GPU upgrade - Old System

Twist86

Twist86

Active Member
So my uncle has a system a guy he use to work with bought him 3-4 years ago and he needs a GPU upgrade.

Best I can see its this.

Gateway
Socket 939 X2 3800+ Dual-core
1GB DDR PC3200 Memory
Thermaltek 430w PSU
120GB Seagate HDD
He currently runs a like a 256mb 7600GS or something.

The monitor it came with was 21 inch LCD so he runs at a lower resolution (think 1240x1024 or something)

I put the Thermaltek in last night since he was running a 280w stock and he was having power issues on Star Wars Galaxy.

He also bought 8400GS last night and I spent some time toying with it to find it wouldn't work...so I am trying to find him a cheap but effective upgrade.


A local person is selling a 7600GS 512mb 128bit GPU and I was curious if it would work? Doubles his current card and would help his pocket and his gaming.

http://www.computerforum.com/90110-power-recommendations-video-card.html

It says it will be all right however there is a 256mb and 512mb version which you would think might use more amps then the 256mb version.


The PSU itself is sorta bad it only has 18a on the 12v. Better then the stock was however.

I am just looking for a good solution for his problem.
 
The 512mb vesion will consume more power but it still should be fine on that PSU one would think.
Question, does the board use AGP or PCI-e...because if so wouldnt if be better to pick up at 7600gt?
 
An 8800gts with 18amp 12v psu would just be a terrible idea...i mean 8600gt/gts would even be risky let alone that
 
lion149 said:
An 8800gts with 18amp 12v psu would just be a terrible idea...i mean 8600gt/gts would even be risky let alone that
Click to expand...

I was running a single 8600GT on a 750W 19A PSU and it was fine, that was with 2HDDs, 4x2GB sticks of RAM, E86750 CPU and P5N-E SLI motherboard. It blew when i went SLi, so a single card should be fine on that.

However, for the sake of safety of parts and peace of mind and power stability, i would agree and say it may be a bit dodgy, you would be better getting a new PSU aswell as new video card if you are after a high 8 series card
 
Yeah more then anything I was trying to get him double his vram to help prevent a bit of his "lag" to last till the end of the year for his new system.


Also its a gateway so no overclocking. If I built the system for him he would currently be using a 450w Corsair with 33a on the 12v to avoid this problem.


ComputerGuru64x2 said:
True. I was half asleep when I typed that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130297

I use to have this card. It overclocks beautiful and ran fine on a 450w PSU.
Click to expand...


That requires a 20a PSU...his only pumps 18a not a superior PSU. The best GPU would either be the 8600GTS or 9400GT but it would be a 50/50 since it would require everything the PSU had.
 
Last edited:
Well thanks for the help I went a head and bought him then 8600GTS and it seems to work so far. Hell of a upgrade oddly enough his FPS doubled in Galaxy so he is happy.

Trying to get him 2GB of DDR Ram but dunno if he will want to buy it via paypal (he fears credit card on the net can't blame him really)
 
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