8800 GT for GP

**JBMCW2010** · 01-27-09, 12:28 PM

Alright, I have a class in which I must program a general purpose program (no idea...yet) on a GPU and compare the out come across the CPU v GPU.

My prof is looking at super cheap cards, like 20-40 range. I asked on NVid's forums for CUDA (the programing language for GP:GPU) and they say the 88s are where it is at. Newegg currently only sells a 8800GT for $100.

My thinking is this I get a new Vid card out of it. If my prof puts 30 to the card and I put the other 70, is the 8800GT $70 worth better than my current ATI X1600?

**w4jchosen** · 01-27-09, 12:33 PM

Go here maybe? http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php

**JBMCW2010** · 01-27-09, 12:41 PM

Originally Posted by w4jchosen

Go here maybe? http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php

now isn't that handy

**triggerhappy2005** · 01-28-09, 04:38 AM

8800GT will blow away an X1600. I have one in a backup rig and I can play BF2 at 1680x1050 with all settings maxed. Try that with the X1600.

**JBMCW2010** · 01-28-09, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

8800GT will blow away an X1600. I have one in a backup rig and I can play BF2 at 1680x1050 with all settings maxed. Try that with the X1600.

I wouldn't dare. Hmm, alright. Now would a 450W PSU be sufficient with this Card? It says min 400W, I run a Pent D 3GBs RAM. Is this kosher?

**triggerhappy2005** · 01-28-09, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by JBMCW2010

Originally Posted by triggerhappy2005

8800GT will blow away an X1600. I have one in a backup rig and I can play BF2 at 1680x1050 with all settings maxed. Try that with the X1600.

I wouldn't dare. Hmm, alright. Now would a 450W PSU be sufficient with this Card? It says min 400W, I run a Pent D 3GBs RAM. Is this kosher?

As long as it's a name brand PSU, no sweat.

**vexle** · 01-28-09, 03:21 PM

yeah, all that checks out. Unless you start doubling up on components you're OK.

**JBMCW2010** · 01-29-09, 08:56 AM

how about heat? how are these bad larrys on heat dissipation? would I need to up my case fans from the stock ones?

**WileECyte** · 01-29-09, 09:06 AM

The 8800GTs run pretty warm. Some of that is more a reflection of the stock cooling solution provided by most OEMs. I recently purchased a third-party cooler for my 8800GT to try and get it running cooler. I know others have done this as well.

**JBMCW2010** · 01-29-09, 05:15 PM

Originally Posted by WileECyte

The 8800GTs run pretty warm. Some of that is more a reflection of the stock cooling solution provided by most OEMs. I recently purchased a third-party cooler for my 8800GT to try and get it running cooler. I know others have done this as well.

The GT isn't a massive card like the 8800GTX right? I'll head to the near by computer store and check out the Cooling fans as well. would you recommend case fans? or card fans\heatsink?