Upgrading my gfx card even possible?
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Last response: in Graphics & Displays
BotoX8
November 6, 2013 7:36:00 AM
Hello
I would like to upgrade my gfx card, because I wanted to play cod ghosts yesterday and it didn't work (directx error). I found out why. My geforce gtx 260 wouldn't let me play the game, as it has a directx10 based gpu, but the game needs a gfx card gpu that supports directx11.
I play a lot of cod, l4d2 but also far cry 3 or bf3/bf4.
I am considering those gfx cards at the moment:
Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 OC 2 GB 256 -bit GDDR5 or geforce GTX 580.
According to this post here:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1240793/gtx-580-or-7870/10#p...
It's a close run. But that is not the main question. Read on please.
After I read this:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/348214-33-7870#7332...
I asked myself:
Now the important question: Does my motherboard even have a Pci-e 3.0 slot which the Radeon HD 7870 needs in order to function?
And do you think that it is clever to update to the HD 7870 with my specs?
My specs:
HP Pavilion Elite; Model: E9270F(AU917AA#ABA)
Processor: Intel Core i7-860 2.8GHz
Memory 8GB DDR3 1066
Graphics GTX 260
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Motherboard:
![]()
Best regards!!
I would like to upgrade my gfx card, because I wanted to play cod ghosts yesterday and it didn't work (directx error). I found out why. My geforce gtx 260 wouldn't let me play the game, as it has a directx10 based gpu, but the game needs a gfx card gpu that supports directx11.
I play a lot of cod, l4d2 but also far cry 3 or bf3/bf4.
I am considering those gfx cards at the moment:
Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 OC 2 GB 256 -bit GDDR5 or geforce GTX 580.
According to this post here:
http://www.overclock.net/t/1240793/gtx-580-or-7870/10#p...
It's a close run. But that is not the main question. Read on please.
After I read this:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/348214-33-7870#7332...
I asked myself:
Now the important question: Does my motherboard even have a Pci-e 3.0 slot which the Radeon HD 7870 needs in order to function?
And do you think that it is clever to update to the HD 7870 with my specs?
My specs:
HP Pavilion Elite; Model: E9270F(AU917AA#ABA)
Processor: Intel Core i7-860 2.8GHz
Memory 8GB DDR3 1066
Graphics GTX 260
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Motherboard:

Best regards!!
More about : upgrading gfx card
madsmagnus
November 6, 2013 7:45:10 AM
Get a 660 Ti for that price.. Newer architecture and better/same performance as 580.
And no: that CPU, although old - probably wont be the main problem..
Your current card uses rougly same amount of power as a 660 Ti. So you dont need to think about a different PSU, whereas a 580 uses rougly 100W more.. I use 2 580's - they shouldnt be bought anymore.. old things.
Your dont need a PCI-E 3.0 to run a card able to run 3.0 - It will just scale down to 2.0 and there is no real performance increase from 2.0 to 3.0.
By no real increase i mean literally, none..
And no: that CPU, although old - probably wont be the main problem..
Your current card uses rougly same amount of power as a 660 Ti. So you dont need to think about a different PSU, whereas a 580 uses rougly 100W more.. I use 2 580's - they shouldnt be bought anymore.. old things.
Your dont need a PCI-E 3.0 to run a card able to run 3.0 - It will just scale down to 2.0 and there is no real performance increase from 2.0 to 3.0.
By no real increase i mean literally, none..
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 8:05:00 AM
wow you guys answer so fast!! I'm very impressed! Many many thanks
ok so then I go for the gtx 660 ti as your argument seems justified. now my question is which brand to get. I haven't got a clue what for instance the difference between this:
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-SUPERCLOCKED-Graphic...
and this:
http://www.amazon.com/Graphics-Overclocked-Edition-GTX6...
is. one is superclocked and one overclocked. I suppose this makes the 50$ difference? and do you even recommend buying from amazon.com? btw, I live in Switzerland.
ok so then I go for the gtx 660 ti as your argument seems justified. now my question is which brand to get. I haven't got a clue what for instance the difference between this:
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-SUPERCLOCKED-Graphic...
and this:
http://www.amazon.com/Graphics-Overclocked-Edition-GTX6...
is. one is superclocked and one overclocked. I suppose this makes the 50$ difference? and do you even recommend buying from amazon.com? btw, I live in Switzerland.
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Well it is not easy to go cross countries on prices Here are German prices on GTX660, GTX660Ti, GTX760, HD7870 and HD7950.
In performance order they are GTX760> HD7950> GTX660Ti> HD7870> GTX660 but all with in 20-25% of each other. http://de.pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=114,113,...
HD7870 for 154 euro is better buy than GTX 660Ti for 197 euro.
In performance order they are GTX760> HD7950> GTX660Ti> HD7870> GTX660 but all with in 20-25% of each other. http://de.pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=114,113,...
HD7870 for 154 euro is better buy than GTX 660Ti for 197 euro.
