Upgrade questions update

[archcommus]

Needed a new thread, old one has died without chance of revival.

For those new to my scene, I've picked these parts:

- CHAINTECH NVIDIA nForce4 Ultra Chipset Motherboard For AMD Socket 939 CPU, Model "VNF4/Ultra" -RETAIL

- AMD Athlon 64 3000+, 512KB L2 Cache, Socket 939 64-bit Processor - Retail

- ATI RADEON X800 XL 256MB GDDR3 PCI Express Graphics Card

I've already determined these to be good picks, along with the memory I already have, 1024 MB of Corsair TWINX1024-3200XLPRO.

Questions:

1) IYO, would you keep my current PSU, an Antec SmartPower 400W, and buy a converter to plug in the PCI-E video card, and hope it delivers enough power, or buy another to make sure my power and amperage per rail is sufficient, and to save myself from having to buy a converter for my video card?

2) What is your opinion on SM3.0 and whether this should make me get a 6800 GT instead. I would like this upgrade to last me until at least Christmas of 06.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

What kind of converter are you talking about?

I think SM3.0 is overrated and not a good reason to buy a 6800gt. The X800XL is a great card for the price.

 

[archcommus]

The converter mentioned for PCI-E video cards using older PSUs in the 24-pin PSU sticky.

 

[SlitheryDee]

I'd get a new PSU personally. That way you'll be certain you've got enough juice AND you'll have a decent PSU to carry over to your next upgrade (who knows what kind of power eating components they'll come out with next).

I've got a 6600GT so I'm hoping SM3.0 will turn into something (with game optimizations or whatever), but currently I don't think its really worth the extra cash you'd spend on a 6800GT. I'd stick with the Radeon.

 

[archcommus]

More thoughts on SM 3.0 and PSU please.

 

[grohl]

I've got a Antec 400W PS (same one, I think), I am running a 3500+, 6800GT, 2 optical drives, 2 HDs, and 3 case fans without a single problem.

6800GT is damn nice - doubt its worth it for ya tho.

 

[Ike0069]

SM 3.0 is not reallt being used yet. It's the new game engines that will start using it. Getting the 6800GT allows you to use this in future games. Games will still work, but will not look quite as good as with cards that can use SM 3.0.
But, I doubt you would really notice any difference unless you had them side by side to compare.
I would still go with the 6800 GT though. The price difference between the X800XL and the GT is down to ~ $50. I'm a little biased though, as I just really like mine.

As for the PSU, I thought the X800XL didn't require an external power connector. Most (but not all) PCI-e cards that do, come with the adapter.

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: grohl
I've got a Antec 400W PS (same one, I think), I am running a 3500+, 6800GT, 2 optical drives, 2 HDs, and 3 case fans without a single problem.

6800GT is damn nice - doubt its worth it for ya tho.

Are you sure yours is SmartPower and not TruePower?

If the X800 XL doesn't need the extra connector, and if all cards that do come with the adapter, AND if it seems my PSU will be plenty powerful, then I definitely won't get a new PSU right now.

Do keep in mind that I would like to be able to keep this CPU/mobo/video card combo for at least 18 months. So should I be expecting SM 3.0 utilization to increase to a relatively high amount by next year? And if so in what ways would it graphically enhance a game?

 

[archcommus]

Okay everyone, if I could get a BFG 6800 GT OC with 256 MB GDDR3 memory and the lifetime warranty and free 24/7 phone tech support for $274.45 total, should I definitely do that over any other deal?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: archcommus
Okay everyone, if I could get a BFG 6800 GT OC with 256 MB GDDR3 memory and the lifetime warranty and free 24/7 phone tech support for $274.45 total, should I definitely do that over any other deal?

Sounds like a good deal.

 

[dodgybob]

An excellent deal, wish we had prices like that in the uk

Here a X800XL costs about £210 which is nearly $400US at current exchange rates. Over £260 if you want a 6800gt.

Oh well, moaning out of the way, go for the 6800gt as it's a great price.

 

[archcommus]

That card's not known for any kinds of problems or anything? Stable manufacturer OC?

 

[archcommus]

Originally posted by: dodgybob
An excellent deal, wish we had prices like that in the uk

Here a X800XL costs about £210 which is nearly $400US at current exchange rates. Over £260 if you want a 6800gt.

Oh well, moaning out of the way, go for the 6800gt as it's a great price.

That is a lower price than normal for a 6800 GT, though. It's because of my BB discount and BB gift cards. It's originally $392.99.

 

[archcommus]

Crap, I forgot to check whether it was AGP or PCI-E. Guess I'll see tomorrow.

Looking at the box pics, I think the one I saw was AGP.

 

[dodgybob]

If you can get that much off a 6800gt might it be worth seeing how cheap you can get an x800xl and save yourself a few bob. If there isn't much in it then the 6800gt seems the better bet. I don't have any experience with BFG but i do remember them being highly regarded in some forums i went in, sorry can't think which ones off the top of my head.

 

[imported_Xavier]

Buy.com has the ATI Radeon X800 XT for $339

 

[archcommus]

I'm just not sure if my store carries the PCI-E version of the BFG 6800 GT. I'm thinking they don't.

The x800XL, after discount, plus tax, minus gift cards would be $248.

 

[archcommus]

Yep, just confirmed it, the only 6800s they carry are AGP. Damn, I wonder why? That's such a great deal, too! Oh well.

They have the BFG card I mentioned online for $399.99, but I can't use my discount OR my gift cards online, so there's really no point.

I need to use my gift cards for something, so I guess I'll go with the X800 XL for $248 after discount, tax, and gift cards, plus another $20 rebate in the mail later. Are you sure the X800 XL won't leaving me wanting more, though, compared to something like the 6800 GT?

 

[archcommus]

Was in the store tonight, and the X800 XL is AGP, too! Damn!

Alright then. Online buying it is then, I guess. The big Q, IS THE 6800 GT worth the extra dough?

 

[imported_Xavier]

Personally, I would go with the DFI than Chaintech board.

 

[FuZoRBlade]

I also think that shader model is ofer rated. I'd go with the ATI card.

 

[archcommus]

I will definitely go with the X800 XL, since I can get it for $179 through ATI accomodations.

As for the PSU, will I need a 24-pin PSU just to supply enough power to the video card? I'm sort of confused, what is "old" and what is "new," according to Newegg? ATX and ATX12V, respectively? But even the "ATX" ones have 24 pins.

 

[archcommus]

Bump.