Need video card suggestions...

[amnwebb]

This is my first complete build and I have gotten confused about video cards. I'm not sure what's compatible with what and I don't want to buy the wrong one. Here's what I have so far...

Mobo- ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD

Processor- AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION 2.5GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor

Memory-OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066

...and I have a ginormous case to work with, so i'm not worried about the size. I'm not looking for an expensive top of the line card, the 8800 GTS looks good to me, just not sure if it'll work.

[RickyTick]

Sure that 8800GTS 512 would work just fine. Although I would prefer the 9800GTX+.

[Damlite]

Make sure OS is 64-bit, and i'd recommend this card, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130386

[amnwebb]

Looks like an awesome card, definitely considering it. Why do you have to have a 64-bit OS? I really want to run XP on this machine, Vista and me don't get along so great.

[Barrister73]

A 32-bit OS can recognize (at most) 3 Gig of RAM. If you want to actually utilize more RAM, you need to get 64-bit. Might not be vital just yet. But, in a couple years 3 Gig probably won't run any newer programs.

MRR

[Damlite]

Yea, the 4th GB of memory won't be recognised and used (even if you physically have it slotted in) by any 32-bit operating system, so logically to optimize its usage and not waste the money invested, people recommend obtaining a 64-bit OS with any purchase of 3GB memory capacity or greater.

[amnwebb]

Thanks for the info fellas. Ya, i didn't even think of that, but it does make sense. I guess i'll just have to learn to live with vista...

[amnwebb]

I know this is a change of subject, but now that i'm looking at the vid card I am looking at power supplies too. I want something for a decent price, but large enough that I don't have to worry about power if I decide to double up and run 2 vid cards later on. Thoughts, suggestions?

[Damlite]

If you and vista dont blend that well, there is nothing wrong with getting XP SP3 32 bit and 2-3GBs of memory. Unless you're a vigorous gamer and multimedia person, there really is no point getting anymore than 3GBs of memory, imo anyway.

Your 8800GTS and the recommended 9800GTX+ will do fine with a 650W power supply. But, if you're thinking of running multiple gpu setups, i'd feel more comfortable with a 800W+ psu, although its possible to run 2 geforce 9800s with a good 750W psu. Just make sure whatever powersupply you choose has at least 80% efficiency, Active PFC and has the SLi or Crossfire certified logo on it. It'd also be nice if it was a modular one as well, absolutely frustrating to have a non modular power supply, regardless of what size your case is.

[abscifi]

The wattage is lower than what these guys are recommending but I thought I would just show you this deal newegg is running on 650 watt powersupply. It is modular and 85% efficient and newegg has taken 75 dollars off instantly...not mail in rebate.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371011
Also gets 40 bucks off with a purchase of Evga 9800GT graphics card. You could cheaply kill two birds with one stone.

[amnwebb]

Well thanks again for the suggestions and help guys, I just ordered the rest of my components, we'll see how I do once it's all put together, i've never built one from the ground up... here's the hardware though, as long as nothing's DOA...

Mobo- ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe AM2+/AM2 AMD 790FX ATX AMD

Processor- AMD Phenom 9850 BLACK EDITION 2.5GHz 4 x 512KB L2 Cache 2MB L3 Cache Socket AM2+ 125W Quad-Core Processor

Memory-OCZ Platinum 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066

HD-Western Digital Caviar SE16 WD6400AAKS 640GB 7200 RPM 16MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb

OD-SAMSUNG Black 22X DVD+R 22X DVD-R 16X DVD-ROM 2MB Cache SATA 22X DVD±R DVD Burner with LightScribe

Power supply-CORSAIR CMPSU-750TX 750W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC

Video card-EVGA 512-P3-N878-AR GeForce 9800 GTX+ SSC Edition 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported

...and a couple of whoozits and whatzits on the side. God, I hope everything works!