Topic: Does replacing a video card require a format of the computer?

[iPPi]

I think my 7900 GTX is nearing the end of its life.  A couple months ago, when I still played WoW, it would freeze once or twice for 2 minutes before resuming gameplay.  At the time, I didn't think much about it.

I recently decided to try out Sims 3 and the graphics are flickering, along with massive texture and model tearing (I don't have a screenshot but I found one of the same problem from google)



I took a can of compressed air and sprayed my mobo, CPU, and video card.  I even took the video card out of its slot and sprayed it as well.  No dice -- after about 15-20 minutes of gameplay, graphics issues persist. 

I thought it was maybe Sims 3 or just drivers, so I updated them and tried Hitman and then my computer's video just died -- monitor went to sleep and stuff. 

Based on these symptoms, I think it's because the card is overheating, but even after spraying it with compressed air and stuff, it's still overheating so I think it's time to replace the card. 

When I do, do I need to reformat my machine?  If so, I might need to buy an external hard drive to back up my data that I've accumulated. 

Also, got any recommendation for a good video card while staying within the 200-250 budget?  I'm not a hardcore gamer anymore so I don't want to spend that much money, especially when the rest of my computer is 3+ years old and would probably bottleneck the card.

[Cobra951]

No, you don't have to reformat.  I've replaced the card twice in this thing, and I have yet to reformat it.

[gpw11]

I did have to reformat once when switching from Nvidia to ATI, but every other time has been fine.

[Pugnate]

If you are going to switch between Nvidia and ATi, then if it isn't too big a problem, I guess you could do a format. A lot of people seem to recommend it.

Whatever card you pick up, run 3Dmark on it, and see if that is the average score that card is delivering.

Also, don't compare the results to the ones on the 3Dmark website, or you will be severely disappointed. The 3Dmark website scores are full of insane overclocks and cheats etc, that are totally rubbish.

You are better off just googling your card name and the 3Dmark score, to see what normal forum posters are reporting.

Obviously your 3Dmark score doesn't matter in games, but it does point out if your card isn't performing to standard. If it isn't, then you could need a reformat.

It has actually happened to me when I upgraded from the 7800GTX to 8800GTX; I was getting 30% lower frames than the average. It took some hardcore driver cleaning to get it right, but in hindsight, I should have just reformatted.

[gpw11]

Yeah, I only had to reformat during the nvidia to ATI switch because Vice City was being a total bitch and reinstalling the program didn't help at all.

[iPPi]

I was thinking of getting an nVidia 260 or 275 or something.  Can't decide though.  And I'm not sure if a 550W PSU is sufficient for this video cards.

[Xessive]

I was thinking of getting an nVidia 260 or 275 or something.  Can't decide though.  And I'm not sure if a 550W PSU is sufficient for this video cards.

Yeah, you should be fine. As far as I know they run perfectly well with a 450W.

[Pugnate]

Yeah, you should be fine. As far as I know they run perfectly well with a 450W.

Well, when I got my 8800GTX, I e-mailed BFG and they told me they recommend I get a 500 watts PSU, and power requirements have gone up since... especially with ATi.

I remember my brother's old XFX 6800 card had a 450 watt recommendation.

I was thinking of getting an nVidia 260 or 275 or something.  Can't decide though.  And I'm not sure if a 550W PSU is sufficient for this video cards.

To be honest, I'd go for at least a 600. If the price difference is big, then don't.

I am on a 650 Cooler Master, though I really wanted the Corsair 620.

The thing is that it is just an investment for the future. Video cards are getting heavier, and while I won't on principle ever SLI (because I believe spending 800 watts is just a waste of electricity just to entertain oneself), I do think you should get enough to cover at least single card solutions in the future.

I would recommend this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139002

Corsair seems to have reached the top of the PSU foodchain lately. Though OCZ and Antec are still good options. Whatever you do, make sure your PSU has the pin connections for the newer video cards. The older ones don't, and most video card brands aside from BFG lack converters.

[Xessive]

My 8800 GTS says recommended 400W on the box. The higher the wattage the better of course, I mean it doesn't hurt.

According to Nvidia's product page the GTX 275's min requirment is 550W and the GTX 260's is 500W.

[iPPi]

I don't want to get a new PSU because I _just_ got a new 550W PSU.  My old PSU died (was a 500W) and I bought a new 550W PSU.  Now my video card is dying and I'm trying to minimize my expenses, especially since I don't game too often now on my PC.

[Pugnate]

Yea in that situation 550 will be fine.