nVidia Geforce 8400GS 512MB Budget Card Good Enough To Play Source Games (High Settings)? - Hardware & Software

Hey facepunch. Well I am going to ditch what I currently have (integrated Intel GMA 950 224MB) for the nVidia Geforce 8400GS with 512 megs of video ram. I am super anxious to get this card and see what kind of performance boost I get, however, I fear it won't be good enough. I am getting this card because it has good reviews for a budget card, but none of them specifically pertain or hold information on what I want to know. My questions are: Will it be able to run source games? I mean with High model detail, very high textures, high shader, full water detail, CC on, AA OFF, HDR + bloom on, high shadows, and the highest filtering setting? What FPS will it go at (question above)? Do any of you have the same card? How does it perform for you? Thanks for taking the time to view this. If you want to see the EXACT card I am getting, look below. Also, I might choose to OC this card just a bit, not too much or too little, just enough to give me a small performance boost. [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130592&cm_re=evga_geforce_8400gs-_-14-130-592-_-Product[/url] Oh, and just for a little added info: I can play source games on the Intel GMA 950 at low on small maps (counter strike and HL2:DM 20-40fps) but on mid/high settings w/ a bunch of people and a bunch of contraptions on gm_construct (40-50 fps)

Source is generally handled better by ATI cards - I've seen it run on high on nothing more than a crappy integrated ATI card built-in to a cheapo gateway laptop from 2008.

I have a machine with a 8400GS, I used to play on that machine (nnghhhh). Hell no. I played TF2 on low with me at 1440x900.

[QUOTE=fishyfish777;30723315]Source is generally handled better by ATI cards - I've seen it run on high on nothing more than a crappy integrated ATI card built-in to a cheapo gateway laptop from 2008.[/QUOTE] I find that strange as my GTX 275 outperformed my HD 5850 in TF2.

If you can look for a 8800GT, it will give you everything which you're asking for, the 8400GS isn't really a good card and it under performs a lot. You wont be able to run games on high using it (if you want something which is a decent framerate, otherwise you'll have to put up with 20fps).

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162080[/url] $39.99 after rebate. Relatively cheap and the extra VRAM will help depending on your resolution.

[QUOTE=EDDY TT;30724581]If you can look for a 8800GT, it will give you everything which you're asking for, the 8400GS isn't really a good card and it under performs a lot. You wont be able to run games on high using it (if you want something which is a decent framerate, otherwise you'll have to put up with 20fps).[/QUOTE] 20 FPS isn't bad in my book with that high of settings, because the settings I have my games at now are practically unplayable (800 x 600 res, Med models, high textures, low shader, no aa, trilnear filtering, low draw distance etc). The integrated chipset that I'm stuck with for a couple more days also can't render far, so when looking at the more highly detailed & GPU heavy part of gm_bigcity, I quite literally get only 1-5fps. Im lucky to get 30 or above when nothing is happening (but with a lot of props) on certain maps. [editline]26th June 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=Tukimoshi;30724632][url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162080[/url] $39.99 after rebate. Relatively cheap and the extra VRAM will help depending on your resolution.[/QUOTE] Thanks man, but I really can't go over 35 bucks. And the card I'm getting is one cent less. :) Thanks anyways though for putting in effort to help me out. :h:

[QUOTE=Cjmax;30724667]20 FPS isn't bad in my book with that high of settings, because the settings I have my games at now are practically unplayable (800 x 600 res, Med models, high textures, low shader, no aa, trilnear filtering, low draw distance etc). The integrated chipset that I'm stuck with for a couple more days also can't render far, so when looking at the more highly detailed & GPU heavy part of gm_bigcity, I quite literally get only 1-5fps. Im lucky to get 30 or above when nothing is happening (but with a lot of props) on certain maps. [editline]26th June 2011[/editline] Thanks man, but I really can't go over 35 bucks. And the card I'm getting is one cent less. :) Thanks anyways though for putting in effort to help me out. :h:[/QUOTE] No offence but I can mow a lawn in an hour for $25. I'm sure you could earn the extra money and it's really worth it! You shouldn't skimp out on a card, you won't get a big boost if you get a super budget card.

I gave my brother a 3650. He seemed to like it, played at 1440x900 on TF2 quite a bit. Go check out some 2008 [url=http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/]benchmarks on Toms Hardware[/url] - the few that I looked at place the 3650 quite a bit higher than the 8400 GS, but it probably depends on the game and resolution you play at. [url=http://www.outletpc.com/video-cards-pci-e-video-cards.html#top]OutletPC[/url] has them refurbished for just below $35. Make sure you're taking into account S&H on these...

Go for a cheapo ATi, like the HD 5450. It's nice for Source games, and it can run Crysis on V. High (with the exception of Shaders & Shadows) at 20fps or so.

[QUOTE=brandonsh;30725110]Go for a cheapo ATi, like the HD 5450. It's nice for Source games, and it can run Crysis on V. High (with the exception of Shaders & Shadows) at 20fps or so.[/QUOTE] Ooh, it's like 30$ on Newegg after you take in rebate and then add shipping. Oh shit nevermind, that was the HIS card. The XFX card is 25,98$

How strapped for cash that 40 bucks is a big deal? Do you not work?

[QUOTE=Brt5470;30726622]How strapped for cash that 40 bucks is a big deal? Do you not work?[/QUOTE] We're talking about a forum consisting mostly of lazy people. Most people here don't work.

