X1600 vs 8600

[dkardaris]

I have a ATI X1600 512 DDR2 in machine.

I saw at circuit city for $129 a 8600 256 DDR3 for 129. Is this worth it? Is it much better?

Thanks.

 

[Cinders]

Those video cards are for games for the most part. Are you playing games and are you having problems or are dissatisfied with the X1600. Are you running Windows Vista or XP? If you are running games and have Vista then you might consider the 8600, but remember that DX10 kicks the crap out of DX10 super cards like the 8800 GTX and the 8600 isn't nearly as strong as the 8800. If you are using XP and you are dissatisfied with the X1600 then the 8600 is a stronger, faster card.

 

[dkardaris]

No, I just want to upgrade my Dim 8400 without having to get a new Power source or a new computer. Last year for this computer.

 

[Cinders]

If you are not playing games and don't have problems with the X1600 then you have no need to upgrade. Of course need and want are different, so I looked at your computer specs and at the video card specs and the 8600GT version does not require extra power while the 8600GTS does. The GTS requires at least a 350 watt power supply with 18 amps on the 12 volt rail. You do have a 350 watt power supply, but I don't know how many amps are on the 12 volt rail.

Whatever you do, do not purchase a version that has DDR2 memory. they are slower than the versions with DDR3.

 

[kpo6969]

No, I just want to upgrade my Dim 8400 without having to get a new Power source or a new computer. Last year for this computer.

350w @26-28amps