upgrade of old graphics card

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Shoaib Qureshi

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Aug 19, 2013
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Hi
i want to upgrade my graphics card on my old computer. Can you suggest me which would be the best graphics card for my computer to play latest games at high resolution.

i'm having intel core 2 duo 2ghz cpu, 3gb ddr2 ram and nvidia 8600gt 512mb graphics card installed.

I am wondering if ati radeon hd 6670 1gb ddr5 can be good for my computer.
 
Solution
geofelt
Every psu will have a data plate installed. You may have to remove the psu to see it.
It will tell you the brand/model number along with the wattage.
The wattage is less important than the amps for +12v.
If your pc is a pre built one, it will likely have a cheap 300w psu that at most can handle a 7750.
Pcie 1.0/2.0/3.0 are both forward and backwards compatible. That is not a functional issue.
It is only a slight performance issue with the very strongest of graphics cards. No worry there.
X16 refers to the size of the slot; you will want a card with pcie-X16, not the older type(AGP) or PCI.
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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The 6670 is better than your 8600GT, but not what one would call gaming quality.
You would be disappointed.
Look for a $100 card or better.
$100 should buy you something like a GTX650 or 7750.
If you want stronger, you will need a 400w psu or better.

Not knowing exactly which core 2 duo you have, run this test:

Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely cpu limited.

 
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jaguarskx

jaguarskx

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Apr 19, 2006
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I would get the following Radeon HD 7750 with 1GB DDR5 RAM for $80 (including shipping) for a budget gaming card. It is basically equal to a Radeon HD 6770 which is around 40% more powerful (guess-timating off the top of my head) than the Radeon HD 6670. It also comes with Sniper Elite (hey, it's free).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150612


Note: There are DDR3 versions of the Radeon HD 7750, but DDR3 is slower RAM than DDR5 so you will take a performance hit. How much? I don't know but a Radeon HD 6670 with DDR3 RAM only has on average 76% performance of a Radeon HD 6670 with faster DDR5 RAM. More RAM on the graphics card does not offset the performance penalty.
 
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jaguarskx

jaguarskx

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Apr 19, 2006
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This is another Radeon HD 7750 for $73 after a rebate if you want to shave off a few more dollars. It's the same brand; XFX, but this card takes up two slots rather than just one. It think it offers better cooling, at least from a technical standpoint because the heatsink and cool fan are both thicker.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150663

However, you need to pay $93 initially (including shipping) and then wait for the $20 rebate.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,301
4,146
174,240
Every psu will have a data plate installed. You may have to remove the psu to see it.
It will tell you the brand/model number along with the wattage.
The wattage is less important than the amps for +12v.
If your pc is a pre built one, it will likely have a cheap 300w psu that at most can handle a 7750.
Pcie 1.0/2.0/3.0 are both forward and backwards compatible. That is not a functional issue.
It is only a slight performance issue with the very strongest of graphics cards. No worry there.
X16 refers to the size of the slot; you will want a card with pcie-X16, not the older type(AGP) or PCI.
 
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Solution
geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
54,301
4,146
174,240
Your 450w psu should allow you to run a card as good as a GTX660ti or a 7970.
Your cpu may be a bit weak, but the better the graphics card, the more eye candy you can use.
A good graphics card can be easily used later on if you change out the cpu.
 
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