Solved GPUZ question

[dreemwarrior]

Ok, I am running ATI 4350 w/1Gb DDR2 (according to GPUZ), but my system has 6GB of DDR3. So my question is, could the DDR2 be the cause of my poor Index score in regards to graphics? I would like to think I have enough system to run HIGH end apps as well as games. I notice when I run COD4 MW in 1080x1024, its a little sluggish, but if I drop the res. slightly, its fine.
This is what GPUZ shows...
I'm wondering if I should just go with a new card altogether,and if so, any recomendations based on sys specs?
Oh, and also I see that crossfire is disabled, yet I show dual GPU? what gives?

 

[Brink]

Hello Joey,

You're graphics card memory is what is being used instead of your RAM for video processing.

Looking at your graphic cards specs, it appears to be a value card that's not as fast as one of the more expensive high end cards. It just depends on how much performance vs price you want. If you are happy with this running at a lower resolution in the game, then I would not worry about it.

Hope this helps some,
Shawn

 

[dreemwarrior]

Hello Joey,

You're graphics card memory is what is being used instead of your RAM for video processing.

Looking at your graphic cards specs, it appears to be a value card that's not as fast as one of the more expensive high end cards. It just depends on how much performance vs price you want. If you are happy with this running at a lower resolution in the game, then I would not worry about it.

Hope this helps some,
Shawn

Well honestly, with what I have invested to date, I would prefer to have full 1080. Any thoughts on better cards, IYO?

 

[Brink]

It depends on how much you want to spend, but the best one is the ATI 5970. It also costs around $500 as well. :eek:

You might consider one of the higher end 4800 series to see of you can find a balance between price and performance to meet your needs. Here's the link to check all of them out.

AMD Graphics for Desktop PCs

 

[dreemwarrior]

Thanks Shawn,
I was just looking at Fry'sand found this one. I'd like to think that even this one would give a noticeable difference.

FRYS.com*|*Asus EAH5750/2DIS/1GD5
And yeah $500 is a bit much...at the moment anyways.

 

[Brink]

Looks good to me. I would think that you should see a nice improvement with it.

 

[dreemwarrior]

Sweet. I hope to have it installed tomorrow. Will give you an update on performance. May even up RAM to 8GB while I'm there....why not.
You know, I actually bought that card as an upgrade to the stock card that the system came with. Thought I had something good.LOL
Hey thanks for your advice.

 

[smarteyeball]

Oh, and also I see that crossfire is disabled, yet I show dual GPU? what gives?

Do you have two cards installed? If not, there's your answer.

Going to 8GB will not improve game performance.

 

[Brink]

Sweet. I hope to have it installed tomorrow. Will give you an update on performance. May even up RAM to 8GB while I'm there....why not.
You know, I actually bought that card as an upgrade to the stock card that the system came with. Thought I had something good.LOL
Hey thanks for your advice.

You're welcome Joey. Enjoy your new graphics card.

 

[dreemwarrior]

Oh, and also I see that crossfire is disabled, yet I show dual GPU? what gives?

Do you have two cards installed? If not, there's your answer.

Going to 8GB will not improve game performance.

No, only one card...for now.(And obviously now what I thought it was)
I realize more ram wont help gaming performance,its just the thought of having the room for more, and not utilizing it, I guess. Bigger is better kinda thing.
BTW, if I were to install dual cards(not likely), do they need to be matched? Hopefully with this new one, it will be all I need. I only use dual monitors for the sole purpose of being lazy in the recliner w/wireless K B & Mouse.

 

[smarteyeball]

I realize more ram wont help gaming performance,its just the thought of having the room for more, and not utilizing it, I guess. Bigger is better kinda thing.

lol, I know the feeling

BTW, if I were to install dual cards(not likely), do they need to be matched? Hopefully with this new one, it will be all I need

They don't have to be an exact match, but they do need to from the same 'series' ie You could crossfire either a 5750, or 5770, but not a 5750 and a 4xxx or 58xx series card.

Although, you'd most likely need to upgrade your PSU

 

[dreemwarrior]

Ahh...gotcha. No matter...like I said, I'm off to the puter store as soon as it opens. You know, now that I think about it, when I first installed this card, I immediately had issues with the system. Had to call Dell, and one person said that it wasn't compatible with my system, then another said it would be fine. Dell had installed a much smaller card 512mb 3xxxx series if I remember. Seems odd that they would use a sub-par video card in a system like this, don't you think?

 

[smarteyeball]

Dell has so many 'configurations' that 'trade offs' are normal.

As for the current power supply and a new card, it's not so much the total wattage, but amps on the 12v rail that is important. You'd have to physically look at the label on the PSU to see what it is.

Since you haven't picked up the 5750 yet, I'd personally consider the few extra $ and go for a 5770. A 5770 doesn't use that much extra in the power department but will give you better overall performance.

 

[dreemwarrior]

Cool, I'll do that. Yeah, it's not that much of a price difference, really. especially since it will be sub-par before long.

 

[smarteyeball]

I'd just suggest double checking that the PSU has the sufficient amps - although I'd say you'd be fine. (Just don't want you to get home and have hassles )

A 5770 is roughly equivalent to a 4870 in performance and that card is no slouch. it should handle COD no worries

 

[dreemwarrior]

I'd just suggest double checking that the PSU has the sufficient amps - although I'd say you'd be fine. (Just don't want you to get home and have hassles )

A 5770 is roughly equivalent to a 4870 in performance and that card is no slouch. it should handle COD no worries

Yeah that would bite... Before I open the case, what would an adequate amperage be on a 450w PSU?

 

[smarteyeball]

26+ on a single 12V - if it's in the 32-40 range you'll be laughing.

(keep in mind that that the 12v also has to power the CPU etc)

 

[dreemwarrior]

Let me run this by you...
what if I were to get the 5770 for all high end apps, and used the 4350 exclusively for all media(HDTV, Blu-ray,etc. Is that feasable, or is it pick one or the other? (Gaming PC or Media) Sorry for all the lame questions...I'm a PC addict and I truly love learning(anything) if that makes any sense:D haha
Thanks again!

Hmm. Would you believe it came with only a 375W PSU @ 22a on 12va/vb?? I was told it was 450w(Never thought to question it.) Checked the build sheet...says 450w. I think someone was scavenging parts....

 

[dreemwarrior]

Well...I went to buy the 5770 card,( which WOULD have been on sale TODAY.. but they were out of stock til Fri. But as I'm reading the sys req's for the card online at store...(Ahem) MIN 500w PSU.
Now for the good news. I picked up a 700w Coolmax w quad 12v rails dual PCI-Eand serious shielding of cables...sticker price=$79.99 Discounted to $61.74....at the register, this unit is on sale this week only for $49.99....with a $20 MIR!!! So 30 bucks for a 700w! Not bad,eh?
Now if I can just keep my shorts on til Fri....
( hope this doesnt resemble marketing a product here)
If so, feel free to delete it Shawn.

 

[smarteyeball]

Not many marketing spiels include removal of pants, so you should be fine

It's not that surprising what you thought you'd paid for turned out to be something different

As for using the 4350 as a 'media' card, then unfortunately the answer is no. The 5770 will be the primary card and will do all those tasks anyway.

The only way it could be utilised would be if you were to use a second/third etc monitor/screen.

Where are you purchasing it from?