[lpchris85]

Hey guys,

Haven't built a PC in a few years and the time away has made me rusty when comparing components. I had a EVGA 8800GT 512mb on my old PC, when looking to build a new budget-PC I bought a newer EVGA 450 GTS from a friend for $70, which looked like a good price. I can still find 8800GT cards online for around $60. I know the obvious differences are the 1GB memory vs 512mb, and a higher core clock, but my question is if there are any other big differences between the cards? And have I upgraded by getting the newer 450 GTS? I can find another 450 GTS for around $97, and I have a newer SLi capable board. Thought about doing that as well.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

[phillpower2]

The GTS450 benefits from the more modern technology that was available in it`s development and so is a better card + the 8800GT has been retired which is also a downside.

Benchmarks;
http://www.videocard...GeForce+GTS+450
http://www.videocard...GeForce+8800+GT

Can I ask what the main use of the computer is work, school or gaming as examples and what brand and output PSU do you have.

[lpchris85]

This is designed to be an inexpensive gaming PC meant for Diablo 3 and Starcraft 2. I have ordered most of my parts to complete my build.

A79-0560
AmD Phenom II X2 560 3.3Ghz AM3 CPU

ULT-LSP650
ULTRA LSP650 650W ATX POWER SUPPLY

TSD-320AAKX
WD Caviar 320GB SATA-3G HD 7200/16MB/SATA-6G

I also picked up an MSI 870A-G54 from Frys yesterday for 49.99 brand new, which was an excellent deal for an SLi capable board. I am considering ordering another GTS 450 to run in SLi, its only $110 for another GTS 450. What do you think? Much of a benefit? I have used many cards in the past as singles, but never did an SLi build.

My history of Video Cards:
AGP 6600GT
EVGA 8800 GTS 320mb
EVGA 8800GT 512mb
EVGA Ge Force GTS 450 1024mb

BTW, thanks for taking to time to answer my questions.

[phillpower2]

Quote

A79-0560
AmD Phenom II X2 560 3.3Ghz AM3 CPU

Good CPU, is it a z560.

Quote

ULT-LSP650
ULTRA LSP650 650W ATX POWER SUPPLY

Not the best of brands, see http://forum.pcmech....ide-inside.html if you can swap it for a known good brand such as Antec, Corsair, OCZ or Seasonic, you do not need a 650W PSU either, I have just used a PSU calculator and allowed for your CPU, 8GB of Ram, your HDD, a CD R/W and two GTS 450 cards and it returned a PSU requirement of just under 500W, a good quality 550 - 600W PSU is adequate.

One good quality add on video card is often better than having two mediocre cards + you will not require a more powerful and expensive PSU that having two cards most often requires.

You are welcome BTW

[lpchris85]

Yes, the CPU is a Z560, hoping that will be the better one. I will also swap out the PSU for a Thermaltake (always been partial to them).

As one follow-up question, I was hoping for your thoughts on the motherboard that I purchased. This is my first MSI board. In the past I have had good to very bad experiences with certain brands. ECS was the worst for me, with Asus, Gigabyte, and Asrock giving me better experiences.

Also, I was told years ago that I needed the same card to SLi, I am guessing I was told incorrectly according to your suggestion.

Thanks, again

[phillpower2]

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As one follow-up question, I was hoping for your thoughts on the motherboard that I purchased.

Reviews show it to be a good MB on a budget http://www.techradar...4-707987/review

Quote

Also, I was told years ago that I needed the same card to SLi, I am guessing I was told incorrectly according to your suggestion.

Sorry crossed wires here as I never suggested using two different cards, I actually said "One good quality add on video card is often better than having two mediocre cards" as in two of the same brand and spec.

[lpchris85]

Got it, read it incorrectly. I think that answers all of my questions. I appreciate all the answers!

[phillpower2]

You are welcome, good luck with the upgrade and we are here if you have any further questions

[lpchris85]

Figured i would post this here since it contains information about my hardware. I have developed a second issue.

I upgraded from the Ultra PSU to a Thermaltake 450w PSU and completed the build.

All was well until I unlocked the CPU and made it a quad core, from its original dual core setting. The temps were too high, so I disabled the unlocked core settings on the motherboard (resetting it back to defaults), then it prompted me to restart to make the changes permanent. Upon restart I cannot get a video signal from my graphics card. I have unplugged the PSU and tried to restart several times with no luck. Surely my video card isn't fried? I never attempted to OC the GPU.


EDIT: unplugged the battery and reset the bios. good as new.

[phillpower2]

Glad you got it sorted and thanks for the follow up