Need some help - complete computer noob.

Foxpox · Jul 14, 2013

I've really only used my computer for school work mostly, it's got a solid hard drive and runs super well. Recently I wanted to get into a game called Infestation: Survivor Stories since a bunch of my friends play it in their off time.

Apparently my computer specs are all fantastic for it except my graphics card, which it tells me cannot run the game at all.

My graphics card right now is ATI Radeon - HD 4250. I know it's not great but it's what came with my desktop about 2 or 3 years ago.

My problems are that

1) I'm not sure what to look for in a graphics card when trying to figure out a new one to buy

2) Price range: Preferably under 100 - 130. I'm kind of broke and in college, so I'm not sure how much more I would be able to spend.

3) Size. Everyone tells me to make sure the new graphics card will fit into my computer before I purchase it, this makes me nervous since I'm not even sure what any of the inside of my computer looks like, graphics card included. I'm always nervous opening it up since I don't want to mess anything up and then wouldn't be able to put it back together / fix the problem.

TLDR: Need a new graphics card for ~100, willing to go to 130. Would like to play a game called Infestation, need to figure out the size of my GC now so I can make sure this new one will fit. Please help.

Thank you in advance
-FP

DEADLY9996 · Jul 14, 2013

Hi, i'm guessing prebuilt Computer? Can you tell us the make/model of it please!

ur6beersaway · Jul 14, 2013

We need the system specs or I can give you a guess?

Foxpox · Jul 14, 2013

Of course, my apologies, didn't even think of it

AMD Athlon II X4 - 645 quad core processor
ATI Radeon - HD 4250 graphics card
4GB DDR3 memory
1 TB hard drive

anything else I may need to include? I'm not sure what my power source is to be honest, I'm told that may effect things. I'd have to probably call my land lord in the morning to find out.

DEADLY9996 · Jul 14, 2013

Oh we should have been more specific! Make & Model of your motherboard aswell please!

Power Supply aswell would be helpful, at least the Wattage! (may say it on the side)

Foxpox · Jul 15, 2013

Sorry for late response, trying to figure out how I can learn what make and model the motherboard is.

Foxpox · Jul 15, 2013

Acer: AspireM3410

meowmix44 · Jul 15, 2013

http://www.skyline-eng.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=8760
lolz

Foxpox · Jul 15, 2013

Thank you meowmix, there ya go Deadly, there's my mother board. Still unable to find power supply? Sorry I'm a scrub when it comes to computer technology.

Foxpox · Jul 15, 2013

Nevermind - power = 300w, but this computer is 2-3 years old so i doubt it's that high anymore huh?

meowmix44 · Jul 15, 2013

Foxpox :

no

But!!! You should still get a higher quality PSU if your going with a fairly power hungry card.

Foxpox · Jul 15, 2013

meowmix44 :

That's the thing though, I'm broke and am only going to be able to afford a gc of around 100, MAYBE 130 if I push it. I just want to be able to play Infestation: Survivor Stories with my friends. Maybe Arma games but I know those will take more to play. I don't know if I'll be able to get a good graphics card and a better PSU, haha. I don't want the best graphics card cause I know my computer wouldn't be able to hold it. haha.

meowmix44 · Jul 15, 2013

Foxpox :

meowmix44 :

That's the thing though, I'm broke and am only going to be able to afford a gc of around 100, MAYBE 130 if I push it. I just want to be able to play Infestation: Survivor Stories with my friends. Maybe Arma games but I know those will take more to play. I don't know if I'll be able to get a good graphics card and a better PSU, haha. I don't want the best graphics card cause I know my computer wouldn't be able to hold it. haha.

kk ummm Im trying to slove now

Foxpox · Jul 15, 2013

meowmix44 :

Foxpox :

kk ummm Im trying to slove now

Thanks, I really appreciate the help and time you guys are putting into this to help me.

meowmix44 · Jul 15, 2013

Foxpox :

meowmix44 :

Thanks, I really appreciate the help and time you guys are putting into this to help me.

a 650Ti boost edition should power through alot of games... but its too much 144uSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127726
go with this card above

Foxpox · Jul 15, 2013

meowmix44 :

Foxpox :

a 650Ti boost edition should power through alot of games... but its too much 144uSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127726
go with this card above

That looks fantastic, it'll be strong enough to run a few games?
also, my big worry is that it won't fit. Is it roughly the same size as the one I have now? it's an ATI Radeon - HD 4250. I'm not sure how to change the computer to fit a different size graphics card.

ur6beersaway · Jul 15, 2013

Quality doesn't have to be a deal breaker. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028&Tpk=cx600&IsVirtualParent=1

meowmix44 · Jul 15, 2013

ur6beersaway :

of course if its corsair

meowmix44 · Jul 15, 2013

Foxpox :

meowmix44 :

That looks fantastic, it'll be strong enough to run a few games?
also, my big worry is that it won't fit. Is it roughly the same size as the one I have now? it's an ATI Radeon - HD 4250. I'm not sure how to change the computer to fit a different size graphics card.

It can run Crysis 3 on low and Tomb Raider, much more. Im talking about popular actually instensive titles on low-med

meowmix44 · Jul 15, 2013

Your config might bottleneck in certain titles

Need some help - complete computer noob.

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