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All cards if not most are backwards compatible with PCIE 2.0 and 1.0, I don't think any card maxes out PCIE 2.0 currently so you won't have any performance differences if your using 2.0 compared to 3.0. You will though experience a 20-25% decrease in performance if you were to use it in a PCIE 1.0.
Be aware of what PSU you have, since your comp is OEM you should be able to find the wattage on the side or somewhere on the PSU.
Find out how many amps are on the 12V rail aswell.
The HD 7870 requires a minimum 500W PSU with 23Amps on the 12V rail
If you're willing to spend a little more you can get the Gigabyte Hd 7870, Higher clock and 3 fans, just make sure it can fit in your case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
this comes with 2 games that came out last year unfortunatly but for free
The Nvidia alternative the GTX 660(not the 580 -_-):
Requires 450W and 24A on the 12V rail
I'd suggest the MSI 660
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
this comes with Assassins Creed IV and Splinter Cell Blacklist
Both cards are equally good but the 7870 is about 9% better but...
The MSI gtx 660 version I posted has twin bios to go pass the voltage levels of reference card so you can easily surpass the 7870 plus! 2 new games compared to 2 old games how can you get better than that?
Choosing either is down to you, you won't be dissapointed.
You can(I think) use the gtx 260 to run Physx if you were to get the 7870, how it's done I'm not sure, its best you google that
Be aware of what PSU you have, since your comp is OEM you should be able to find the wattage on the side or somewhere on the PSU.
Find out how many amps are on the 12V rail aswell.
The HD 7870 requires a minimum 500W PSU with 23Amps on the 12V rail
If you're willing to spend a little more you can get the Gigabyte Hd 7870, Higher clock and 3 fans, just make sure it can fit in your case.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
this comes with 2 games that came out last year unfortunatly but for free
The Nvidia alternative the GTX 660(not the 580 -_-):
Requires 450W and 24A on the 12V rail
I'd suggest the MSI 660
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
this comes with Assassins Creed IV and Splinter Cell Blacklist
Both cards are equally good but the 7870 is about 9% better but...
The MSI gtx 660 version I posted has twin bios to go pass the voltage levels of reference card so you can easily surpass the 7870 plus! 2 new games compared to 2 old games how can you get better than that?
Choosing either is down to you, you won't be dissapointed.
You can(I think) use the gtx 260 to run Physx if you were to get the 7870, how it's done I'm not sure, its best you google that
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 9:13:12 AM
I chose this card:
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1754178/7870-gtx...
MSI N660 TF 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 660 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card.
It has a 350W power supply. I read this here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=de&lc=de...
does that work with this gfx card?
http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1754178/7870-gtx...
MSI N660 TF 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 660 2GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card.
It has a 350W power supply. I read this here:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?cc=de&lc=de...
does that work with this gfx card?
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 9:17:40 AM
ye since 3 years
*edit*
damn gtx 260 needs actually 500 watt!!!
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
I didn't know this! could my gtx260 have burned at some point?
*second edt*
how can I be sure if my pc really only has 350 watt psu?
*edit*
damn gtx 260 needs actually 500 watt!!!
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
I didn't know this! could my gtx260 have burned at some point?
*second edt*
how can I be sure if my pc really only has 350 watt psu?
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 9:41:27 AM
I read here:
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/357917-33-output-ru...
"They do that in order to ensure users don't screw up." so this means that the 660 GTX won't really need 450 w?
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/357917-33-output-ru...
"They do that in order to ensure users don't screw up." so this means that the 660 GTX won't really need 450 w?
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Total system power pull with a GTX660 just breaks 300watts http://www.anandtech.com/show/6276/nvidia-geforce-gtx-6...
Those are actual measured numbers at the wall.
So really the answer is yes and for the same reason the GTX260 has worked until now.
Those are actual measured numbers at the wall.
So really the answer is yes and for the same reason the GTX260 has worked until now.
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 9:56:09 AM
BotoX8 said:
but the 300 watts will only be used from the gfx card. I also got a CPU. this needs a lot of watts too or am I mistaken? sorry for asking so many questions. I am new to this PSU limitation stuff. 1 hour ago, I didn't even know what psu means lol.No read it IT IS TOTAL SYSTEM LOAD!! on an overclocked power hungry I7 CPU actually measured at the wall!
The card maxes out at 130watts http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/GTX_660_Gaming/2...
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 10:12:10 AM
Best solution
BotoX8 said:

I think I was wrong. That's a 460W PSU right there isn't it? so will this be enough?
Yes that is a Delta (high quality) 460watt unit, no worries with it. Normally HP uses Bestec and they leave a lot to be desired.
Delta manufacturers a lot of server PSU's where stability and durability is the biggest Value.
Share
BotoX8
November 6, 2013 3:13:55 PM
magneezo said:
Don't forget to read up on the MSI R9 270x Hawk as it is said to be a rebranded 7870 at a smaller pricepoint and slight steroid injection.http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/R9_270X_HAWK/26....
