Am I overdoing it?

[dndavis57]

I'm building a mid-range, non-gaming system, for general use, photo editing, multimedia playback, Folding. OS is 64-bit Linux.

Bearing in mind Robert Ruark's maxim regarding African hunting, "Bring enough gun," I wonder if I might be overgunned with this: MSI Radeon 4830 1 GB OC. I presently use a 19" TFT monitor, but plan to upgrade to a 22" or 24" non-TN panel within the next six months.

At $104.99 AMIR, I probably can't go wrong. Your thoughts, please.

 

[SickBeast]

That looks good. You're not overdoing it.

Keep in mind, however, that NV has better Linux drivers.

 

[footballrunner800]

and folds better.

 

[AstroManLuca]

The 4830 is a great value, but don't feel like you have to get a 1 GB version. It's not powerful enough to really take advantage of all that VRAM.

On the other hand, given that it doesn't cost much more than 512 MB 4830s, it might be nice to go for the extra VRAM anyway. It can't hurt.

 

[geokilla]

If you really want to save some money, you could even look at like the ATI 4830 or NVIDIA 9600GT or even the 9500GT!

 

[KingstonU]

My understanding is that having more GPU ram is only beneficial for bigger screens 24"+ (higher resolution). Which is why I didn't pay the extra $30 to get the 1Gb version of my 4870 on my 22" screen.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

i dont see a point in getting the 1gb version, with a 4830 you're pretty limited to 1680x1050 resolutions unless u dont play the latest games.

so at 1680x1050 you only need 512mb ram anyway. get a 4830 or 4850 =)

 

[Keysplayr]

OP: The 4830 is a great card for everything you mentioned, but for better folding power, you may want to consider an Nvidia equivalent. Depends on how much folding you do. If it's only occasionally and on a whim, then the 4830 will do fine. If you want the most PPD, then I have to suggest a 9800GT. There is a Zotac model at newegg:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814500080
119.99 before 30.00 mail in rebate. Ends up 89.99 plus whatever shipping is.
For everything else except folding, the 4830 is on par with the 9800GT.

If folding is not your priority, then as others have said, the 4830 is just fine.

 

[error8]

First of all he is not gaming, so I think the 4830 might be a bit over what he wants. For a non gaming computer I would always use the lowest priced card available, something like a 8400GS or 3450 from ATI. Both cards are great for anything but gaming and folding. Now if you are really into folding then probably a 4830/9800 GT would be a better buy.

 

[cusideabelincoln]

Since he's not gaming, I would say that the HD4830 is definitely overkill. I think you will easily be able to do whatever you want with a 9400GT, 9500GT, HD4350, or HD4550.

 

[Qbah]

Non-gaming? Get something passively cooled, like a HD3450 or HD4350 or an nVidia equivalent.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Gaming cards are over kill for a non-gaming computer.

I agree - look into something passively cooled, just powerful enough for an HTPC.

 

[Keysplayr]

Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
Gaming cards are over kill for a non-gaming computer.

I agree - look into something passively cooled, just powerful enough for an HTPC.

True, but they aren't just "gaming" cards anymore. OP needs to chime in. How much folding time takes up his daily routine.

 

[yh125d]

I think 9800GT is the best bang/buck card there is, PPD wise. You'll be able to have it folding at like 60% and still have plenty of grunt for desktop graphics

 

[MegaWorks]

I would get the Geforce 9500GT. I mean it does everything you want but a lot cheaper.

 

[dndavis57]

Thanks, all. You're giving me some very thoughtful advice here. I truly appreciate it.

Folding is 24/7 on my box but, as of now, I think the GPU client is still only available for Windows. I'm not competitive about it, but Stanford's my alma mater. Go, Team!

I enjoy flight sims. I can't do FPS games for more than a few minutes without becoming ill.

The 9500GT looks like it might be my best bang/buck option. Is it worth the extra $20 to get a GFFR3 version?

nVidia still outperforms ATI on Linux. 512MB should be plenty for me, even on a larger display. I'm really intrigued by LG's 23" 1080p e-IPS monitor.