Finding hardware info, any suggestions

[ECA]

First off thanks guys for the help in my other thread, I've decided to upgrade my ram/graphics card/hdd rather than buy a new system.

My problem is, there are 3 models of my system out and I'm not sure how exactly to figure out which one it is.

ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
ASUSTeK Computer Inc.


These are the 3 possible models.

I've installed HWinfo and my motherboard chipset info says

IntelG956 ( Broadwater - G) + ICH8(R) which seems to indicate its either the first or the third option as the second option has ICH7 instead of ICH8, however confusing me is the fact that only the second has two ram slots and thats what I seem to have, going to open the case and have a look myself and verify/see if I can spot anything but any suggestions welcome.

Also on the upgrade route, my current graphics card is an X1950 pro, would the increase in power requirements for a 8800/9800 mean I have to upgrade anyway due to the PSU?

Thanks as always.

 

[ECA]

ok had a peek, figured out how to open it up

mobo rev is 1.02g and I actually have 4 ram slots so its the first or the third

 

[ECA]

I think they both have the same mobos so its just the other hardware features that differ? Not sure. anyhoo.

My current card is an X1950 pro, but it only just barely fits due to the front socket card/stuff, it looks like unless I'm mistaken the 8800/9800 series are bigger and I might run into a size issue there?

 

[inactionman]

Did you buy it online? If so, have you tried searching your email for the order, or checking the account online? I often do this.

Sounds like you'll have trouble fitting a 8800GTS or a 9800GTX, you might want to get the tape measure out though!

 

[ECA]

Is there anywhere I can find the physical size of cards?

I found some info about actual power draw and it seems the 8800/9800 series use less than my aging 1950

Does adding more ram up the psu load by much btw? I have no clue.

 

[inactionman]

Try the spec sheets, else google it.

Next to no power draw from more RAM.

 

[ECA]

Cool.

been googling, looks like my x1950 is 9" long and the 9800gtx is 10+1/2

 

[inactionman]

8800GTS is shorter, 9" apparently.

 

[ECA]

Yeah I'm going to open the case up again after some dinner, see if I can take the front socket stuff out that I dont use anyway and get a 9800gtx to fit.

 

[Jonty]

Hi ECA

Just to confirm a few things. You're right, the X1950 and 8800 GTS are both around 9" long, whereas the 9800 GTX is 10.5".

In terms of power requirements, it depends what kind of setup you have now, but you should be okay if you have a decent 450W PSU or above. RAM doesn't impact the power draw much, but graphics cards do. Despite the size, and requiring two power connectors, the 9800 GTX draws virtually the same power as the 8800 GTS, and both are not vastly different to the X1950 (because newer technology is generally smaller and more efficient, despite the performance gains).

Personally I'd go for the 9800 GTX, but that's just me. You should note it and the GX2 will be superceded around July by the 9900 series (nVidia's marketing people need shooting ><).

Kind regards