Even my 9500GT was able to go max, and that thing sucks balls. Try to go a little more expensive than $40 if possible. There monk, I edited out my blasphemy ;)

[QUOTE=paindoc;30728833]I have dual 7900GTX's that run every source game on max. I have a feeling you'll be fine. Even my 9500GT was able to go max, and that thing sucks balls. An 8800GS is just short of 7900GTX on passmark, so you should be fine. Reason I say that is because the GPUs are the only nice part on my computer.[/QUOTE] you do realize the 8400gs is vastly inferior to SLI'd 7900s right and OP unless your mother is a crack whore you should be able to scrounge enough money off her to buy a $60 graphics card like the GT220, one that isn't all that good but is way better than a 5 year old GPU that was crap when it was released like the 8400GS

Someone posted a GT 520 for 40 a bit up. And the GT220 is (as far as I know) just a rereleased 9400, which performs similar to a 8400. I haven't looked up benchmarks, though, so I might be wrong.

My GT 240 can max out source game, so get that.

Well I was just watching some videos featuring the card I am going to get... you have all been pretty negative toward this card, which is understandable, but I think it will be ok. Check out some of these videos displaying what games I'll play and will soon hopefully play w/ this card. [b] Games I will play [/b] This one seems to be CS:S w/ low settings. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd-n-xcim1c&NR=1[/media] Appears to be CS:S at high settings w/ great FPS. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGA4lkhmwRc[/media] Can't tell what graphics settings their using in this one, its TF2, kinda displays good FPS. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t2lJvve-wU[/media] This one showcases EP2, its a really good video because I have basically same specs. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5dqOm7dhEc[/media] NFS:MW video. Shows 10-15 fps but most likely do to recorder. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbs-gAr6g4s[/media] GTA:SA benchmark video. Discription says 20-25 fps with fraps, up to 30 w/out and on high settings. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQGp-2ZSJeA[/media] [b] Games I would like to play [/b] This vid showcases GTA:IV I doubt I can play it on my PC but what the heck. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jpV5Sw6UEA&feature=related[/media] Burnout Paradise... [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjKxEx9CjPg[/media] Last but not least... GARRYS MOD :D (Showing high FPS with high settings - I'm in love!) [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTbZlBL8I5g[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIK9mwz4mk4&feature=related[/media] [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaINNMJXWZU&feature=related[/media] Cool huh?

Atleast you can run gmod with good FPS on low/medium settings. my 8500GT struggled with high settings.

I'm sorry but an 8400GS will not handle those games Maybe on low/medium settings Try aim for a second hand 8800GT/9600GT/9800GT [editline]27th June 2011[/editline] Maxed out Source on those cards is a piece of cake.

[QUOTE='[EG] Pepper;30730507']I'm sorry but an 8400GS will not handle those games Maybe on low/medium settings Try aim for a second hand 8800GT/9600GT/9800GT [editline]27th June 2011[/editline] Source on a 9600 is a piece of cake maxed out[/QUOTE] What about the second video? I have basically [i]exact[/i] same specs as him and he plays CS:S fine on max.

Yeah but that's just CS:S My netbook can nail that easily. [editline]27th June 2011[/editline] Also it helps what model the PC is/the specs of it. Judging by the GMA950 this is a laptop? If so then you are shit outta luck upgradewise.

Desktop. Everything seems pretty decent on it besides the 'effin graphics chipset. >.< Pentium D 3.0GHz dual core 2 x 512MB DDR2 Ram (soon to be upgraded to 2gb ddr2 one stick rather than 2) 250GB SATA 7200RPM And of course... Intel GMA 950 224MB memory total, 130 shared. [editline]27th June 2011[/editline] Also: [img]http://filesmelt.com/dl/Scores.JPG[/img]

You can't put DDR3 RAM in a DDR2 board Also what model is the PC?

[QUOTE='[EG] Pepper;30730858']You can't put DDR3 RAM in a DDR2 board Also what model is the PC?[/QUOTE] damn, my bad bout' the ddr3 thing, just noticed that. Changing to ddr2. I couldn't afford DDR3 anyways :) PC is an eMachines W5233. Monitor I'm using is a Sanyo television, 1366 x 768, but the GMA will only set resolution up to 1024 x 768. All higher are "unsupported".

8400GS has been doing fine with me. 'Course if you are 10 years old/younger and only care teh gwaphikths you will have a [del]mental[/del] problem with it. Sound will always be more important than the graphics in my book. Proud member of the Crysis all settings low club since 2007 over here.

It has slots for PCI Express 2.0 which is good, so the graphics card can perform a little better.

Are you 12 years old or something? That card is [i]four years old[/i] and it was shit when it came out. Save up $100 or something and get at least 1 year old shit.

[QUOTE=certified;30730947]8400GS has been doing fine with me. 'Course if you are 10 years old/younger and only care teh gwaphiks you will have a [del]mental[/del] problem with it. Sound will always be more important than the graphics in my book. Proud member of the Crysis all settings low club since 2007 over here.[/QUOTE] I don't care about graphics as much as FPS, same as you, but I'd rather have a good mix of both? Correct? [editline]27th June 2011[/editline] And what the hell is a gwaphikths?

Yeah, your good PSU-wise Just look on eBay for a 8800/9800gt