Just got a 8800Gts (320mb) GeForce suggestions.

[gibson724]

Well i just got one. and it happens to be rated really low on the fps 3dmark test. i have the standard drivers you would get from the nvidia site. suggestions anyone please. i want to run it at is full potential.

[sushrukh]

Welcome & more details please.Give a FutureMark Compare link if possible and/or total system config & what score you have got.

[Victor]

how low? what kind of psu are you using? how is your system's temp?

[the_dope_chaud]

details please !

[Ranzear]

If you're in Vista this is nothing new. My SLI-8800GTS system only gets 11.5-12k in the new OS when it should be 14k+. Expect service pack 1 to remedy this, or don't expect it and be pleasantly surprised when it does and not disappointed when it doesn't ($10 on the latter).

[gibson724]

PCU-Amd Anthlon 64 x2 Dual Core 3800+
Power Supply- forgot the brand but 500 watts.
Motherboard-Asus model ivy
Memory- 1gb x 2
HD-200 gb
I had just switched drivers to the new beta.
OS-Vista Premium
I did 3dmark test i think it is my pcu. and i dont know what my temp for my comp is. i dont know how to check.

[Ranzear]

Guh.

CPU.

Upgrade.

Eew...

That thing is choking it something fierce, and 3dmark is very CPU sensitive.

[gibson724]

i had a strong feeling it was the cpu. so the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ AM2 3.0GHz is the cpu im aiming for. i was wondering what cpu could be compatible. with my motherboard.is there anything else i should check or anything. cuz i really just want everything to work smoothly.i have Compaq Presario SR5130NX PC
that model computer. i really dont know what kind of motherboard it actually has. i have the money for the upgrade i just need some advice.

[gibson724]

suggestions anyone!!!

[Kougar]

According to Newegg it uses AM2 processors. I wouldn't expect a huge improvement from a CPU upgrade, but hey it's your money. :)

You may end up needing to buy a new PSU though, as OEM's like Compaq, Dell, and HP only ship the computer with a PSU sized for what it ships with. An 8800GTS is a hefty upgrade in power draw and a faster CPU will only add to that.

[trueg50]

Should be fine for the PSU. Check the amperage on PSU, thats what will be very important.

Don't worry about 3dmark, it is a synthetic benchmark that is losing its meaning. Focus on game benchmarks, thats what matters.

[Ranzear]

I'd highly suggest a 400 watt power supply. More is always better (See: Tagan 1100 watt power supply in mine, I've used the spare 12v amperage for a peltier).

That Compaq bios is going to give you fits over the new CPU. I would suggest ponying up for a barebones AM2 system (case, powersupply, mobo) and moving your beautiful new video card over. Say 300-350 for a fresh start instead of hashing it out with an inbred Compaq.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010030003+1045422510+1045906479+1046706508&name=1+x+PCI+Express+x16

[the_dope_chaud]

my brother's HP would not accept any other processor that I tried, just wouldnt boot.

[gibson724]

well this the deal. my father just bought this compaq figuring we can just slap on some parts to it and it should be fine. he didnt realize how the cpu sucked. so im pretty much stuck with this set up i guess.

now i have questions.
my psu is 450 watts. is that enough for the card and cpu? so if i put the cpu my chances of it properly working are low right?

[Kougar]

Safe bet is you can probably get away with a CPU upgrade. Just be sure to flash the motherboard BIOS to the most recent version first.

The real question is how many amps does the PSU offer on the 12v rail(s). An 8800GTS may or may not overhwelm the PSU, especially if you already upgraded the CPU in it. If you try to overclock anything then yes you can actually use over 450watts of power. I got a photograph of my Kill-a-Watt P3 meter to prove it. :)