Advice on upgrading a graphics card

[PEN]

Hi,

Apart from the usus, I only really use my home PC for playing Counterstrike Source.

My FPS is really low and I'm using a Nvidia 6600GT card.

Someone has suggested the following cards, but I'm nore sure which to go for.

I have a PIV 2.8ghz off-the-shelf Dell with 2gb Ram.

Kind of deciding between the Radeon X1650 or the 7600GT

http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Compa...695&CPID=20839

Can anyone recommend one over the other?

Thanks

PEN

[jackvdbuk]

why dont you juse lower the details? im sure like 60% of cards out can play cs

[alsenior]

the best vfm is the sapphire x1950.so i would go with that one.

[PEN]

Thanks for the replies fellas

PEN

[Ferral]

I would check the power usage before you buy a new card, you may have to buy a new power supply also. Most cards now require at least 400W or above to operate properly.

Saphire X1950 Pro is a great card as is the XFX 7600GT, I think the ATI card has the edge though in performance and ATI in my experience has better IQ. However I am slightly biased as I have the Radeon. I did move from an XFX 6600GT AGP to my current card and the performance increase is really good. I can run Oblivion no probs with HDR and all but maxxed out settings, framerate is really good also.

[999tigger]

What Ferral said about power usage is spot on. I would also get an x1950 as its a lot more powerful than a 7600GT.

[PEN]

Thanks guys.

Is there any way I can check what power I have and whether it's enough to run the card????

I have an off-the-shelf Dell

Thanks

PEN

[Pob255]

The Dell will have a model number then you can llok up the info on the dell web site

Or

Enter your service tag (I hope that link works ok)
if not go to the dell web site > suport > technical support > System Configuration

You need to find out as much as possible about your PSU
- it's Wattage rateing
- number of 12v rails (if you've got multiple rails then it should give numbers for more than one set of +12v )
-Amps on the +12volt

Or

Open your case and look for a sticker on the PSU with the details on it (normally on the top or side of the PSU) eg sticker, shows, +12v 1Rail 22A or +12V 2Rails 8A and 14A