The Best GPU for Your CPU.

[pcfitness]

I want to make the best gaming machine possible out of my Sony Vaio. I know it wouldn't make much sense adding a geforce 6800 ultra to a Pentium 2.0. I'm not totally clear on why just know they both need to be somwhat equal in technology to get the best performance.

1. What is the best graphics card match I could use on my Pentium 3.4E?

2. Should I upgrade my power supply? Currently -> (364.7 watts max. / 100-240V ~7A (50/60Hz). As far as installation goes, are they all the same size?

3. Ultimately I would love to just toss a geforce 256 6800 ultra or an ati x850 in there. I'm just afriad about the power supply requirements and not having a fast enough CPU.

Thanks Guys,
-pcfitness

 

[SlitheryDee]

An x800xl would be a pretty close match, or a 6800GT. I think the x800xl is at a better price/performance point right now though.

 

[ribbon13]

Yep

 

[ribbon13]

Whats the brand of the PSU? how many amps is the 12v rail?

Good PSU

 

[fstime]

x800xl. Same performance as a 6800gt. It doesnt have sm3 but who really cares about that?

 

[pcfitness]

Good question! I'm not sure about the brand or rail but, I do know that the power supply came with the sony vaio.

The x800xl and the 6800gt I'm guessing would need their own PSU? I think all the higher end GPU's do. Is that correct?

 

[pcfitness]

Wow, I just checked www.pricewatch.com - look what I found :

Option #1. $269 - RADEON X800 XL 256MB PCI Express.

Option #2. $380 - GeForce 6800 GT 256MB PCI Express.

But how could my 364.7 max power supply handle either one of them...:-(

-pc

 

[pcfitness]

What will "sm3" do for me?

 

[imported_Kensai]

It can't. I'd suggest a nice Antec PSU.

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: Kensai
It can't. I'd suggest a nice Antec PSU.

Ironic

1st page too

 

[pcfitness]

Ok, how about this - http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/p..._management/ocz_modstream_power_supply ??

Then get the - $269 - RADEON X800 XL 256MB PCI Express ??

 

[ribbon13]

Don't like the Seasonic Tornado? Very quiet and efficient.

edt: Actually with a P4EEand a mid/high end GPU I'd get an S12-430

 

[SlitheryDee]

Originally posted by: pcfitness
What will "sm3" do for me?

Well I hear that SM2 operations can be faster when using SM3 pathways...whatever that means. I guess it offers some measure of futureproofing. I don't think it'll really kick in until the next generation of GPUs come around.

 

[pcfitness]

Interesting, but there is thomthing thexy about the ocZ psu. Actually, I like the independent cables. But I'm wondering if that psu will have enough connectors for my pc.

cdrw/dvd/floppy/hd/flash media drive/pci-e for the video... :-|

 

[evilangeltwins]

is this topic about PSU or GPU?

GPU, i will get the X800XL for now, sounds like they provide the best bang for the bulks

 

[aatf510]

You current *might* run an x800xl just fine. Afterall, your current PSU is likely to be underated and the x800xl is not a super power drainer like the 6800utlra.
I would just buy the card first and worry about the PSU later if it really don't supply enough power.

 

[imported_Phil]

I'm a retard and can't read people's signatures.

 

[pcfitness]

You know something, I think I'm going to take your advice and get the X800XL pci-e and see what happens. It makes sense. I mean, what's that worst thing that could happen and what would the symptoms be?

You guys know of any sites that offer reviews or comparisims for power supply requirements for these high end cards?

-pc

 

[pcfitness]

I'm wondering If I'm really going to see an improvement when gaming, let's say HL2 or Doom3 with the X800XL over my current 256mb 6600....?

-pc

 

[aatf510]

There will be noticeable improvement over your plain 6600.
If your system becomes unstable and restarts itself, that might suggest the lack of power under load.

 

[batmanuel]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Yep

Wow, it is even at MSRP. Now if the plain X800s would get down to $200 like they are supposed to be, I'd be a happy man.