decisions...

[culexor]

Ok, I now have a final budget...$410....
I want a GeForce 8800GT 512MB NOT 256MB. I would also like a new power supply (preferably modular) with a 6-pin pci-e connection. The power supply I have is 500W but is a piece of junk...I got it for $20 because it was an emergency (so obviously its crap). On the higher end 8800GT's there are reports of the card running hot so I am thinking about getting a VGA cooler:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835106112
and some arctic silver 5 thermal compound...

what is the best combination for my budget? the vga cooler isnt manditory but it would be nice (if i really need it...please let me know if i do...i do NOT plan on overclocking)

for the card....i would like it to be at least 650mhz if that doesn't fit my budget then i will settle for less

 

[Thrasher]

What resolution do you plan on running the 512MB 8800GT on?

 

[culexor]

1280x1024 (standard 17" lcd non widescreen)

 

[Bobert93]

evga 8800GT $290
clooermaster 650W eXtreme power $100
artic silver 5
and i dont think you will need a VGA cooler, well for now just see how hot the card runs

 

[serani]

From what I've read, not ALL 8800's are running hot, some Manufacs void warrenty if you replace heatsink so just read up on whatever you buy, check out consumer reports obviously-

if then it heats up beyond what you'd prefer, check out the warrenty info to see if getting a coolent voids anything, I'd still void to cool my gfx ha

 

[Bobert93]

i guess thats y the GTS has the 2nd slot cooler

 

[culexor]

the psu has a $45 MIR (on zipzoomfly at least) so that can go towards the cooler
https://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=371926