Video card questions

[jollygrunt]

Currently I've got an nvidia 6800 256mb card in my Dimension 4700. This morning while cleaning the PC I noticed that the fan on the 6800 is no longer working. Should I replace it? If so, I'd want a low power consumption card. I was looking at the nvidia's 7100GS Turbo, 7300GS and ATI's HD2400 or HD2600. They are all 256mb dual monitor video cards. Which would be a better choice? Opinions please.



Thank you.

 

[Snake91839]

If you don't have a problem with that card and are comfortable doing so... I would just replace the fan.

However a new card would help you with performance levels, if you want some of that as well.

This would be a good replacement fan Newegg.com - ZALMAN VF700-CU 2 Ball VGA COOLER - VGA Cooling

 

[darksideleader]

theres always down clocking the card so it stays cool.

HD 2600 would be your best choice there.

 

[ohGrFreak]

i would get a new heatsink/fan for the 6800, the 7100 and 7300 are no match for a 6800. if you get a real good cooler, you can unlock some pipes too, if you have a plain jane 6800.

 

[Luke]

i say new cooler, though u would see some good performance jumps if you got a new card.

But if you do not see the need a new cooler would be ideal.

 

[jollygrunt]

I'm kinda leaning towards just replacing the 6800 with the HD2600. According to Dell, it'll work with my 4700 as it doesn't consume a lot of power so I wouldn't need to replace the PSU.

Is it difficult to switch from nvidia to ati as far as removing and replacing drivers & related software? Is there a guide?

 

[ohGrFreak]

Download new card's drivers but don't install them

Uninstall current driver

Install new card

Install the drivers (the most updated) you download earlier

Sit back and enjoy your new upgrade.

 

[jollygrunt]

Which manufacturer would you guys recommend? Does it matter?

 

[PCGamer1]

Out of the options listed,i'd get the HD 2600 (Preferably the XT model) and a aftermarket cooler if possible,best option IMHO

And as for brand,aim for HIS,Sapphire,MSI,Gigabyte and maybe ASUS.

 

[veg1992]

Anything besides the HD2600xt would be a downgrade from your current card