Which graphics card is compatible?

[detrunks]

Hi,

I have an Asus AN8-E motherboard.
The power supply is ATX 425W.
+5V = 35A
+12V=18A
-5V=0.8A
-12V=1A
+3.3V=30A
5VSB=2A
(I have no idea which numbers I needed to show, so I've just listed them!)
Which nvidia cards WON'T I be able to use? (I know I can't do SLI)
I have 2 4-pin molex connectors free - If I need an external power supply, can I just use a 4 to 6 pin converter?


thanks in advance

 

[Tmagic650]

Any AGP VGA card will work. Don't spend over $100 and increase your system memory as much as you can

 

[detrunks]

It only has a PCI express slot for a card - will all cards work?

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

Is this your motherboard: http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=455&l1=3&l2=15&l3=171?

If it is, you have the following expansion slots:

1 x PCI Express x16 slot
2x PCI Express x1
1x PCI Express x4 (supports up to 1GB/s)
3 x PCI

You will want to buy a video card that uses the PCI-E x16 interface. Depending on your choice in a VPU, you may find yourself haveing to upgrade the PSU along with it.

 

[Obi-Wan Jerkobi]

All PCI Express x16 Cards will work that fit within the power usage

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculator.jsp

Put in the specs of your system and the video card you want to get and make sure its not too close to 420w (Try and stay in the 300's) If it does go into the 400's or pretty close you should get a new PSU with that VPU.

 

[detrunks]

Zenosincks - that is my MB & I currently have the 6600 in that PCI-e slot. What's the best card I can have without changing my PSU. For example, would this be OK:
http://www.amazon.com/PNY-XLR8-8800GT-512MB-Graphics/dp/B000XD1JJK

thx for any advice

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

No, your PSU cannot handle an 8800GT. Almost any VPU worth upgrading to is going to require a new PSU. My advice to you would be, that you set an additional $60-$80 aside for a decent PSU.

 

[detrunks]

ok - how about the 6800 GT or 6800 ultra?

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

Honestly, I'm not even sure if it'd even be worth going to a 6800. I'm also not exactly sure off hand what the best card is that your PSU will support with a measly 18A on the 12V rail.

However, here is an idea; if you were willing to spend $200 on the 8800GT why not spend a chunk of cash less on an 8600GT or 9600GT and then focus the remaining capital on a new PSU?

PALiT GeForce 9600GT: $109.99 (After MIR)

ELT400AWT: $64.99 (After MIR)

Be aware that even though your motherboard does not support PCI-Express x16 2.0 the interface is backward compatible with 1.1 (according to PCI-SIG). So, the 9600GT should work fine, however, it will operate at PCI-Express x16 1.1 speeds.

If you are feeling a bit lucky and adventerous, you can try purchasing the new VPU and see if your current PSU will support it. If it won't, Newegg will have a new PSU in your hands just 1-3 days later in most situations.

 

[kpo6969]

8600GT with the stock psu.

 

[detrunks]

Thanks for all the advice & I've decided to go with a new PSU. However, I'm coming across PSus that have 2 rails (like this one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/425-WATT-Sile...HPU-4S425_W0QQitemZ270225861929QQcmdZViewItem )

What do these 2 rails mean? The combined amp is enough for me, but not the separate??

 

[Matthew DeCarlo]

The sum of the two rails is the total 12V that will be available to your system. So, that PSU has a maximum of 34A (17A + 17A) on the 12V rail.

 

[TL93]

my vote is the 8800GT =D