Best GPU upgrade for the $$

[SneakySnake]

Here's the situation: I've got the EP45-UD3P board, with 2 x16 slots in it. Obviously I've got my 5850 in one of them, and after using the 5850 for a month or so I've very comfortable with it's performance, and don't really have any plans to xfire it with a 2nd. So, I'd like to fill the gap with an nVidia GPU for PhysX + Folding (mostly for folding).

I'm not rich - I'm a student, so I can't afford anything serious. But what's the best GPU to get for maximum PPD for under a $100. I've been looking at the 9800 GT and the GT 240 (aren't they the same card?), but a used 9600 GT or something is also tempting.

Thoughts?

[boggtrotter59]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

Here's the situation: I've got the EP45-UD3P board, with 2 x16 slots in it. Obviously I've got my 5850 in one of them, and after using the 5850 for a month or so I've very comfortable with it's performance, and don't really have any plans to xfire it with a 2nd. So, I'd like to fill the gap with an nVidia GPU for PhysX + Folding (mostly for folding).

I'm not rich - I'm a student, so I can't afford anything serious. But what's the best GPU to get for maximum PPD for under a $100. I've been looking at the 9800 GT and the GT 240 (aren't they the same card?), but a used 9600 GT or something is also tempting.

Thoughts?

Used 8800GT/9800GT's are plentiful and fairly cheap used ($60-70). they yield 4.5-5K PPD. The GT 240 is a rebadged 9600GS I believe, they are an excellent card PPD/watt and yield around 4K PPD. The 9600GS is hard to find used but I think you can pick up a new GT 240 for less than $100. I'd also consider a GT250/9800GTX+ (usually around $80 used) they yield 5.5-6K PPD but consume more power than the other 2.

[SneakySnake]

The GT 240's are 40nm right ?

If so, that might be the way to go, just to save a bit on the power bill.

[boggtrotter59]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

The GT 240's are 40nm right ?

If so, that might be the way to go, just to save a bit on the power bill.

Yes the GT240's are 40 nm and use about 70 watts power. Excellent PPD/watt.

DC has them for $70. after rebate.

PriceCanada.com

[Rison]

Originally Posted by SneakySnake

Here's the situation: I've got the EP45-UD3P board, with 2 x16 slots in it. Obviously I've got my 5850 in one of them, and after using the 5850 for a month or so I've very comfortable with it's performance, and don't really have any plans to xfire it with a 2nd. So, I'd like to fill the gap with an nVidia GPU for PhysX + Folding (mostly for folding).

I'm not rich - I'm a student, so I can't afford anything serious. But what's the best GPU to get for maximum PPD for under a $100. I've been looking at the 9800 GT and the GT 240 (aren't they the same card?), but a used 9600 GT or something is also tempting.

Thoughts?

I would definitely recommend the 240 for extra slots on a motherboard. I recently bought 4x XFX when NCIX had a sale - they are low power and don't give off a lot of heat. The card slots are short, and depending on the model they can occupy 1 or two slots on the motherboard. (some coolers stick out over the second slot) They also do not require the PCIE 6 or 8 pin power cable - which makes installation easier - and due to the lower power consumption, doesn't tax the power supply..
You get about 4-4.5k PPD at stock with the GT240.
I bought the XFX due to transferrable lifetime warranty, so when I go to sell them, they resell easier.

[_dangtx_]

+1 for used 8800gt class.used :p