Originally posted by: themisfit610
pci-x != pci-e. You're thinking pci-e (express).
It's perfectly fine to use a molex -> pcie power adapter. I did for nearly two years with my 7800gt. As long as your PSU has enough 12V power, it will work fine, it's just a different form factor connection. 12V = 12V, no difference there.
Hi MiSfit,
Thank you so much for your prompt and courteous reply. It's tough trying to sift through all the info on vid cards on the net, especially when most of it is directed towards gaming. Yes I meant pci-e.
First off, re: my psu:
cooler master rs-430PMSR/P
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16817171007
Like I said, no pci-e connection, so I called cooler master support earlier today and guy said he doesn't recommend adapter for pci-e card...maybe he thought I might be connecting high end vid card? I have heard people complain about the 12v rail on this ps, but again, I don't know under what circumstances.
I thought the cooler master psu was "decent", but maybe the tech didn't like the 12v rail either?
So I'm back to getting the molex adapter you described (if my ps is ok on the 12 rail), or getting a new psu plus a pci-e16x card (I assume if I get a pci-e, I might as well go for pci-e16x, unless there will be no measureable difference there and I can save a lot by getting pci-e instead).
Originally posted by: themisfit610
Keep these things in mind - the only significant difference between all modern video cards is their prowess in OpenGL and Direct3d. These are not areas where video editing is particularly intensive. Some aspects can be, but 99% of all video editors would be just fine with something very basic like a Radeon 2400 / GeForce 8500.
thank you, that is great to know! I guess again it comes back to whether or not I can trust my psu. There is an antec 500w for about $35 after rebates, would it make things a lot easier by picking it up or waste of money for my system?
Originally posted by: themisfit610The most important thing is that you have the connections you need for your monitors. If you want to run two 30" LCDs, you will need two dual link DVI connectors. This is a feature found only on more high end cards. Most people won't have this requrement, so something basic should suffice just fine.
Re: monitors, I have only one. It's a pos 17" thing, but the editing is not for professional use. I do want to get professional results, but I won't be using 2 monitors in the forseeable future.
re: your suggested cards, what do you think now?
Sorry I wasn't more clear about my needs and hardware information, here are system specs in case it matters:
mobo = asus a8n-vm csm (I'd completely forgotten it doesn't even have an agp slot, only a pci-e and pci-e 16x slot)
psu = cooler master rs-430PMSR/P
internal raid 0 on pair of sata2 drives (running XP on this)
external 1394(a) connected sata2 drive (for video files)
1 gig of dual channel pc3200 (400mhz) ram
processor is athlon 64 3200 (venice)
1394a pci card with TI chipset
having seen that, should I put some vid card money towards system ram?
If you still think the molex adapter is an option, can you tell me where to get a quality one (newegg)?
Again, I *really* appreciate all your help and feedback.