graphics card question

xrev87x · 12-29-2008, 04:42 PM

ok am a noob at this so not so sure
ive seen some graphics cards without fans and passivly cool themselves, which is better?
and if i get a -

XFX NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS PCI-E Graphics Card
NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS Chipset
512MB DDR2 Memory
PCI Express 2.0 (16X)
DVI, VGA and TV OUT
450Mhz Core Clock speed
600mhz Memory Clock speed
Passively Cooled
Includes 4Pin S-Video Cable
Includes DVI - VGA Adapter

Product MPN
MPN: PVT86SYAFG

Processor
Graphic Processor: NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS
GPU Clock Speed: 450 MHz
RAMDAC Speed: 400 MHz

Key Features
Card Interface: PCI Express
Compatibility: PC

Memory
Installed Memory: 512 MB
Memory Tech: DDR2 SDRAM
Memory Data Width: 64-bit
Installed Memory / Technology: 512 MB (DDR2 SDRAM)
Memory Bandwidth: 6.4 GB/sec

Technical Features
Form Factor: Plug-in card
Max. Screen Resolution: 2048 x 1536
Special Features: HDTV TV-out Support

Input / Output
Display Interface: DVI-I (dual link) x 1, VGA - 15 pin D-Sub x 1
Output Interface: HDTV Out, S-Video

will this be able to run games on a decent graphics settint without overheating?

as i have read some reviews that have said passive cooling is not much good?

Jorsoft · 12-29-2008, 04:50 PM

The card isn't very powerful, probably low settings on most modern games.

I'm not a huge fan of passive cooling, actually. Usually you end up with these massive heat sinks on the car and they're quiet but get very hot. Probably not good for the life of the card and it seems like it would heat up your case's interior, too.

Going for passive cooling will limit you to midrange cards at best and they'll be considerably more expensive than a fan-cooled one. Any reason you're looking at passive cooling in particular? I assume it's to keep noise down but you can go for a card with a quieter fan, too.

Also, what games are you looking to play?

xrev87x · 12-29-2008, 04:57 PM

hi i just noticed one about and kinda said id look into it before buying, just cause i wasnt sure. but was told itd be alot quieter.

would be looking o play like doom3 on min spec and that, red alert 3 farcry1,2
Diablo3 when out and sims 3

have also seen this about

8600GT 512MB DDR2 TV 2 XDVI 2560X1600

Jorsoft · 12-29-2008, 04:58 PM

That would be better. What does the rest of your system look like?

xrev87x · 12-29-2008, 05:05 PM

intel core2 cpu 6300@1.80ghz
1gb mem
32bit os
Vista
19" tft

xrev87x · 12-29-2008, 05:05 PM

sorry really dont know too much about pcs lol

Jorsoft · 12-29-2008, 05:12 PM

I would recommend something more like this:
Newegg.com - EVGA 512-P3-N963-TR GeForce 9600 GSO 512MB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - Desktop Graphics / Video Cards

Depending on your price range and the country you live in, of course.

I'd also recommend another gig of memory, it's very cheap and will really boost your performance, especially with Vista.