GTAThomas Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 (edited) My current setup was a huge dissapointment: •Intel P4 3.0GHz •1GB DDR 400 (PC3200) •ATi Radeon 9250 PCI •Some Random mATX motherboard I'm really dissapointed with the Intel board/CPU. It runs extremely loud and I swear it runs twice as slow as my friends AMD (2.0GHz or something). So now I'm going to upgrade a lot. Here are the products that I picked out from Newegg (the only online site I have an account on). •EVGA Micro ATX Socket 939 AMD Motherboard - The only SLI compatable AMD mATX mobo. •AMD Athlon 3500+ Socket 939 Processor - Great reviews, and I can't afford 3700+ or higher. These 2 cards I'm still debating over (and I can't afford GTX). I plan to run SLI at some point also: •XFX Geforce 7900GT PCI-E - Heard good things about this card, and I don't plan to OC. •EVGA Geforce 7900GT PCI-E - Would be nice to have a card match my mobo brand, other than that. It's cheaper. I don't need to get new/more RAM because the mobo I posted uses DDR 400 (PC3200) which I already use for my current 1. And my HDD still has about 100Gigs left. Tell me what you think/give me some tips on getting best performance for a dinky PC. One other thing I may need to upgrade is my PSU if I decide to do SLI. Right now I have a 400Watt (minimal req. for 7900GT I believe). Please comment. EDIT- It kind of just dawned on me. Do I have to buy a new Windows XP that supports 64bit or something? I've been reading a little about that. Edited May 31, 2006 by GTA_Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SmellyJelly Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 I'm not the most computer-smart person on these forums, but I don't see anything wrong with that. Your computer right now isn't too bad. The processor is decent, and should run the same as your friends. (3.0 P4 is about 1.8 AMD64 as far as I know). The only real hardware problem is the Radeon 9250, which you could try upgrading, but since you'd be stuck with a PCI card anyways I don't think you'd get the improvement you're looking for. --- Assuming mATX means it's a smaller motherboard, then I'm guessing you got a Dell, Emachines, or ect, right? If so then your case might be too small for the 7900GT. I'm not sure how the size of a 9250 compares to a 7900GT, but I've read about people wasting money on different cards that don't fit. This is just a posibility and I'm not sure what the chances of it happening are though. If the case is too small, then you'd need to buy a bigger one, meaning that you would have to transfer all the current hardware that you want to keep into the new case. I've read how difficult it is to upgrade prebuilt computers, and I'm not sure how well transfering the PSU might go. Once again I'm just taking what I know and expanding on that, farther than I probably should be. Wait until someone who knows exactly what they're talking about post before you start panicing and look for a new case and motherboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rocketkiller Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 For the video card, go for EVGA. They have better cards, customer support and are cheaper. I've heard nothing but bad things about XFX. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTAThomas Posted May 31, 2006 Author Share Posted May 31, 2006 (edited) Thanks for the fast replies! I probably should've mentioned that the computer I have now is one that I built myself (before I had any computer knowledge, hense the Intel-ATi combo lol). The strange thing about my case is, it's wider than a normal ATX case, but just a little bit shorter. Another strange thing is the PSU it takes. Considering how wide my case is, the case actually requires a regular size [ATX] power supply. I like to consider it between mATX and ATX: mATX Mobo, and ATX everything else. The case is precisely 8 inches wide, 18 inches from front - back, and 15 inches tall. Pretty huge mATX if you ask me. Actually the motherboard I have now has a [1] PCI-E slot, but I got my 9250 before getting the current mobo (old one only had PCI). The problem with that is I want to run SLI very quickly, after I have all the parts I'll get another card. And my motherboard right now doesn't have SLI support or 2 PCI-E slots. The difference between 7900GT and ATi 9250? I'd measure my 9250 but I assure you it's no smaller than the 7900GT. Another HUGE reason I want to just get rid of my old processor is it's so NOISY! It drives me nuts. I remember reading this noise chart thing on guru3d.com and my processor sounds like