Budget Graphics

Currently running an Athlon 64 X2 3800+ with 1GB RAM and onboard Geforce 6100 with shared memory.

Been planning to upgrade the graphics since I got the computer but only just getting round to it since I upgraded to Vista and seem to require the 256mb (+128mb that Vista adds?) missing memory more :D

Don't game much (well not at all for about a year) so I don't need outright performance, the main criteria is a passively cooled graphics card that would run a game if I need to, and must be fully compatible with Vista. Narrowed my options down to the following so far:

Gigabyte 256MB 7300GS
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=492027

Leadtek 256MB 7300GT
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=428735

Inno3D 512MB 7300GT
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/125944

XFX 256MB 7600GS
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=368284

XFX 256MB 7600GS
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=417807

Asus 256MB 7600GS
http://www.ebuyer.com/UK/product/121124

What do I need? Opinions?

The more money the better card. None of them are going to play the latest games at max res and settings, but they'll all be significantly better than the onboard 6100. It's just upto how much you want to spend. There is a bit of a premium on the mid range cards for being passive, but the low end ones are passive as standard.

512MB of ram on a low end card is a waste though, may as well stick to the 256MB models.

any of them will play a game on low settings.. I would have a 7600 though..probably an xfx one.

One thing I just thought of... the machine it's for is an Acer Aspire with, I assume, a fairly low rating PSU... will any of these cards pose any problem in this respect?

well if they require a pci-e 4 pin connector from your psu..and it has one..no.

If it doesn't have one..yes lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by staffsMike

well if they require a pci-e 4 pin connector from your psu..and it has one..no.

If it doesn't have one..yes lol

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Don't think the 7300GT or 7600GS requires the extra power connector so I should be ok :D

If it's out of those cards then the first XFX you've linked to seems to be clocked faster then the second and is cheaper.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by IAmATeaf

If it's out of those cards then the first XFX you've linked to seems to be clocked faster then the second and is cheaper.

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I'd just noticed that one. Was gonna post in the Scan forum asking what the difference was but it's the clock speed. 500/900 rather than 400/700 for £5 less :Oops:

99% going to order that one at work tomorrow if I get paid. If not it'll have to wait until Saturday :(

Ordered the XFX 7600GS "Xtreme Edition" with the higher clocks :)

Even the 7600GT doesn't require external power, these will not either.