[Subaru]

Ok this is most likely my last question... leaving room for the unknown.

I decided to go with a stock computer from bestbuy /gasp however it comes with a quad core already in it and i don't have to mess with a whole lot of switching and installing so its a win win for me. I've already varifed that it can run high end graphic cards without it bottlenecking etc etc.

My main question that i have is what is the best graphic card and psu i can get for the money. I would like to stay under 500 dollars for the combo.

Here is the specs of the computer in question:

http://www.bestbuy.c...9#productdetail

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Well, the "best" card/psu is very subjective and dependant on many other factors. For instance, what size monitor are you using and what resolution will you be gaming at? The higher the resolution the more on-board memory you will want on your video card. So, for someone playing at 1280 X 1024 a card with 256MB, but if you're looking at 1920 X 1200 then you'll definitely want 512MB. I would suggest you look at the 8800GT series, or if you're looking for more performance the 8800GTS series (the 65nm versions which come with 512MB of memory, not the older versions with 320 or 640).

As far as your PSU is concerned, you'll be looking for something around 500W+ with high efficiency (75% or better) and enough amps on the +12v rail(s) to power whatever video card you decide on. You're looking for quality over pure power because your system will not support SLI or Crossfire so you won't be using tons of power.

Edited by kidnova, 12 December 2007 - 01:30 PM.

[kidnova]

Well, the "best" card/psu is very subjective and dependant on many other factors. For instance, what size monitor are you using and what resolution will you be gaming at? The higher the resolution the more on-board memory you will want on your video card. So, for someone playing at 1280 X 1024 a card with 256MB, but if you're looking at 1920 X 1200 then you'll definitely want 512MB. I would suggest you look at the 8800GT series, or if you're looking for more performance the 8800GTS series (the 65nm versions which come with 512MB of memory, not the older versions with 320 or 640).

As far as your PSU is concerned, you'll be looking for something around 500W+ with high efficiency (75% or better) and enough amps on the +12v rail(s) to power whatever video card you decide on. You're looking for quality over pure power because your system will not support SLI or Crossfire so you won't be using tons of power.

Edited by kidnova, 12 December 2007 - 01:30 PM.

[Subaru]

Yeah i know it wont be sli which in all honesty gives around 20 percent more for a heafty price tag. The 8800 series i was alerady planing on a 650 psu because they are recommended at 550 and dont really want to risk it. However, my question was not for basic series or watts but what brand names are better then others. Also what 8800gts are better then others. For example, there are the OC ones and the non OC ones and the differnt manufactures that make them. I am primarly wanting to know which specific 8800gt is the better one for the buck out there in the market right now.

[kamille316]

For 8800GT manufacturer, I suggest you go with EVGA, XFX or BFG.
EVGA has the step-up program and also a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
XFX has the Double Lifetime Warranty and Modder Friendly (I recommend this).
BFG has a Lifetime Warranty.

Edited by kamille316, 12 December 2007 - 02:32 PM.

[kidnova]

As far as PSUs are concerned, Antec, Enermax, OCZ, Coolermaster, and Hiper are some of the more well known and well regarded PSU makers. What you need to do is find a PSU that you think looks good, then google search for reviews of that SPECIFIC model since even different models made by the same manufacturer can vary greatly as far as quality and performance.

For the most part, one 8800GT is the same as the next because to date they are all based on Nvidia's reference designs. The specifications will show you what they are clocked at. What you want to be concerned with is manufacturer reputation and warranty. XFX for instance is a well-known card manufacturer that supports their product with a lifetime warranty. I believe BFG also provides a lifetime warranty on their cards.

Here are the 8800 GTS (G92) cards that Newegg currently has listed. You can tell by their core clocks whether they are overclocked or not. Once you find one, go to manufacturers product page and check on their warranty info.

http://www.newegg.co...amp;srchInDesc=


Something like this PSU should be more than enough to suit your needs:
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817371001

Edited by kidnova, 12 December 2007 - 02:36 PM.

[james_8970]

I suggest you don't get a 8800GT. The reason? It's a single slot cooler and every computer made from HP, Dell, emachines (ekk!), Acer, etc. have terrible air circulation. For that reason alone, the card will likely overheat in your case.
I highly recommend you buy the following combo, it's the best performance/dollar at the moment.
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817341002
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814131072

Before you get this, can you tell me the physical dimensions of your current PSU?
James

Edited by james_8970, 12 December 2007 - 03:39 PM.

[kidnova]

Either of the PSU's mentioned will be more than enough to power a single card rig. I think the video card is really up for debate. While the 8800GT and Radeon 3870 perform similar in games, the new 8800GTS (G92) outperforms both of them by a fairly respectable margin. So, if you're looking for the most powerful card you can get outside of a GTX, then the GTS is the way to go. If you're looking for outstanding price/performance ratio then go with the 3870. I believe most, if not all, 8800 GTS's come with dual slot cooling as well.

Here are a couple links to comparisons:
http://www.anandtech...aspx?i=3175&p=8
http://techreport.com/articles.x/13772
http://www.techspot....512/page12.html