cars passing on an urban street! Which is really odd because loaded temp of the CPU is only 40*C. (Try to figure that one out). Now about that windows x64? EDIT- Rocketkiller, thanks for the tip about EVGA, ever sinse I saw that motherboard I posted I have fallen in love with it. And I really wanted the EVGA GPU to go with it, but wasn't sure how well it would perform. I can't really tell, but I think that the card I posted was a factory OC'd version, maybe I'll be the part of the 20% that'll have no problem with it. But just incase I'll underclock it (or clock it back down to regular) just to be sure. And sinse eVGA will accept slightly modded cards to be RMA'd, than I don't have a lot to worry about. Just thought of another reason why I don't want to part with my dinky case. Great LODs in the front and fits PERFECTLY under my desk. Edited May 31, 2006 by GTA_Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Majestic Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 For the video card, go for EVGA. They have better cards, customer support and are cheaper. I've heard nothing but bad things about XFX. As an owner of an XFX 7900GT, I can say that this man is full of sh*t Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ms.cooldude Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 I've heard nothing but bad things about XFX. The manufacters I recomend is "MSI" or "ASUS". Although they're expensive, you'll find no problems with them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTAThomas Posted May 31, 2006 Author Share Posted May 31, 2006 Well, I'm glad nobody found anything wrong with the setup I posted (like wrong sockets, etc). I've been looking at that XFX 7900GT a bit more. And from my standing, it seems XFX is getting better reviews and are producing more stable cards. Where eVGA has great costumer support for modders. I don't plan to mod them anyways. And XFX's warrenty seems to fit me perfectly. Just noticed too, on newegg, they lowered the price on the XFX greatly. It was $299 with 30 dollar mail in rebate. And now is 269 with a 30 dollar mail in rebate. So my total of this machine upgrade would cost about $525.00. That's not a problem with me, I was sure it would cost a lot more. And what do I care, I just got a bonus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf68k Posted May 31, 2006 Share Posted May 31, 2006 To be honest I didn't read the replies fully but it seems like no one has fielded your EDIT, so I guess I will. No, you do not have to buy Windows XP 64-bit OS. To be honest I don't think it's worth the time or the money. You can use the same 32-bit version you're using now. There are still hardly any apps for 64-bit. Don't quote me on this but I think you should still be able to use the 32-bit version of the video drivers. I think that the 64-bit drivers are only if you're running the 64-bit OS. Once again; don't quote me on that. I only bring this up because I see so many people complaining on Guru3d's forums that some beta version of nVidi drivers aren't out for 64-bit. And I'm pretty sure that the above is true since so many running AMD 64-bit chips are using the 32-bit drivers and that those complaining are few and far between and so I'm assuming they are also use XP64. And yes you will get a better PSU. However don't focus on the wattage as much as the +12V amps. You can have a 350W PSU and still run a 7900GT (according to BFG's site) just so long as the +12V has at least 20A (A=amps). This doesn't mean that you'll need 40A on the +12V rail to support SLI though, but you will need more Amps on the same rail. eVGA's site say they require a 400W PSU with +12V @ 20A and for SLI mode a 500W PSU with +12V @28A and this is for the plain-jane 7900GT. Their 7900GTX wants some monter sized power. My Antec True430 can almost do the SLI; it's only 430W but it does have +12V @ 26A. Needless to say I'm currently now worried about my PSU's power output. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTAThomas Posted May 31, 2006 Author Share Posted May 31, 2006 Then I don't see the point in buying a $150+ piece of software that you want nor need. I'm definatly getting the XFX Geforce 7900GT now. Especially sinse it's only 240 bucks. What a steal! @ms.cooldude I'm using an ASUS motherboard right now. ASUS has great motherboards but don't have any that'll fit my case or support SLI. