Quote:Just as an example, NCIX has an Athlon 64 3200+ Retail for $210.38 and my local shop is selling the same one for $188.99. A BFG GeForce 6600GT OC 128MB PCI-E from NCIX is $204.06, whereas my local shop sells them for $204.99.
Actually, you should be able to get a low end (but still powerful) dual core CPU for the same price as single core. This is page one of the computer article I gave you. That's the relative prices for us right now, and the performance is comparable, but dual core is does a lot better with programs that can utilize it.
Thecla,Apr 7 2006, 10:19 PM Wrote:I'm no expert on any of this, but just as a word of warning, I recently upgraded the video card on my system from a (fried) ATI 9800 PRO to a newly released GeForce 7800GS
I don't think 350W a power supply is enough.
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The Nvidia 7000 series uses a lot less power, and produces less heat, than the 6000 series, and far less than the comparable ATI's. Technically, Deebye would be able to run a 7600GT, but he'd be at his limit. However, he definitely wouldn't be able to run a more powerful ATI, because they're still using more more power / more heat designs.
Right now though, the 6800GS's seem to be the best for for mid range performance/price. They're basically all the power of 6800GT, but costs less. Plus, they're SM 3.0 native, unlike their ATI counterparts (I think). I suggest inquiring what your local store charges for a 6800GS.
However, Deebye MUST make sure there's a minimum of 17-18 Amps on the 12V line, and that there's Two (dual) 12V rails. I wouldn't trust a PSU with just one 12V rail at that low overall wattage. 350W is extreme low end. There's just no avoiding looking into a good PSU.