Zaranell
New Member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2012
- Messages
- 8 (0.00/day)
Processor | AMD Phenom II X4 965 3.4GHz (Quad-core) |
---|---|
Motherboard | ASUS M3A76-CM |
Memory | 4GB DDR2 |
Video Card(s) | MSI GeForce GTX 560 |
Case | Some variety of Cooler Master |
Power Supply | ENERMAX NAXN 82+ 550W |
Couple of questions about buying a GTX 660ti (ANSWERED)
Apparently, the GeForce forums have been down for months, and there's no indication of when they'll be back. I was worried I wouldn't be able to find any help, but this forum seems like an excellent place for PC discussion. I'll have to keep it in mind next time I have any other issues. Now then, on to the reason I'm here:
As the title suggests, I plan on purchasing a GTX 660ti. It's more expensive than what I had originally planned to spend on a video card, but it comes with a Borderlands 2 coupon, which is the main reason I'm upgrading anyway. However, the requirement details on the Newegg store page lists a power supply unit with a minimum 450 watts. Much to my dismay, I opened up my case and discovered I only have a 420w PSU. I feel stupid for even asking this, but: is replacing my PSU absolutely necessary to safely run the card? I honestly have no idea how much of a difference 30 watts would make.
My second question is in regards to my CPU. It's an AMD Athlon II X2 245 (dual-core, 2.9GHz). I'm certain this will bottleneck the 660ti; does anyone have a guess as to how much? I plan on upgrading that component in the future, but I can't afford replacing both it and the video card right now. I've never tried overclocking my CPU before, but from what I've read, it shouldn't be too difficult. I'll just have to make sure I can manage the heat, since I don't know any particular cooling methods. Hopefully doing so will be enough to manage the bottleneck. I doubt I'll be able to play at max settings until I get a new processor, but considering that I've been playing on a GeForce 9500 GT for a couple of years, I think I manage "almost max" settings.
I have 4GB of RAM and a 1440x900 (I think about 17") monitor, if those make any difference. I don't know which motherboard I have, but I can look that up if that info is needed.
Apparently, the GeForce forums have been down for months, and there's no indication of when they'll be back. I was worried I wouldn't be able to find any help, but this forum seems like an excellent place for PC discussion. I'll have to keep it in mind next time I have any other issues. Now then, on to the reason I'm here:
As the title suggests, I plan on purchasing a GTX 660ti. It's more expensive than what I had originally planned to spend on a video card, but it comes with a Borderlands 2 coupon, which is the main reason I'm upgrading anyway. However, the requirement details on the Newegg store page lists a power supply unit with a minimum 450 watts. Much to my dismay, I opened up my case and discovered I only have a 420w PSU. I feel stupid for even asking this, but: is replacing my PSU absolutely necessary to safely run the card? I honestly have no idea how much of a difference 30 watts would make.
My second question is in regards to my CPU. It's an AMD Athlon II X2 245 (dual-core, 2.9GHz). I'm certain this will bottleneck the 660ti; does anyone have a guess as to how much? I plan on upgrading that component in the future, but I can't afford replacing both it and the video card right now. I've never tried overclocking my CPU before, but from what I've read, it shouldn't be too difficult. I'll just have to make sure I can manage the heat, since I don't know any particular cooling methods. Hopefully doing so will be enough to manage the bottleneck. I doubt I'll be able to play at max settings until I get a new processor, but considering that I've been playing on a GeForce 9500 GT for a couple of years, I think I manage "almost max" settings.
I have 4GB of RAM and a 1440x900 (I think about 17") monitor, if those make any difference. I don't know which motherboard I have, but I can look that up if that info is needed.
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