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTAThomas Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 (edited) Sorry 'bout bumping my own topic and double posting. But this has to do with "Upgrading my PC". I really, really have no idea what I'm doing right now. I purchased a XFX 7900GT, installed fine, no problems. Although my power supply isn't giving it enough power, so in turn, my card is running about half the speed it's supposed to go. Vice City runs about 30-40 FPS on 4xAA and 16xAF on 1024*768. That's NOT right. So, I have some spare change left over and thought I'd get a better power supply. OKAY? Here are the system requirements for the XFX 7900GT card I got: A PCI Express-compliant motherboard128MB system RAM minimum 50MB free hard disk space minimum Operation system - Windows XP, Windows 2000 A minimum 400W system power supply (with 12V current rating of 26A) I have all that and a bag of chips. EXCEPT for the power supply. My current PSU is 400W, although I have a feeling it's not putting that much out. I also don't think it has "12V current rating of 26A". I would check this, but the label on the side of the PSU is all smudged, and I don't remember brand/make. So, what do ya'll recomend for me? The only online site I have an account for is Newegg. So, can you maybe help me find a power supply that'll fill my needs? LINKY EDIT- almost forgot, the form factor is ATX and the price range I'm hoping for is -$100. I also plan to run SLI soon. EDIT- Spelling FIX EDIT- SLI requires 500W etc. EDIT- I think 24-Pin if not certain. JESUSEDIT- Here's my current specs for reference: Intel P4 3GHz Processor 180GB Hard Drive ASUS Mobo Socket 939 Nvidia 7900GT 470/685 (apparently) 1GB PC3200 DDR400 RAM (x512MB) Front LED lights. Front USB/Microphone/Headjacks About 6 USB ports on back. 2 Case fans, 1 on side and 1 on back. Me thinks that's about it. ANOTHEREDIT- My case form factor is mATX although it uses an ATX PSU, funny huh? EDIT AHA! I figured out what got lowered on my card because of poor power. It was the memory, right now it's at 685 (damn low) and it's supposed to be at 1370MHz, holy sh*t what a difference. Kthx Edited June 8, 2006 by GTA_Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Waste Posted June 8, 2006 Share Posted June 8, 2006 For the video card, go for EVGA. They have better cards, customer support and are cheaper. I've heard nothing but bad things about XFX. As an owner of an XFX 7900GT, I can say that this man is full of sh*t And as the owner of an eVGA card, I can say the same thing. The only three brands of cards I truly trust are ASUS, BFG, and XFX. In that order. As far as power supplies go, I'd go for an Antec. Enermax and Mushkin also make very nice PSUs. Try and get you something rated at 600w and above to make sure it has the continuos power to hold your system stable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTAThomas Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 (edited) So far I'm liking these XFX people. I Shall quote from the manual via .pdf (talking about water cooling) "...this option is reserved for those with a fairly large set of balls. So if you're a mod happy mother f*cker and would like to add suplimental cooling..." lol EDIT- How's this one look?Antec 550W PSU yaddyadda EDIT- Erm, just realised this one's [email protected] 5 amps too low. EDIT- I love posting pictures, don't know why: Edited June 8, 2006 by GTA_Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTAThomas Posted June 8, 2006 Author Share Posted June 8, 2006 (edited) It's really hard to keep a topic where you always ask questions without expecting a double post or bump here and there. Ah well, I waited a day to ask. Most EVERY 500W+ power supplies I'm seeing have a fan on the TOP of the unit. Will that still work on a case that doesn't have a "hole" or opening in the top to let air in/out? Right now my PSU has a fan in the back near the plug and switch. Does having it on top affect anything? Another question. Is it possible my current PSU doesn't support PCI-e? I mean, the card works and everything but isn't getting sufficient power. Can it still get a little power without a PCI-e complient PSU? All I know is this was a cheap unit that I got because the other one burned out. Thanks to all that help in advance! EDIT- I found this Power supply:No-Name Brand But Works Good It's pretty cheap, but from the reviews it works good and packs a powerful punch. This review makes it sound like it'll work on my PC: Pros: Good PS for the money, I replaced my 430 watt Enermax PS with this one and it works great, Its built well, and its quiet, has the dual 12 volt rails, 19amps on one and 20 amps on the other for 39 amps... total just on the 12 volt rails, its powering, 3 hard drive's , 3 DVD