Which GPU should I use? (Geforce 6600 PCIe vs. Geforce 9400GT PCI)

[statm1]

I was given an old P4 (Prescott) computer with a Geforce 6600 PCIe in it, but I also have a Geforce 9400GT PCI from another computer. I first assumed since it was PCIe it would be better but I thought I would ask you all's opinion. Which one should I use? It would be used for games that a P4 could handle.

Thanks!

[Vice]

9400GT

[statm1]

Just because its newer?

[AimLXJ]

_{GeForce 6600}

_{Memory Interface: 128-bit}

_{Memory Bandwidth: 16.0 GB/s.}

_{Fill Rate (pixels/s.): 4.0 billion}

_{Core Clock: 500MHz}

_{RAM Type: GDDR/GDDR3 (?)}

_{Video Memory: 128MB (?)}

_{Pixels per Clock (peak): 8}

RAMDACs: 400 MHz

_{GeForce 9400 GT}

_{Memory Interface: 128-bit}

_{Memory Bandwidth: 12.8 GB/s for boards configured with DDR2 800 MHz memory}

_{Fill Rate (pixels/s.): 4.4 billion}

_{Core Clock: 550MHz}

_{RAM Type: GDDR2/GDDR3}

_{Video Memory: 256 MB/512 MB/1024 MB 800 MHz GDDR2 or 256 MB 1600 MHz GDDR3}

_{Pixels per Clock (peak): 8}

RAMDACs: 400 MHz

_{Support DirectX 10, Shader Model 4.0, OpenGL 3.3, and PCI-Express 2.0}

_Source:

_{https://en.wikipedia...rce_6600_Series}

_{https://en.wikipedia...GeForce_9400_GT}

_{http://www.cnet.com/...7-31138497.html}

_{http://fintelpc.com/...orce-9400GT-1GB}

_{Red Font = Difference}

_{I'm not sure sure which is better for performance; I thought I provide some information when comparing the two.}

[statm1]

Thanks AimLXJ! So I am gathering that since the 9400GT is capable of DX10 and Shader 4.. That its slightly better even though there is less memory bandwidth.

[AimLXJ]

Thanks AimLXJ! So I am gathering that since the 9400GT is capable of DX10 and Shader 4.. That its slightly better even though there is less memory bandwidth.

I'm also guessing that the GeForce 9400GT will draw less power since NVIDIA recommends 300 watts while the GeForce 6600 is 350 watts, so that's good :D

[statm1]

Yep that is good as well!

[Blackhearted]

_{I'm not sure sure which is better for performance; I thought I provide some information when comparing the two.}

You got the pixel and texture fillrates mixed up in your comparison. What you listed was actually the texture fillrate, the pixel fillrate of both cards is half those numbers.

[neoadorable]

definitely the 9400

[+InsaneNutter MVC]

You can also offload the decoding of Blu-rays and HD video on to the Geforce 9400, so it would mean your PC is capable of playing 1080p video.

[statm1]

Thanks for the comments!

You can also offload the decoding of Blu-rays and HD video on to the Geforce 9400, so it would mean your PC is capable of playing 1080p video.

Automatically or would I have to do anything special?

[+InsaneNutter MVC]

Automatically or would I have to do anything special?

Depends on what application you use to play Blu-rays or your media.

PowerDVD and XBMC can take advantage of it out the box i believe.

If you install the Windows 7 Codec Pack its easy to enable hardware acceleration for all media, it might even just do it if you install something like ffdshow.

[statm1]

Everyone realizes this is a PCI 9400GT right? Not a PCI Express like my 6600 is.. Just making sure because the 9400 would automatically be better if it was the PCI Express version.

If you install the Windows 7 Codec Pack its easy to enable hardware acceleration for all media, it might even just do it if you install something like ffdshow.

Well I have k-lite installed already.. So, I'll look around in there.

[strekship]

I'm not sure the that the 9400 uses enough bandwidth for it to matter.

[+InsaneNutter MVC]

Indeed i don't think it will matter, your not going to be doing any hardcore gaming with either card.

The 9400 is by far the best of a bad bunch though, so just stick it in your PC and enjoy.