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Old 03-14-2011, 04:59 PM   #1
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Upgrading Graphics card

Im debating between buying PS CS5, or a new graphics card...I don't want to spend more than $200, and while browsing newegg I found this:

XFX card

My question is, will my computer handle this card well enough for me to see an increase in my gaming, or will it just be bogged down/choked up by the rest of my hardware? Will I see enough of an increase in graphics to justify paying that much for it, or would I be better off just getting PS CS5 until I can upgrade the rest of my hardware?
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Old 03-14-2011, 06:28 PM   #2
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Get CS5 now and get a video card later with a system upgrade. I'd be a bit concerned about the Thermaltake PSU depending on exact model, and XFX is not very good quality.
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Old 03-14-2011, 08:40 PM   #3
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ok, and for the future..what brands are good for graphics cards? I thought there used to be a post on here listing the different brands based on quality but cant seem to find it.
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Old 03-14-2011, 08:41 PM   #4
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HIS, EVGA, Diamond and Asus are considered the most reliable and have the best customer service.

Look here for Khalil's guide to the best computer hardware brands.
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Old 03-14-2011, 08:44 PM   #5
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ah thank you, that was the post I was looking for
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Old 03-14-2011, 10:37 PM   #6
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What's the exact model of the Thermaltake? Need to know how many +12v rails it has and what the amperage is on them.
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Old 03-14-2011, 11:04 PM   #7
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the model number is TR2-500NL2NH
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Old 03-14-2011, 11:38 PM   #8
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From what I can find, that only has 25 amps available on the +12v rail. I'd look at replacing it before you upgrade the video card. Can you please confirm the +12v ratings on the label?
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Old 03-15-2011, 06:11 AM   #9
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http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a3...3/IMAG0265.jpg

Last edited by glc; 03-15-2011 at 09:51 AM.
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Old 03-15-2011, 09:54 AM   #10
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OH! That one has plenty of guts. It can handle a GTX460 1GB or Radeon 6850 fine - those are the best under $200 cards out there.
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Old 03-15-2011, 04:47 PM   #11
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ah cool, I had actually bought that PSU based on suggestions from people here when my cheap xion PSU blew.

Given that it could handle one of those graphics cards, would I see a decent increase with the HIS Card or do you still recommend I wait until I upgrade the rest of my hardware (wasnt planning to upgrade for another few months at least)
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Old 03-15-2011, 06:40 PM   #12
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Yes, you will notice a considerable difference with that card.
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