Is an MSI GeForce GTX 980 a good card for my sleeper build?

Posted by aspie_weeb@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 13 comments

I need a graphics card that's capable of outputting analog signals to hook up to my Dell Trinitron CRT monitor (HDMI adapters cause the screen to power on and off repeatedly), I almost exclusively emulate old console games on my desktop, (GameCube, PS2, Xbox, being the most demanding), would the GTX 980 be a good fit, as it has DVI-I?

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borgie_83@reddit

It will be a great fit but I’d go for the GTX 980 TI considering the performance difference and how cheap you can get this card for. I personally use a EVGA GTX 980 TI SC. Picked it up in box for $80 back in October last year.

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Ambitious-Yard7677@reddit

Reference model?

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borgie_83@reddit

Nah, not the reference model. I love the look of the reference model but I’m not a fan of the blower cooling so chose the dual fan model.

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Ambitious-Yard7677@reddit

The blowers are typically cheaper though as no one wants them. And they make a bunch of noise

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asha1985@reddit

How does that work? Do you put it in a modern build with a new motherboard and processor? Just get analog output from the older card? As long as it's PCIe?

I use a SCART modded CRT for console gaming. Never really considered it for emulation.

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Only_Khlav_Khalash@reddit

Yeah its a pcie 3.0 gpu with standard power plugs. Use the analog out to a pc crt.

Win 11 does have gpu pass thru options to run dual gpu (render on newer gpu and use video out on 2nd gpu with analog), but up to 980ti is plug and play single gpu

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asha1985@reddit

Do the common emulators have some type of RetroTink output mode to enhance the experience? Or are you just running a standard emulator to the CRT?

I've never thought of doing this and I'm kinda fascinated by the idea.

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aspie_weeb@reddit (OP)

Thanks, I'll look into that

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LouBerryManCakes@reddit

The flat blade part should have small pins around it, get an adapter that also has these pins present.