New desktop for college - upgrading graphics card

TvrtleWaterBear · Jun 24, 2013

Hello!
I'm thinking about buying a new desktop for college. I know I won't be playing a whole lot of games during college, but I might want to upgrade the video card later. I was thinking about getting something along the lines of an $800-900 HP Phoenix with an i7, 10GB of RAM, and a 2GB Nvidia GT630, and then later shifting in something a little better. Has anyone had any experience with changing out the video card on an HP? I'm assuming it would be possible and no more difficult than any other desktop, but would I have to change out the power supply as well? I'd also be open to suggestions as to better deals on a similarly priced and built desktop. Thanks!

And before the inevitable suggestion is made, I do not at this point want to build my own desktop from scratch. I already have stuff to do/learn over the summer.

tiny voices · Jun 24, 2013

Yes, you will need to change the PSU as well if you do the GPU.

Don't expect to play any games with a gt630.

06yfz450ridr · Jun 24, 2013

the case might not support a bigger card as well as not having adequate airflow. It would be a way better option to build your own for the same price or less and already have a good psu and gpu with it and a nice looking case

JRAtk94 · Jun 24, 2013

You don't need an i7, or 10gb of RAM.

Just build it from scratch - don't buy a pre-built one. It's so much cheaper to build your own. It's also more rewarding, and you can build something that specifically meets your needs, rather than having to settle for a pre-built that comes close, but misses the mark.

What would be your budget for this PC? We can help you design one to build yourself

Jacks0n · Jun 24, 2013

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Extreme3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($127.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($65.98 @ Outlet PC)
Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: Zalman Z5 Plus ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Gaming 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($69.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $778.91
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-06-24 11:06 EDT-0400)

For a similar price :3

JRAtk94 · Jun 24, 2013

Jacks0n :

That's a good set-up.
But I'd go with Sapphire instead of Gigabyte for the GPU.
I'd also go with Ivy Bridge instead of Haswell, and I'd change the Corsair CX600 for an XFX 550W.

Personal preference though.

EDIT: I'd also go for different Corsair RAM - I like the Vengeance series.

The Corsair Value Select RAM that you've chosen is also CAS11, which isn't good at all. Vengeance is CAS9.

Jacks0n · Jun 24, 2013

JRAtk94 :

Jacks0n :

That's a good set-up.
But I'd go with Sapphire instead of Gigabyte for the GPU.
I'd also go with Ivy Bridge instead of Haswell, and I'd change the Corsair CX600 for an XFX 550W.

Personal preference though.

I put in haswell because the 1150 mobo makes it easier for upgrading later on

JRAtk94 · Jun 24, 2013

A fair point, I suppose

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New desktop for college - upgrading graphics card

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