Question 1

I am planning on purchasing a graphics card for dual monitors. Will this one do that with just the two DVI ports? Can I ignore the mini HDMI port altogether?

Accepted Answer

It can, yes. I've used the mini HDMI for a couple things, but I've run dual monitor through the two DVI ports (one as a DVI and one as a VGA w/DVI-VGA converter)

Question 2

Excuse me for re-posting, but I have another question about this unit (which will replace my 9600GT). Also wanted to point out that I'm elderly and need a bit of patience. :)...... Here are my specs for my computer. I have also ordered 2x2 more gigs of RAM and would like to know if with all these tweaks, I may need some other hardware, such as a fan, etc? I appreciate any and all help! I play Warcraft to help with my cognitive functions as I have that "CRS Disease. ----- Thanks very much, indeed! ------ Bill

My Operating System
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit SP1
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+55 °C
Brisbane 65nm Technology
RAM
4.00GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 387MHz (5-5-5-18)
Motherboard
ASUSTeK Computer INC. M2A-VM (Socket AM2 )40 °C
Graphics
LCD TV (1360x768@60Hz)
512MB NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT (EVGA)57 °C
Storage
465GB Hitachi HDP725050GLA360 ATA Device (SATA)44 °C
Optical Drives
TSSTcorp CDDVDW SH-S202H ATA Device
Audio
Realtek High Definition Audio

Accepted Answer

Hey Bill!
The graphics card should work with that motherboard, but it is going to work its best in a well ventilated computer case. The basic push-pull set up is an intake fan in the front of the case, and one exhaust fan in the back or the back top. If you have that basic setup, or close to it, I am sure the graphics card will cool itself just fine. Although the graphics card can operate at 105*C, the card will last much longer if you have it running much cooler, say 70*C while playing Warcraft. You can of course track the temperature of the graphics card using a number of programs, one such being "MSI Afterburner."

I do not think adding more ram will affect any other hardware in your system, and you should not need any other hardware in addition. Good luck!

Question 3

Is this a good choice to upgrade from an NVidia 9600gt?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

Yes
It is an upgrade.  This card will do more of the graphics heavy lifting.
A PCI Express 3.0 slot is key.

Question 4

what power supply would you suggest me for this graphics card?

Accepted Answer

Anything with the correct plugs. I'm pretty sure all it needs is a single PCI 6 pin.

Any of the bronze or higher rated 500 watt units should be more than enough, unless you're pushing an AMD 8 core with high clocks, then go with 650 watt.

Question 5

Does the refurb come with the same accessories as the NIB version? Specifically I'm looking to see if it comes with DVI dual link and power molex cable, will this include those items?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately the refurb I received did not come with any of the accessories.  I was rather disappointed by this myself.  However, the video card itself looks perfectly new and has been running fine since installing.

Question 6

Where can I buy the 6-pin PCI-E cable? How do I know I am buying the right one??

Accepted Answer

A lot of newer power supplies actually have the 6-pin power cable standard so you may want to check. Otherwise you need to pickup a molex to 6-pin adapter like this one from newegg "http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814999018" These types on cables are standardized so you don't have to worry about buying the correct one. If you get a 6-pin cable it will work for your card or any other card that requires one.

Question 7

I have a HP I7 tower,it has a PCI express 2.0 x 16 slot. Is the PCI express 3.0 compatible with my system?

Thanks

Accepted Answer

Yes PCI express 3.0 cards can work in the PCI express 2.0 slots. Thats what I'm running now with 2 of my computers

Question 8

Going in a Dell insoiron 530, had a 9800 GT GeForce same brand as this. it went out after years, have had iut since WoW burning cusade. I got skyrim 6 months ago, took my RAM to 6 GB from 2, maxed my CPU to 3.33, hard drive is 500 GB. just need a GPU, elder scrolls online and a new power supply?. would love to be directed to the best power supply at a good cost, on a very low budget, already hard just to buy this GPU. my comp runs a 6 pin power connector, and PCI 16, and 400 wtt PSU
Maybe there is a better GPU for my Computer setup and game I want, but this seems good, just GPU and PSU. Thanks

Accepted Answer

You will need a larger power supply.  I believe mine is 850 watts or so.  Not sure what the manufacturer recommends but I would go bigger they recommend.  Next, while the card will fit in your computer this is a PCI Express 3 card so you will not get the same framerates you would have on a newer computer.  I'm like you, I upgraded an older computer to 650 TI.  It's better than the old card but I really need a newer motherboard and chip.  I would really recommend an ASUS motherboard with automatic overclocking and an entry level i5 CPU.  This will also give you the newer PCI 3 slot which will make the GPU go faster.  I play StarCraft II and I still need to throttle my graphics down on the 650 IT.  I don't think it's the GPU but my motherboard, CPU, and old PCI slot that is the slowdown for me.  I don't think you will be entirely happy with any GPU you buy without upgrading the motherboard and CPU.

Question 9

does this come with the cables and adapters if needed?

Accepted Answer

Card alone as it's a refurb.  I had to buy my own HDMI to MiniHDMI and DVI-D to VGA.  The HDMI is having display issues on my girlfriend's 1080 TV, though.  The display reaches beyond the screen at 1920x1080.

Question 10

know this has no SLI but can I use my 560 as a dedicated physx card with this bad boy or is that an SLI thing?

Accepted Answer

Plug it in. Go to nv control panel go to the physx page & see if it gives you the option. It may not increase performance though. So bench it out to make sure. Not sure if it requires the ski bridge or not

Questions & Answers