8600 GT or 9600 GSO....

Desh

I want to upgrade my video card and those are the two that are in my price range right now. EVGA 8600 GT SSC Edition 256MB and the GALAXY 9600 GSO 384MB. I don't really play the newest games, but I'd at least like to be able to run what I currently have at smoohter frame-rate and higher resolution( NFS:Most Wanted for example).

Here are my specs
P4 3.2Ghz
Asus P5RD1-V
Corsair 2GB DDR400 RAM
Enermax 460W

Old system, I know. I plan on upgrading later in the year.

Tipstaff

The 9600GSO for sure. It's faster, way faster than the 8600GT, and can keep up with the 9600GT thanks to the extra stream processors it has. The ram size does effect performance in some cases, so if you can get the 768meg version instead, go for it.

Desh

Thanks. Also, is my 460W enough for the 9600 GT/GSO cards?

kris23

depends on the type and configuration, for starters, whats the brand and model no

Tipstaff

Minimum recommended PSU for the 9600GT is 450 watts, but you can get away with less (I've had clients run the card on brand new 350 watt PSU just fine, but all of their systems only had the basics such as 1 HD, 1 optical, and that's it). I would assume that the 9600GSO probably has the same recommended specs, but I can't say for sure as it's a brand new product, and I've yet to sell one.

However, as Kris hinted at, it really depends on what else is in your system (ie. the amount of hard drives, and other devices), as well as the age of your system, specifically, the age of your PSU. If you have a full system you might want to go with a little higher PSU, such as 500 or 550 watt as your minimum so as to not run short, and if your PSU is older than 2 years it would be wise to buy a new PSU if it's been well used (such as if you keep your PC on all the time).

Desh

My current power supply is made by enermax. I got back in 2005 so I guess is kind of old now. Here is the DC output info:
+3.3V/35A - +5V/35A - +12V/33A

Here is what(else) is in my system in detail:
P4 LG775
4x512MB DDR400 dual channel
EVGA GeForce 7600GT
SB X-fi Xtreme Gamer
3 hard drives: 80GB IDE, 200GB and 160GB SATA
2 optical drives: DVD/CD-RW Combo, DVD+/-RW 20X
10 USB ports, but only 5 are being used(scanner, tablet,printer, KB/Mouse, game pad)
1x 120mm fan, 1x80mm

The PSU, CPU, Mobo I got back in 2005.

Tipstaff

If we calculate things out using eXtremes Power Supply Calculator, currently you are pulling a little over 378 watts while under load (that's your max pull). You didn't mention the speed of your CPU, so I used a P4 3.0E (the 631) processor for the calculations, btw. Throw in a 9600GT, and you would be pulling 410 watts. This is based on 10% capacitor aging for each year you have used your PSU, totaling 30%. If you keep your computer on all the time (or fairly close to it) add another 50-75 watts to the pull total.

I should mention that this is a "rough" estimate, but it gives you an idea of what to expect. As it is your computer, or more specifically your PSU, should be able to handle the card just fine, however given the age of your PSU, don't be surprised if stability issues do arise. If they do, then it's most likely due to your PSU not being able to handle the load, and that would be the first place I would look to correct the issue.

Desh

I see. Thanks for the tip. I definitely looking into getting a new PSU ...something over 500 Watts. Plus if I get it now, it will be one less thing to worry about when I upgrade later.