PCI Express Version & GPU upgrade

DucknGo08

Honorable
Apr 5, 2013
4
0
10,510
Need some help upgrading the GPU in my OLD computer, wanted to know how to find out what version of PCI express i have(i think i have that).

and then what would be the max horsepower i could install within the current computer in terms of GPU (someone pointed out i will need a new PS as well).

ideally would like to stay under $200-$300 total for PS & graphics card.

link to my current system

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=us&lc=en&dlc=en&docname=c01738802#N275


System
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Manufacturer HP-Pavilion
Model KY811AA-ABA e9120y
Total amount of system memory 8.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 4

Storage
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Total size of hard disk(s) 932 GB
Disk partition (C:) 754 GB Free (918 GB Total)
Disk partition (D:) 2 GB Free (14 GB Total)
Media drive (E:) CD/DVD
Media drive (F:) CD/DVD

Graphics
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Display adapter type ATI Radeon HD 4300/4500 Series (Microsoft Corporation - WDDM v1.1)
Total available graphics memory 4351 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 512 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 3839 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.97.10.6
Primary monitor resolution 1920x1080
DirectX version DirectX 10.1

Thanks!

 
Solution
A quick check shows the motherboard as supporting PCI-E 2.0, so no problems with selecting a card, they'll all work in that slot, even PCI-E 3.0 cards, will run properly, although they may take a TINY performance hit, maybe 2-3%, not enough to notice.
With no overclocking potential the CPU is going to be the limiting factor so I'll suggest the GTX660 or HD7850 as maximum, neither is exactly a power hungry monster so 500-550 Watts from a GOOD maker will give plenty of power.
Good makers are: Antec, Seasonic, Silverstone, Pc Power and Cooling, Corsair, XFX, OCZ and FSP, just check the power supply has the correct PCI-E connectors for the card you choose. Stay away from cheap 'high power' units-they're cheap for a reason :( .
No, I'm not...
A quick check shows the motherboard as supporting PCI-E 2.0, so no problems with selecting a card, they'll all work in that slot, even PCI-E 3.0 cards, will run properly, although they may take a TINY performance hit, maybe 2-3%, not enough to notice.
With no overclocking potential the CPU is going to be the limiting factor so I'll suggest the GTX660 or HD7850 as maximum, neither is exactly a power hungry monster so 500-550 Watts from a GOOD maker will give plenty of power.
Good makers are: Antec, Seasonic, Silverstone, Pc Power and Cooling, Corsair, XFX, OCZ and FSP, just check the power supply has the correct PCI-E connectors for the card you choose. Stay away from cheap 'high power' units-they're cheap for a reason :( .
No, I'm not going shopping for you-that's half the fun ! :) .
 
Solution