Buying new GFX card

[2Legit]

Hey, im buying a new GFX card. Browsing through the net I found two cards that fit my budget.


Galaxy 9400GT 512MB PCI-Express Video Card : FRYS.com | Galaxy


PNY 9400GT 512MB PCI-Express Video Card : FRYS.com | PNY

Which one is better? and is there a better card out there around $40-$70..?

Thanks.

 

[Fat.Clown]

a check that your computer actually uses PCI-EXPRESS slot

b check your power supply to see how powerful a card it can handle

the two cards you posted are actually the same card, just different brand.

assuming both a and b aren't a concern. here are my picks
SAPPHIRE 100248L Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card
$60 + shipping

 

[2Legit]

My computer does use a PCI-EXPRESS. As for the power supply my thing is running at 380w so that should be sufficient?

-Im upgrading from a eGeforce 7200gs so how big of a jump would this be?

 

[Fat.Clown]

My computer does use a PCI-EXPRESS. As for the power supply my thing is running at 380w so that should be sufficient?

-Im upgrading from a eGeforce 7200gs so how big of a jump would this be?

can you see how many amps your power supply pumps out on the 12V rail?
for example
http://www.hardwarelogic.com/articles/reviews/PSU/Antec_Neo_HE_550/psu_badge.jpg
this one has 3 separate 12V rails, each pumping out 18 amps each

3850 will blow 7200gs out of the water

 

[2Legit]

Im using the Raidmax 380W Power Supply, and it says 11amps.

 

[Fat.Clown]

Im using the Raidmax 380W Power Supply, and it says 11amps.

quick google shows me
this one RAIDMAX RX-380K 380W ATX12V Power Supply

please watch this video, then post back thoughts
Welcome to Corsair :: Corsair Cinema
( it relates to the current topic, I promise)

edit:
11 amps is so weak, raidmax is so bad
unless you plan on changing out the power supply also, i would not add a more powerful video card

 

[2Legit]

Yeah now that you mention it, im planning to up my PSU aswell. Any recommendation's? Anything for 40 below I spent most of my budget money on RAM and games ;___;.

edit: What should I be concerned about most in the PSU? Amps or the Wattage? Because I have a spare PSU laying in my brothers room that runs 300w with 14A.

 

[Fat.Clown]

this is going to sound bad, but I would strongly suggest you save up a little more

go for something like this:
BFG Tech NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT OC 512 MB GDDR3

75 + shipping

not only is 9600gt slightly better than the HD 3850
BFG offers lifetime warranty!

and then
PC Power & Cooling Silencer PPCS420X 420W ATX12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply

50 + shipping

watts vs amps
I think amps


also, i found a cool list here
http://www.techist.com/forums/f76/graphics-card-rankings-139202/

7200gs should be at 132ish place
and hd3850 sits at 34th place ( 9600gt 28th)
that is a large gap