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My friend has a Packard Bell desktop which he brought from Currys. I think it is this one:
http://www.currys.co.uk/martprd/stor...uct&sku=541063
Since it only has an integrated graphics card, he wants to buy a graphics card. He is aiming for 8600GT. I was trying to persuade him for 8800GS but he has a 350W PSU so that is a no go.
What is the best graphics card for a 350W PSU?
8800GT? 8600GTS?
9600GT is very good for the money. If you can get a 8800GT cheaper than £90 then go for that.
I would say it could handle a 8800GT as long as he hasn't overclocked anything.
anything should work tbh, except very high end cards which i doubt he would want to buy.
the 9600gt is probably what to go for, check it has a pci-e first although since it is core2 the mobo should have one.
^ yea what Infinite said.
i'm running a 8800GTS on a 380w~PSU, plus i'm overclocking. but i guess it also depends on the build/quality of his PSU.
They probably quote the minimum based on a really crappy PSU....
I was looking for more information on the type of PSU used in Packard Bells. I read that some use FSP psu. If thats the case then it should be solid. Best to get your mate to check though.
Thanks guys, let me ask my mate on more details of the PSU...and let you guys know.
He wants to use 8600GT but I am trying to see if he can use something better...
thanks guys again!!
Big problem can come with that PSU, in most systems like that the PSU will be decent but designed to run it and not have much in the way of overhead. (enough for an extra Hard drive or two and a 2nd dvd but not high end graphics card.
Safest option would be a 8600gt but a 9600gt should be around the same power draw.
if he's on a 17-19" monitor a 9600gt will be fine for running most games on high settings and still playable. :)
20-22" 8800GT 512mb (but the power goes up a bit)
24"+ get a new PSU as well
Alternatly, ATi 3850 512mb is fairly low power and is decent.
Don't bother with the 48x0 series, yes they are good for the price but they are rather power hungery.
I think a 9600gt is your best bet without replaceing the PSU, you might want to have another look at the 8800gs as it is a low power card.
From here http://www.atomicmpc.com.au/forums.a...c=7&t=9354&p=0
under full load
8600gt = 52w
8800gs = 59w
9600gt = 61w
3850 = 63w
8800gt = 78w
If its a good PSU then 380W is plenty, if its a bad PSU then it might not be able to provide the stated amount of power. Really its down to the quality of the PSU as most PCs draw around 300W even with a powerful graphics card. Just don't try to overclock anything... :D