a low power gaming GPU for $100-$200?

[Psycho-Designs]

Hello,

I'm currently researching GPUs looking to upgrade quite a few machines to be able to run games like UT3...
The main issue is the PSU which is only 280W [or 275W]..
the GPU requirments:
- PCIe x16
- Vertex Shader 3.0
- Pixel Shader 3.0

let me know if you guys have any suggestions
Thanks!

[Silvgearx]

It would help if you post full system specs. But for a 280W psu its gonna be tough. Most GPU require a minimum 300W psu (like the ati x16xx series, ati 9800 pro and HD2600pro).

[Apathetik]

Just buy a new power supply. You can buy a decent 500w one for like 50$.

[Shadowmeph]

Originally Posted by Apathetik

Just buy a new power supply. You can buy a decent 500w one for like 50$.

I agree you can find PSU's out there that are cheap . when I still had my Dell 8300 I upgraded my 64mb nvid AGP card to a X800 ati AGP and that had to have a min 300watt psu

[slntdth93]

9800gt -> $120 AR
Seasonic 400w -> $50

[belgolas]

Originally Posted by slntdth93

9800gt -> $120 AR
Seasonic 400w -> $50

plus 1 for me. These cards are pretty good for guest/lan computers.

[Soultribunal]

If you can't for whatever reason upgrade the PSU,

HIS Radeon 2600 HD/XT versions. I am not sure of the other specs you are asking about ( I know 'of' some video card specs, but I won't pretend to know it all).

That card can be found for $80, and it doesn't require a seperate PSU plug to run it.

Regards,
ST

[Eagle Eye]

Ha!! so what is it your upgrading DELL, HP, Acer, Gateway?

I know from experience that even longterm gaming under normal circumstrances will burn out those PSUs, adding a more powerful videocard will likely mean you'll be back asking for PSU replacements suggestions. Strongly suggest you take the advice the others and somehow work in a new psu as part of the budget.

EE

[thenewguy001]

The Truth About Graphics Power Requirements V2 - Graphic Hardware - Forums - www.atomicmpc.com.au
Coding Horror: Video Card Power Consumption

If you know the TPD of the rest of your hardware, and it doesn't draw more than say 200W total then I think you're safe. Any more than that and you'll probably stress your PSU too much

[Psycho-Designs]

Originally Posted by 5ILVgeARX

It would help if you post full system specs. But for a 280W psu its gonna be tough. Most GPU require a minimum 300W psu (like the ati x16xx series, ati 9800 pro and HD2600pro).

I was afraid that was the case... the machines are dell Optiplex 740 OptiPlex 740 Desktop Product Details
They are one of the 2 thin models .. either the "Desktop" version or the "Small form factor" version which has a weaker PSU...

Originally Posted by slntdth93

9800gt -> $120 AR
Seasonic 400w -> $50

Originally Posted by Apathetik

Just buy a new power supply. You can buy a decent 500w one for like 50$.

usually, That's what I'd do... but I'll be upgrading 10 machines.. and finding a good cheap PSUs that fit the unusual cases and installing them might not be an option

Originally Posted by Soultribunal

If you can't for whatever reason upgrade the PSU,

HIS Radeon 2600 HD/XT versions. I am not sure of the other specs you are asking about ( I know 'of' some video card specs, but I won't pretend to know it all).

That card can be found for $80, and it doesn't require a seperate PSU plug to run it.

Regards,
ST

Thanks, I'll look into them.

Originally Posted by Eagle Eye

Ha!! so what is it your upgrading DELL, HP, Acer, Gateway?

I know from experience that even longterm gaming under normal circumstrances will burn out those PSUs, adding a more powerful videocard will likely mean you'll be back asking for PSU replacements suggestions. Strongly suggest you take the advice the others and somehow work in a new psu as part of the budget.

EE

the machines [10 of them] are dell Optiplex 740 OptiPlex 740 Desktop Product Details
They are not for long term gaming.. I just need them to run the unreal engine decently few hours a week

but I totally agree with your advice.. I did invest into a good PSU for me personal self built gaming machines.. and it pays off very well..

Originally Posted by thenewguy001

The Truth About Graphics Power Requirements V2 - Graphic Hardware - Forums - www.atomicmpc.com.au
Coding Horror: Video Card Power Consumption

If you know the TPD of the rest of your hardware, and it doesn't draw more than say 200W total then I think you're safe. Any more than that and you'll probably stress your PSU too much

It makes sens but I wont be able to do the calculations... Thanks for the links though