Q: I'm new to building a gaming PC, and I'm on a $600 budget. I'm considering the following graphics cards: GeForce 8600 GT GeForce 9600 GT (recommended by someone) I was recommended this power supply (from same guy who recommended the 9600): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371019 I know that the PSU could handle the 8600, but what about the 9600? After thorough research I notice the power requirements on the +12v rail exceeds 18a (in the 20's). Am I fine getting the latter card? Or should I play it safe and get the former? I don't want to blow up my first build.
A: How about considering the XFX GeForce 8800GTS Alpha Dog Edition graphics card, instead? (Not to be confused with the old 8800GTS! This card is WAY different!) Why? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkUJYKnsgd4 High performance, with less power supply draw. Less heat, and PLENTY of overclocking headroom! Has 128 Stream Processors. The above link gives facts and figures based on Frames per Second Rate, Shader graphics, and real life scores, not sum on the paper benchmark scores! Benchmark scores look real good on paper! I want to see someone test the graphics card with games in real time. Then show me the results! The above link does. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3507889&CatId=28 (I wouldn't recommend an 8600 Nvidia graphics card on my worst enemy! You'll be wanting for more, about an hour into your game! It's like giving somebody a Honda 450, when a week later they'll want a really fast bike!) 9600? Read reviews, on this weak-in-the knees graphics card, then get back to me!) (64 Stream Processors! http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3763161&sku=G458-9602) Edit: Oh yeah! Power supply? Do you need a second job, or sell your house, for a decent reliable power supply that will more than handle your system, and this graphics card? No! http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276574&csid=_21 550 watts of true power, not sum overrated claim to sell a Psu! Everybody will say, "Get at least 750 watts, or a 1000 watts!" Why? Do you want to use two graphics cards, in SLI configuration? Almost $400 worth of graphics cards for what? Be like Mr.Gamer Joe? "I bought all the best stuff. Spent $2000 for a really nice gamer system." Pghh! I can build a slam-it-to-the-wall, and make the neighbors kids hide in fear, gamer system for less than a $1000! $800 will make a believer out of most people. Use deductive reasoning based on intelligent thought, and research. Don't take my word, another answerer's word, or the guy down the street's word. Use that computer, and use it for a tool. Check all the reviews for the hardware item you're looking for. Check the system requirements,(Processor, ram, power supply), and also compare products. Write this stuff down. Just sum advice. Edit 2: Your computer will only use what power it needs. You could put a 10,000 watt power supply in, and if the computer only needs 100 watts, it will just use 100 watts. The wattage rating you see for a power supply, is the MAXIMUM wattage available. This means 'Up to' the wattage rating stated. You won't burn anything up. Questions? Either come back with another question, and/or email me. I'll do my best.