Need some GPU help

[Obrien Xp]

Being a predominantly PC based gamer, I've always needed to upgrade my components. However, usually the stuff I have sucks, I'm currently stuck with an on-board GeForce 7100. I need to upgrade.

I'm limited on space and have a 350W PSU something that also needs an upgrade.

I've looked around and I can't find out how big the ATI cards are. So, I've narrowed it down to an Nvidia GT 240 which I hear is equivalent to a 9600 but smaller and uses less power. Price is not an issue though a new system is out of the question (though, that's really what I should get ).

Basically, do I get the GT 240 or is there something better? This is about as big as my rig can fit on its useless mobo. I'm guessing the DDR5 version but is there too much of a difference between them?

 

[Sightless Wisdom]

Well if it's 9600 equivalent, it'll run what's out today on fairly good settings without issue. Provided your CPU can handle it. If you can find something just a bit better(around a 9800) it would be a better investment considering the price you can probably get on it.

 

[Nalgas D. Lemur]

With a power supply like that and not replacing anything else in your computer, the GT 240 is probably your best bet right now. It's as good as you can currently get without needing a separate PCI-E power connector. Until it came out, the Radeon 4670 was on top in that category, and it's still decent, but considering that they're both similarly-priced, the GT 240 is a better deal at the moment, at least until something like a 5670 (or whatever ATI fills that space in their lineup with) comes out. Totally coincidentally, my friend just picked up a GT 240 this week to replace his 7300 (not quite as bad off as you and your 7100, but still pretty useless), but it won't get there until tomorrow, so I don't know how it's worked out for him yet.

 

[Obrien Xp]

Right, however I can't fit a 9800, I have 7 inches at the most. Glad to know that it will do a decent job, I'm happy with anything over 20 FPS on most games. looking at the benchmarks, crysis at a 28 FPS min isn't too bad (custom settings so probably pretty close to mid range).

This is more of an upgrade to keep with the times decently while I save for a whole new system.

-les snips-

feel free to send me an update, it'd be much appreciated.

 

[Izerous]

If your case is really that small and will only support a video card that is at most 7in long then your looking at cards like the 8600GTS, which are dirt cheap if you can find them or the GT 220 might be short enough.

 

[thenumberthirteen]

I'm not the best at DIY PC upgrades, but I have a Nvidia GT220, and can say it is a good card, and can play new games quite well. (listen to me I sound like a total newb)

That's my 2 cents.

 

[shotgunbob]

Sparkle Computer makes 3 low profile models for smaller PCs

GTS 250
9800 GT
9600 GT

Although ive bought Sparkle before and I was not very happy with the product

 

[Obrien Xp]

Thanks for the offer but no thanks, I checked an 8800 wont fit.

I checked and the 240 out performs a 220 provided I get the DDR5 edition which is my intent. I checked the sizes the GT 220 will fit, I can get things really cheap so I'm not too worried. Besides, its under roughly under or close to 100 retail anyways.