burners, my ATI all in wonder X800XL PCI express video card, 3200+ Athlon 64 processor, MSI motherboard, flawlessly,! Now, all I need to know is that first question I asked. It's not SLI complient But right now, SLI doesn't look like it's happening for a while. But for 39amps total on that power supply. It should work with a card that needs [email protected] right? The connecter for the power from the card is a little splitter that cuts the power into two cords. If I hook 2 cords togeather it should equel over 26A right? Please helP! Edited June 8, 2006 by GTA_Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Informant X Posted June 10, 2006 Share Posted June 10, 2006 What is th best PCI card for an affordable price? Im using a BFG Nvidia Geforce 5500 FX right now and i get 25 frps on San Andreas. I get 30 frps on VC and the same on GTA3, but it drops one or two frps in some areas of the game. I've read about all these great new cards but I cant seem to find any for the PCI slot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolf68k Posted June 10, 2006 Share Posted June 10, 2006 @GTA_Thomas Why does it have to be 500+ Watts? And not every 500+ watt PSU has dual fans; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16817103937 Myself and fido2 answered your question about the "top" fan on PSUs. But why are you asking in 2 different places? @Informant X Why the hell are jacking someone else's stop? Create your own topic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Informant X Posted June 11, 2006 Share Posted June 11, 2006 Just a simple question. You all started chatting about frame rates and I wanted some answers as well. You know, someday I might have an answer youre looking for and I would gladly help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taxman Posted June 11, 2006 Share Posted June 11, 2006 Personally, I love the eVGA cards. I know they've been having problems with the GPUs lately, but I beilieve that was just a memory problem. If you're willing to risk it, they do have the best warranty ever. And the step up program saved me from a 7800GT the week before 7900 came out. Oh, and you should be able to OC the eVGA to 550/1600 if you are willing to OC it, as that's how high the SuperOC version is, and as far as I can tell, the cooling's stock. @informant - Buddy, you're kinda screwed. I'd say get a new mobo, then get a new card for a new slot. PCI-E is the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTAThomas Posted June 11, 2006 Author Share Posted June 11, 2006 @GTA_ThomasWhy does it have to be 500+ Watts? And not every 500+ watt PSU has dual fans; http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16817103937 Myself and fido2 answered your question about the "top" fan on PSUs. But why are you asking in 2 different places? @Informant X Why the hell are jacking someone else's stop? Create your own topic. I did not know I asked in two spots. I wish it was easier to explain. The reason I wanted it to be 500W is because that's the recomended for SLI for my 7900GT. I really like that one you linked me to. Modular cabling nice. Supports SLi (Though not nNVIDIA certified). and has more than 26A on the +12V rails. And is 30 dollars cheaper. But a few reviewers have said that the 12V rails are not stable and wont power anything in the G7 family. I did find a different Antec though. AMD Athlon 64 3500+ Processor socket 939 eVGA SLI Motherboard socket 939 Antec TruPowerII 550W Power Supply Dual XFX 7900GTs in SLI 1GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) @InformantX- I don't mind the hijack, this topic was dead. But it's against the rules. Oh, you think you had it bad with PCI? Take a look at my older video card, a Radeon 9250. On highest settings i'd get about 6 FPS on SA and about 20 on VC on 640x480x16. Yeah.. A jump from a 9250 to a 7900GT. Huge difference, although I haven't got to see the huge difference yet because my power supply was forcing my card to underclock because of low power. I looked it up and I get 12 Amperes TOTAL on my current PSUs 12V rail. I'm suprised my card ran at all! Also, at guru3d, there was a review for the G7 cards. This guy did a test on how much wattage these cards will use total. RIght now the 7900GT uses I think it said 230W at peak. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Informant X Posted June 11, 2006 Share Posted June 11, 2006 That seems like the right card to use then. I'll have to save up some pounds for it though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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