Graphics Card Update

HappyIdiotTalk

basmic wrote: »

Another thing to consider, is that the lower-mid range graphic cards and CPUs are becoming more power efficient. I was rather surprised at the power usage dip recently when I upgraded my machine from a P4 3GHz with a 6800GT graphic card, to a Core 2 Duo 3GHz with a GTX260.

Its probably because the processors are smaller. The smaller the chip the less power needed to run it. Also the emphasis changed with the DUO. Rather than making a chip that simply runs faster, they added more cores. And since each tick of the clock requires power (hence the need to up voltage if you overclock - you dont get something for nothing), you'll save power if you do more per tick.

Percy1983

If you want midrange graphics have a loot at the ATI 4670, its doesn't need any extra power (draws all it needs from PCI-E) slot, it doesn't use much at all.

I lokk at the ampage on power supplies more than wattage, personnally I am running a winpower 850w supply, I know its never going to push that but it does cope nicely with my system.

basmic

HappyIdiotTalk wrote: »

Its probably because the processors are smaller. The smaller the chip the less power needed to run it. Also the emphasis changed with the DUO. Rather than making a chip that simply runs faster, they added more cores. And since each tick of the clock requires power (hence the need to up voltage if you overclock - you dont get something for nothing), you'll save power if you do more per tick.

I already know that - but my previous CPU was a P4 Prescott (aka: Presc-hot) which enjoyed guzzling electricity, even when idle.

I expected a next-gen 3GHz CPU to consume about the same power - but the other half expected it to be more conservative on the power side, because of the development in technologies etc.