushed thru, the heatsink was barely holding on :frusty: but when the heatsink is removed wouldnt it be a good idea to reapply the thermal paste?As I said, it's the heat cycle that really affects it. Before that it is simply a blob of goo, but the combination of pressure from the clips and the heat cycle force it in to the microscopic pits in the surface. It can't hurt to reapply it if you want to though.

[S!X]

As I said, it's the heat cycle that really affects it. Before that it is simply a blob of goo, but the combination of pressure from the clips and the heat cycle force it in to the microscopic pits in the surface. It can't hurt to reapply it if you want to though.

I might as well cuz I bought this stuff for like 15$, gotta get some out of it.:ermm:

[S!X]

Well I have good news :) Just put on the antec formula 5 on the videocard, :) got rid of that shite thermal greast which does dick all. Currently my card is idleing at 47C, originally it used to be like 53C.