So, I plan on buying an HD 2900XT, but need some advice - Overclock.net

kneeki · 10-23-07

I went to CompUSA today to pick up an ATi HD 2900XT 512Mb, and what luck! They had two boxes on the shelfs! I take it up to the register, only to be told they don't have any in stock.... Anyway, that just gave me more time to do some research, like the system requirements of the video card.

Looking here the requirements of the card is as follows:

AMD Athlon or Intel Pentium 4
512MB of system memory; 1GB or more for best performance.
Optical drive for installation software (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive).
A 750 Watt or better power supply with two 2x3-pin PCIe power connectors. For optimal performance, we recommend requires one 2x3-pin and one 2x4-pin PCIe power connector

Now, I currently have a 500 Watt PSU, is the performance (or reliability) of the card going to be diminished because of my current PSU, or should I pick up a new 750 Watt PSU? Also, I do not want to buy such a powerhouse today to find out that the next gen ATi cards are going to be dual GPU or whatever and leap hurdles over this next card for only $100 more. Does anyone have any advice about weather its worth the wait to get the next gen cards, or get this card now?

**grunion** · 10-23-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by kneeki

I went to CompUSA today to pick up an ATi HD 2900XT 512Mb, and what luck! They had two boxes on the shelfs! I take it up to the register, only to be told they don't have any in stock.... Anyway, that just gave me more time to do some research, like the system requirements of the video card.

Looking here the requirements of the card is as follows:

AMD Athlon or Intel Pentium 4
512MB of system memory; 1GB or more for best performance.
Optical drive for installation software (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive).
A 750 Watt or better power supply with two 2x3-pin PCIe power connectors. For optimal performance, we recommend requires one 2x3-pin and one 2x4-pin PCIe power connector

Now, I currently have a 500 Watt PSU, is the performance (or reliability) of the card going to be diminished because of my current PSU, or should I pick up a new 750 Watt PSU? Also, I do not want to buy such a powerhouse today to find out that the next gen ATi cards are going to be dual GPU or whatever and leap hurdles over this next card for only $100 more. Does anyone have any advice about weather its worth the wait to get the next gen cards, or get this card now?

Does your PSU have both and 8 pin and 6 pin PCI-E connector?
Anyway, get a new PSU IMO.

Also the 8800GT is right around the corner, might wanna wait.

tr8rjohnk · 10-23-07

Next round of cards that will support dx 10.1 are really right around the corner, I would wait. Also, if you do decide that you "need" one now, consider the 2900pro (its basically an xt with a different tag).

Do not run two of these things on that psu.

Also, what I would consider doing in the mean time is upgrading to a sound card (this is if you absolutely must buy something now) and ease the workload on your processor (onboard sound takes up valuable cpu power).

Good luck.

EDIT: Woot, 1000 posts!

Z_Vengeance · 10-23-07

Make sure your PSU has AT LEAST 2 6-pin connectors. The 2900 can use an 8 pin and a 6pin for overclocking, but the 8 pin isnt technically required. I know my 500 Watt PSU has no PICe connectors at all, so make sure you have what you need.

Also, Buying on line should be much cheaper than CompUSA, check the price at newegg.com

kneeki · 10-23-07

How much CPU power does onboard take? A noticeable difference? I have two Audigy 2 Soundcards sitting in my closet now that I can just plug in.

kneeki · 10-23-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z_Vengeance

Make sure your PSU has AT LEAST 2 6-pin connectors. The 2900 can use an 8 pin and a 6pin for overclocking, but the 8 pin isnt technically required. I know my 500 Watt PSU has no PICe connectors at all, so make sure you have what you need.

Also, Buying on line should be much cheaper than CompUSA, check the price at newegg.com

My origional plan was to buy online, but after shipping costs at TigerDirect.com, I changed my mind. But, now that I have to purchase a few things (as it is starting to turn out) I may just do one big order. =P

tr8rjohnk · 10-23-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by kneeki

How much CPU power does onboard take? A noticeable difference? I have two Audigy 2 Soundcards sitting in my closet now that I can just plug in.

I don't have any graphs or links but without a doubt it helps quite a bit. I'm sure you'll find another member or seven that'll agree.

Z_Vengeance · 10-23-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by tr8rjohnk

I don't have any graphs or links but without a doubt it helps quite a bit. I'm sure you'll find another member or seven that'll agree.

QFT

Any dedicated sound card is better than onboard. Throw one of those Audigy's in, youll be glad you did.

kneeki · 10-23-07

I'll do that when I get home, thanks for the tip!

Also, any ideas when the next gen cards will be released? 1-2 months, or 6? I realize that it would be rumor or speculation, but anything helps. I just got into the Hellgate London Beta, and being unable to see the game the way it's ment is driving me nuts! My poor X1600 just isn't cutting it anymore!

tr8rjohnk · 10-23-07

Quote:

Originally Posted by kneeki

I'll do that when I get home, thanks for the tip!

Also, any ideas when the next gen cards will be released? 1-2 months, or 6? I realize that it would be rumor or speculation, but anything helps. I just got into the Hellgate London Beta, and being unable to see the game the way it's ment is driving me nuts! My poor X1600 just isn't cutting it anymore!

http://www.overclock.net/hardware-ne...s-roadmap.html

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So, I plan on buying an HD 2900XT, but need some advice

10-23-07	#4 (permalink)
Z_Vengeance AMD Overclocker Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: University of Michigan Posts: 660 Rep: 65 Unique Rep: 57 Trader Rating: 3	Make sure your PSU has AT LEAST 2 6-pin connectors. The 2900 can use an 8 pin and a 6pin for overclocking, but the 8 pin isnt technically required. I know my 500 Watt PSU has no PICe connectors at all, so make sure you have what you need. Also, Buying on line should be much cheaper than CompUSA, check the price at newegg.com

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