Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator - Forums

First off, here's my current specs:
i3-4130 @ 3.4GHz CPU, 8GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM, 1TB HDD, 300W PSU, integrated HD 4400 GPU
Windows 8.1, latest stable Dolphin build (4.?; don't have access to my computer atm)
It's a $500 prebuilt that I got for $400 with my discount from working on Thanksgiving at Walmart, HP Pavilion 500-223W* model
*That doesn't mean Watt.


So I'm going to be getting a GPU and a monitor on my next paycheck (Jan 1st), but it has to be able to work in a build with only a 300W power supply.

My current computer can't run Super Mario Sunshine above 1x IR at full speed because of that sound glitch that forces me to use the slower plugin in order to keep the sound actually playing. With the fastest plugin, it can handle it at 1.5X IR with the HD texture pack at consistent full speed but the sound cuts off.
I'd like at least 2X IR or even 3X IR (with minimum everything else besides the DSP LLE plugin) with full speed.


The only thing I'm going to be getting it for is Dolphin performance; actual performance with regular PC games would be a bonus but not considered over pure Dolphin performance, since I can already run Sonic Racing Transformed at max settings with no slow downs. But it has to be superior to my integrated GPU.


Since the "tev_fixes_new" merge that happened this year, I'm not sure what GPU to get now since apparently AMD GPUs perform much better now for Dolphin.

I was at first thinking of the GTX 750 Ti, but after hearing about this change that makes AMD GPUs better, I'm now thinking of the R7 240. Plus, the R7 240 is only about $60.

Basically, what I'm asking is: When it comes to Dolphin performance, what's the best GPU for around under $100 and works with a 300W PSU, GTX 750 [Ti] or R7 240? Other GPUs?


Here's some GPUs that I've been looking at:
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-vi...vn75toc2gi
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/powercolor-...gbk3hv2eoc
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r72501gd5oc
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-...1gp42753kr

I used this search function for finding parts:
Click here (It's a long link)

I recommend Sapphire r7 260 or at least Sapphire r7 250
It has to be Sapphire when it comes to AMD GPU

Quote:GTX 750 [Ti] or R7 240

GTX 750 Ti is on par with R7 260
r7 240 is garbage
Btw , do not buy DDR3 version . Get GDDR5 version

(12-30-2014, 06:50 PM)admin89 Wrote: [ -> ]I recommend Sapphire r7 260 or at least Sapphire r7 250
It has to be Sapphire when it comes to AMD GPU

Quote:GTX 750 [Ti] or R7 240

GTX 750 Ti is on par with R7 260
r7 240 is garbage
Btw , do not buy DDR3 version . Get GDDR5 version

Unfortunately, R7 260 would require too much power to use in my PC.

How about this one?
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/sapphire-vi...112150020g

Quote:Unfortunately, R7 260 would require too much power to use in my PC.

Too much ? Is 200W total power consumption too much for your 300W PSU ?
Maximum Power Consumption of R7 260X is 129W (torture test) but it's only 92W when playing PC games at max settings
Your CPU is about 54W but it will not reach 54W unless you put it on a torture test

(12-30-2014, 07:21 PM)admin89 Wrote: [ -> ]

Quote:Unfortunately, R7 260 would require too much power to use in my PC.

Too much ? Is 200W total power consumption too much for your 300W PSU ?
Maximum Power Consumption of R7 260X is 129W (torture test) but it's only 92W when playing PC games at max settings
Your CPU is about 54W but it will not reach 54W unless you put it on a torture test

Well I was using this calculator:
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

And adding the R7 260 brought the recommended PSU to over 300W.

I don't trust any calculator .
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/rade...35-18.html
Like i said , you will never reach maxium load when gaming , especially Dolphin

A good 300W PSU with 80+ certification would be sufficient, but unfortunately you don't have such a PSU. The PSU in your PC is one of those cheap ones they use for prebuilt PCs and is only intended to work with your system as it is. If you're going to add another GPU to your system, I'd HIGHLY suggest you get another PSU with it before it explodes or you break something.

How's this one then?
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/msi-video-card-r72601gd5oc

OEM PC like HP will have 70% effiency PSU at least
70% of 300W is 210W , that should be ok for new r7 260

(12-30-2014, 07:36 PM)Garteal Wrote: [ -> ]A good 300W PSU with 80+ certification would be sufficient, but unfortunately you don't have such a PSU. The PSU in your PC is one of those cheap ones they use for prebuilt PCs and is only intended to work with your system as it is. If you're going to add another GPU to your system, I'd HIGHLY suggest you get another PSU with it before it explodes or you break something.

How is this PSU?
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/corsair-pow...ply-cs450m