Video Cards under $300

I am currently looking to upgrade my video card. I don't want to spend more than $300 if I don't have to, but I want to play games like Crysis at ~30FPS for a minimum. I was looking at getting a 8800GTS( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150172 ) or two 8600GTS( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150228 ) to run in SLI, but I'm worried about a couple of things. Here's my rig now.

Pentium D Dual Core 2.8Ghz/core

3GB RAM (only 5400)

Intel 945P Chipset

GeForce 7300 LE 512MB (I don't believe it's got 512, but dxdiag and nTune tell me it does)

1x PATA CDR/W

1x SATA II DVDR/W

1x 250GB SATA

1x Samsung 21.6" Widescreen (1680x1050)

1x Crappy Dell 15" (1024x768)

375W PSU

I didn't have the time a year ago to build my own computer, so its a Dell XPS400. The main thing I'm worried about is the PSU (which is why I included all the periphs) being able to handle the power the new video cards are gonna draw, especially in an SLI configuration. Another is the ability for my motherboard to be SLI compatable, the Intel website mentions it briefly, but I can't seem to find out more info on it (never done sli before). Also I'm kinda of worried about the ability to play games at 1680x1050 at high framerates, running at lower resolutions piss me off. Currently when I go to play a game I have to disable the other moniter to get halfway decent framerates at medium, medium-low settings on some of the newer games, and I know that my graphic card is the cause. I still think I should be able to run COH:Opposing Fronts at more than 1024x768 resolution for only 20 FPS.

PS. Can you use BB code or HTML tags in the forum?

1. that powersupply is plenty for that card

2. go with 1 8800gts instead of 2x 8600gts

Well that 375 wont be enough. Plus Sli is a waste of money anyway, sli will only give a boost of up too around 40%. Sli isnt worth it, since you are getting a 8800. Also dell,gateway are known to have psu's hard to replace with aftermarket ones because the special size,and shape.04dcarraher

two sli'ed 8600's still dont beat a 8800 gtx in most cases, replacing your psu is the main worry theres a chance you cant, but you should look into it and try. Unless you want to get a new case :P

2 8600gts in SLI will put you right at the same performance of 1x8800gts, maybe a little less. It will also cost you more for the two cards, plus an good SLI compatable power supply, than one 8800gts and a good power supply to handle one 8800.

no it's not you need 28amp or more on 12v rail and min 425w psuIQT786

Well that 375 wont be enough. Plus Sli is a waste of money anyway, sli will only give a boost of up too around 40%. Sli isnt worth it, since you are getting a 8800. Also dell,gateway are known to have psu's hard to replace with aftermarket ones because the special size,and shape.04dcarraher

Well with all hes running I wouldnt trust that dell 375 watt,usaually they are cheap psu's

[QUOTE="IQT786"]no it's not you need 28amp or more on 12v rail and min 425w psumastershake575

If he only had 1 hard drive, 1 stick of ram, probably. But with his system, his wattage will probably max at380 watts. He may be able to get away with for a while, but eventually it's gonna pop.

whean i had my 8800gts 320 i had a psu with 550w 30amp 1 12v rail it used to act odd whean running games

op dont buy dell ever if your gona buy a made pc get acer

Wow thanks for the quick replies. I'm not to worried about frying my PSU, I can always replace it. I'm more worried about "browning out" something else, making life much harder. My RAM is DDR2, so I got 4 sticks, 2x512 and 2x1GB, plus the 5 USB ports in the back are full, and the front ones are always running my camera/ipod/external hd. I'm not sure how much significant that is to the power draw, but it can't help. My question now would be, if my PSU was insufficient, would it take the fall or would it fry something else in the process? I've never had one fail on me before (just started getting into PC gaming).

The main reason I'm reluctant to buying a new PSU now is that I want to build a new PC in the next 6months-year, and I'm going to go balls out on it, and don't want to reuse a PSU I bought only because it could fit in X amount of space. I guess I will if necassary though.

Here is a link to the specs of my computer when I bought it.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/specs.htm#wp1053343

Well with all hes running I wouldnt trust that dell 375 watt,usaually they are cheap psu's

04dcarraher

can 375w even run a 8800?

Wow thanks for the quick replies. I'm not to worried about frying my PSU, I can always replace it. I'm more worried about "browning out" something else, making life much harder. My RAM is DDR2, so I got 4 sticks, 2x512 and 2x1GB, plus the 5 USB ports in the back are full, and the front ones are always running my camera/ipod/external hd. I'm not sure how much significant that is to the power draw, but it can't help. My question now would be, if my PSU was insufficient, would it take the fall or would it fry something else in the process? I've never had one fail on me before (just started getting into PC gaming).

The main reason I'm reluctant to buying a new PSU now is that I want to build a new PC in the next 6months-year, and I'm going to go balls out on it, and don't want to reuse a PSU I bought only because it could fit in X amount of space. I guess I will if necassary though.

Here is a link to the specs of my computer when I bought it.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/specs.htm#wp1053343

tj1111

why not buy a new good p/s now? it's not like it can't be used in a new system. underpowered p/s will lead to lots of problem and frustration, like bsod when you play games or even just when you browsing the net

Ok so here's what I think I'm going to get.

http://secure.newegg.com/NewVersion/wishlist/PublicWishDetail.asp?WishListNumber=7440687

I don't see there being a huge advantage for me right now going up to the DX10 cards. I'll probably get some extra fans too, my computer is already running pretty hot. What do you guys think? Suggestions?