Gaming This Graphic card...

[ThePowerOutage]

So I've been looking around for a neW graphics card and saw an advet for this one at asda
NVidia GeForce 9800 GX2 - £55
Is this worth it? I had a look on the tinternet and it seemed to suggest that it was high end 2 years ago, but leans more towards video editing
Would it be any good for gaming?
And what sort of PSU will I need?
Is there anything better for the money?

My computer is this one:
My PC *clicky*

 

[exangel]

It is likely that you will have to upgrade your PSU. NVIDIA's website provides a list of PSU's confirmed working with that card:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_9800gx2_pwr_supply.html

As for the price, that's a pretty nice price, I'd say it's unbelievable. The single core version of that card with half the memory interface width (256-bit vs 512 on GX2) still sells for more than that in the US.

The only reason anyone would deny that it's awesome for gaming is because it doesn't do DirectX 11 stuff, which is negligible unless you are a hardcore enthusiast. And if you were, you would not be playing on an Acer w/integrated graphics in the first place

 

[Joe88]

its needs alot of room
10.5"

the case better have some decent airflow also

edit
I looked online and it wont even fit
you have a mini-tower case
special made psu and everything

 

[Originality]

Size aside, I kinda doubt the case would provide enough cooling for that card. Dual GPU cards tend to run hot (to match the extra power they consume).

Even so, I think it's a pretty good deal.

 

[ThePowerOutage]

Rang the guy up today and he said it was the single core version, he had made a mistake and he'd allready sold it

I could of sold it on eBay
Thanks for the tip on size, it had never crossed my mind.
What gfx card around that price will fit in my PC?
(hating my dad for picking this computer, why didn't he let me make one?)

 

[playallday]

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[ThePowerOutage]

Been looking around...
someone else with the same tower had put in the GeForce GT 430 and claimed that it would play high end game such as Crysis even on the pathetic stock 220w PSU
Is this claim realistic?
My question is, as there a few versions of this card, which should I use?

 

[Rydian]

That claim is not realistic.

You WILL need a new PSU.

 

[ThePowerOutage]

Thought so, what do you think, round 400~500w?
And judging from what you said, the GFX card is good, everything else is realistic?

 

[Joe88]

tests show it uses 160w-250w
your psu isnt going to cut it

 

[ThePowerOutage]

So probably 400w to be safe when I update again ?
Also, as the computer is a mini-tower, will I need a specialized PSU?

 

[playallday]

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[Velveteer]

So probably 400w to be safe when I update again ?
Also, as the computer is a mini-tower, will I need a specialized PSU?

Yes, it's very likely that you won't be able to fit in another PSU. Also for gaming, a 440GT or HD5750 is basically a minimum.

 

[GreatCrippler]

If PSU is a problem, and you want a 9800. Look up the "9800 GT Eco." It's a trimmed down version. Works well, even with minimal power.

 

[Joe88]

If PSU is a problem, and you want a 9800. Look up the "9800 GT Eco." It's a trimmed down version. Works well, even with minimal power.

they are still using 200w

 

[GreatCrippler]

If PSU is a problem, and you want a 9800. Look up the "9800 GT Eco." It's a trimmed down version. Works well, even with minimal power.

they are still using 200w

I have seen it function well on a 300w. I dunno, 200 does seem kinda shy.

 

[Rydian]

A hundred watts is not "kind of shy".

 

[exangel]

To answer the question of whether or not you'll need a "special kind of PSU" the answer is yes, you will probably need a MicroATX PSU. If you don't know the difference yourself and you're looking to replace it online you can match up the physical measurements with the one currently in your computer. 350-400w PSUs in that form factor aren't common but they are out there.

 

[playallday]

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