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Topic: Upgrading a video card  (Read 2141 times)
philp
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« on: April 16, 2008, 05:46:59 AM »
My fiancee wants to get a better card so she can play some games. Here are the mobo specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00757531&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3340227&lang=en

She's also got a gig of RAM and can upgrade that if necessary.


Not looking for the best there is, but a nice, all-purpose card that isn't too expensive. What do you guys suggest?
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« Reply #1 on: April 16, 2008, 06:01:51 AM »
Have a look at this one.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127287R
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« Reply #2 on: April 16, 2008, 08:03:26 AM »
I would go with something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150285 and I would bump it to 2GB of ram.

You have to watch out of space. Since its a mATX motherboard the case is very small, and the room inside is very low. So you need to get as small of a card as possible.
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« Reply #3 on: April 16, 2008, 08:44:05 AM »
My HP computer only had a 350W power supply so I went with low power consuming 8600gt.  The 9600gt is double the price for double the performance - Minimum of a 400 Watt power supply.
Best Gaming Graphics Cards for the Money: April 08
About what is the price range your looking into and what else is the computer used for? 
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« Reply #4 on: April 16, 2008, 06:10:44 PM »
I want to stay in the $100-$150 range. I'd rather not have to replace the power supply if I can avoid it. The computer is used for general use, internet surfing and occasional gaming.

Thanks for the help and suggestions!!  icon_thumleft
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« Reply #5 on: April 16, 2008, 07:36:39 PM »
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3048552&sku=P450-8650

video card i used to have then upgraded to a 9800 x2
VERY nice card.. can play crysis at high settings with no lag =)
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« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2008, 01:14:38 AM »
It'll be best to upgrade the memory to 4GB (2x2GB) based on the price. For $79 for the DDR2 800 , its not as bad this year compared to last when I bought 2x1GB for $95 where it is now $25 after rebate. Best to check around on Newegg for prices.
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« Reply #7 on: April 17, 2008, 07:42:52 PM »
Quote from: ajb62787 on April 17, 2008, 01:14:38 AM
It'll be best to upgrade the memory to 4GB (2x2GB) based on the price. For $79 for the DDR2 800 , its not as bad this year compared to last when I bought 2x1GB for $95 where it is now $25 after rebate. Best to check around on Newegg for prices.
true....but why would a pretty much non hardcore machine need 4GB of ram?   wink    two is enough....maybe 3...or 2.5....either way 4 is pretty much more than will be used in this particular pc.
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« Reply #8 on: April 17, 2008, 08:42:59 PM »
then just get the videocard =)
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« Reply #9 on: April 17, 2008, 09:39:57 PM »
Quote from: ajb62787 on April 17, 2008, 01:14:38 AM
It'll be best to upgrade the memory to 4GB (2x2GB) based on the price. For $79 for the DDR2 800 , its not as bad this year compared to last when I bought 2x1GB for $95 where it is now $25 after rebate. Best to check around on Newegg for prices.

No. That is not the best bet. Going to 2 GB of ram will make a difference, but there is no reason to go to 4GB of ram.

Just get the 8600GT, and go to 2GB of ram. Nothing more is needed.
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philp
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« Reply #10 on: April 18, 2008, 05:37:58 AM »
I agree. Having 4GB RAM would be nice but I do think it's overkill for this application.

Would the stock power supply be adequate for the 8600GT card? Looking at the replacement parts list, it shows to be a 300 watt unit. I didn't see a wattage requirement for that card listed anywhere.
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« Reply #11 on: April 18, 2008, 05:48:08 AM »
The nvidia 8600 series uses about 45 watts.

The box recommends a 350 watt power supply.
I would go 500 watt plus for the future, and to be safe.
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« Reply #12 on: April 18, 2008, 11:04:18 AM »
The box of my evga 8600gt says:
Minimum system requirements
256MB ram
350watt power supply with 22 amps on +12volt rail  (the card take its power off motherboard)
Available 16 channel PCI Express slot

On your motherboard http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00757531&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3340227&lang=en
It says PCI-E 1x slot, is that alright guys?
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« Reply #13 on: April 18, 2008, 12:26:11 PM »
Quote from: philp on April 18, 2008, 05:37:58 AM
I agree. Having 4GB RAM would be nice but I do think it's overkill for this application.

Would the stock power supply be adequate for the 8600GT card? Looking at the replacement parts list, it shows to be a 300 watt unit. I didn't see a wattage requirement for that card listed anywhere.

Find out what the wattage is on the power supply that is in the case. If its higher then 350 watts you will be ok. Even 300 watts you might be ok. anything under 300 watts I would say now.

Also remember there is a MATX power-supply in the case, so you do upgrade it, you can't just go and get any one you want.
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