It's that time again...new video card...

Ok, model # for existing PSU: N350N-00

Combined +12v: 28A
Combined +5v & +3.3v output: 150W
+5v: 22A
+3.3v: 17A
+12vA: 18A
+12vB: 18A
+5vsB: 2A

Edit - Would I be able to salvage the RAM from the existing box for usage in a new one? Also, both my harddrives are SATA-capable, as is my DVD-RW drive, so I'm guessing I could salvage those.

Edit ^2 - How good would that resultant computer be, MB? Would it have a potential shot at running Ultra Mode decently when GR comes out? I'm not really one that understands specs or whatnot, but so far in my life, I've been fairly competent at putting stuff together. Granted, that's been limited to installing software, plugging in new cards, RAM, and harddrives. I've never put in a new PSU, motherboard, or CPU before. Also, would I have a fair shot at it lasting at least as long as the current rig? I got it in 04 and it's still chugging away.

Buy the card and try it out. 28A combined is very good. Actually that's better than the Cooler Master Memphis_Bill suggested.

This is an interesting article about actual system power requirements. Page 6 has a gaming system running a 3.33GHz E8600 dual core and an HD 4850 and at worse case, running Prime95 to fry the CPU and FurMark to fry the GPU. The system, which included a hard drive, dvd burner, card reader, 4GB of memory and case fans, a real system, used no more than 20W at 5 volts, 15 watts at 3.3 volts and 160 watts at 12 volts. It basically confirms this article from a few years back which shows (page 4) the same thing but without the breakdown for each voltage. And here is a third article about the same thing but measuring AC wattage at the outlet so the actual DC wattage used is 15-20% less.

So again, buy the card (HD 5750), try it out with your current PSU.

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The only important thing I might change about Memphis_Bill's parts list is swapping the 2.6GHz Athlon II X4 620 quad core for the 3.0GHz Athlon II X3 440 tri core. It seems to perform better in games.

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And as for "FatherXmas' $600 model, but that's six months old"; sticking on arrow through head prop; Well EXCUUSSSE MEEEE! (That's a Steve Martin reference for the young'uns in the audience.)

First, there really haven't been much movement in price at the GTS 250 performance point, if anything the GTS 250 went up by $10 since early summer and I don't want to backtrack to a 9800GT. Second, DDR2 prices doubled since then which more than wiped out my 5% price cushion to handle price fluctuations (I use the list price at NewEgg before "sale" or rebate, this makes the $600 rig already $13 over instead of at least $30 under). Third, Intel only dropped prices their low end CPUs a few weeks ago. I've honestly been considering a move back to an AMD system, the $600 build was one originally, but the price of DDR3 for a true socket AM3 system keeps breaking the budget. The obvious expensive part in the case/PSU/extra fans that list for $132. But that PSU alone, and now without a power cord (thank you green meanies), lists for $70. And I also prefer using old fashion brass standoffs to mount my motherboard to the case and not Rosewill's drilled out dents on the motherboard tray that looks like something from "See, I Fixed It".

Yes, I got the Steve Martin reference. Loved him in the old SNL skits. The Jerk was a pretty good movie too.

Well, you know how stuff moves in the computer world. Six months is as good as a lifetime in any other field.

I'll give it a try soon. With any luck, it'll mean I can eek out another couple of years with this box. Considering I've got a Tandy 1000SX (or is it EX? Can never remember) that still works quite well, six years on one system (more or less, a couple of parts have changed but it's still the 'same') is pretty piddly.

Thank you all for your help. Now, FX, just keep that $600 rig updated on a weekly basis for the next few years, just in case I need to build an entire one.

Edit - Oh, one other thing.

I saw this. It's the same as the other 5750 I linked, except it has (apparently) a better cooling mechanism. It's the same price. Would that extra cooling push it over the edge in terms of power draw?

Well I figured a well informed, classy individual like yourself would get the reference. The disclaimer is for those who don't believe anything existed before cell phones and internet access became common place. (Yes Johnny, there once was a time when you couldn't time shift your television viewing unless you owned an expensive "VCR" and had the technical expertise to set it's clock. Also your Mom could pick up the phone downstairs and "accidentally" overhear your conversations with a girl she hadn't vetted yet, leading to 20 uncomfortable questions at dinner.)

I have done minor updates, switching vendors when one drops the part I listed entirely like I've done with the memory and video card recently. eVGA no longer has an inexpensive GTS 250 (at least one with the original specs of a 9800GTX+) and the A-DATA ones aren't available anymore.

I've been trying to put together a new guide that covers all the current CPUs as well as links to assembly guides and other build lists. Just can't find the time to organize my thoughts.

That's the first time I've been called 'classy'. Usually, I hear the term 'classless' a lot.

Just in case my edit wasn't seen, how about this? It's the same as the 5750 card I linked to earlier, but it's got an extra/different cooler mechanism. Same price, but I'm wondering if the that extra cooler would be too much in terms of power draw.

Nah, that cooler doesn't use any more power than the previous card, it's just more efficient at pulling heat away from the GPU and into the heatsink. The idea is that now you can overclock the card with less concern about cooking it. Note that overclocking will use more power. The tech used by that cooler can lower the GPU load temperature by 10-20 degrees C (18-36 degrees F). It is also quieter.

You can check out the review of that card here and there is additional information about the cooler technology here.

DO NOT get the ATi 4k series or below. Those are very outdated on OpenGL which this game runs.

I don't plan on overclocking. Though, in your estimation, FX, given my situation, which should I try? The vanilla or the Vapor-X?

Go with whatever is cheaper if you are budget sensitive. If you are fan noise sensitive go with Vapor-X model.

Well, they're both the same price. I'll probably try the Vapor-X.

I think I can reasonably hide $150 in the monthly batarang budget...

Ordered the Vapor-X model.

Let's hope the result is more like the old Maxell commercials and less of the 'computer goes boom' variety...

Thanks to all.

Well, it came this morning (woohoo for free 3-day shipping!) and I've got it installed. Had to take out my TV tuner card though to make some extra room. It would've fit but the cooler bit was just barely above the card, so didn't want to risk it.

Comp hasn't blown up yet, though I haven't tested it on Co* yet.

Don't forget there is a quirk with the 9.12 ATI drivers that cause strobing. There is a hotfix for them. No idea how the 10.1 drivers are.

Haven't noticed anything like that.

I will say though, this card is quiet. I can't even notice any sound coming from it.