You are right. It's almost as good as a GTX 660 Ti. I didn't find a comparison to the this card (MSI GeForce GTX 660 Twin Frozr III/OC) though:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
But I am pretty sure the MSI R9 270x Hawk beats the MSI GeForce GTX 660 Twin Frozr III/OC?
The last question now is if I can use it with my PSU 460 W? I am really not sure about that because the asus site says I need 700 W minimum. Wtf? Thermaltake Power Supply Calculator says about 480 W.
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Since you are in Europe look at prices over there. http://de.pcpartpicker.com/parts/video-card/#c=114,113,... Any card with a single PCI power connector will work with your PSU!
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 3:26:25 PM
The MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Hawk has 2 connectors so it won't work:
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_radeon_r9_270x...
http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_radeon_r9_270x...
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BotoX8 said:
The MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Hawk has 2 connectors so it won't work:http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_radeon_r9_270x...
what do you mean 2 connectors? yes the card requires 2x 6+2 PCIE power connectors if thats what you mean then yes
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 4:15:17 PM
BlankInsanity said:
BotoX8 said:
The MSI Radeon R9 270X 2GB Hawk has 2 connectors so it won't work:http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/msi_radeon_r9_270x...
what do you mean 2 connectors? yes the card requires 2x 6+2 PCIE power connectors if thats what you mean then yes
well I am looking at my PSU right now and I see one 6 PCIE power connector. Damn it, I looked the whole day for a suitable grafics card and now that I found it, everything fails because of my stupid PSU?? I am really disappointed now...
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GTX660and HD7870 are both massive upgrades from your GTX260. They are 13% lower in performance than the 270X Hawk but cost a lot less.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/R9_270X_HAWK/26....
You can use a Molex to 6pin adapter for your second PSU connection to the card.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/MSI/R9_270X_HAWK/26....
You can use a Molex to 6pin adapter for your second PSU connection to the card.
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 4:57:35 PM
After 1 hour research and looking into my PC case with a flashlight, I found out that i own this PSU:
http://www.bitzotech.com/delta-dps-460db-3-a-460-watt-p...
and this mainboard (though one to find out):
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02...
I do not understand what you mean with this adapter as - in the case of the r9 270x Hawk, there are 2 6 pin PCI-e power connectors needed. I don't see how your suggested adapter might solve this problem?
@BlankInsanity: no, my PSU suits fine here. 460 w is enough.
http://www.bitzotech.com/delta-dps-460db-3-a-460-watt-p...
and this mainboard (though one to find out):
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02...
I do not understand what you mean with this adapter as - in the case of the r9 270x Hawk, there are 2 6 pin PCI-e power connectors needed. I don't see how your suggested adapter might solve this problem?
@BlankInsanity: no, my PSU suits fine here. 460 w is enough.
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You have one 6pin! if you need a second you can use 4 pin molex to 6 pin PCI power for the other 6pin! Example http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&p...
That would leave you with two 6 pin PCIe power connectors would it not?
That would leave you with two 6 pin PCIe power connectors would it not?
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rolli59 said:
You have one 6pin! if you need a second you can use 4 pin molex to 6 pin PCI power for the other 6pin! Example http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&p...That would leave you with two 6 pin PCIe power connectors would it not?
doing something like that could just fry the wires itself and the PSU.
His PSU only has 18 amps on the +12V rail the card he wants needs 23 amps and 500W. If here ever were to try connecting the card he can risk short-circuiting the PSU and the card... your idea wouldn't work either if he had enough amps and wattage, the GPU would be unstable and have artifacts
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BotoX8
November 6, 2013 5:16:56 PM
are you sure? somebody please confirm this
but I don't want a new psu... what gfx would work along with my psu then?
I hope this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
but I don't want a new psu... what gfx would work along with my psu then?
I hope this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
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BlankInsanity said:
rolli59 said:
You have one 6pin! if you need a second you can use 4 pin molex to 6 pin PCI power for the other 6pin! Example http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&p...That would leave you with two 6 pin PCIe power connectors would it not?
doing something like that could just fry the wires itself and the PSU.
His PSU only has 18 amps on the +12V rail the card he wants needs 23 amps and 500W. If here ever were to try connecting the card he can risk short-circuiting the PSU and the card... your idea wouldn't work either if he had enough amps and wattage, the GPU would be unstable and have artifacts
23 amps combined over multiple rails! He has two rails good for close to 30amps total. Adapters have been used many times with good luck!
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BlankInsanity said:
rolli59 said:
You have one 6pin! if you need a second you can use 4 pin molex to 6 pin PCI power for the other 6pin! Example http://virtuapin.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&p...That would leave you with two 6 pin PCIe power connectors would it not?
doing something like that could just fry the wires itself and the PSU.
His PSU only has 18 amps on the +12V rail the card he wants needs 23 amps and 500W. If here ever were to try connecting the card he can risk short-circuiting the PSU and the card... your idea wouldn't work either if he had enough amps and wattage, the GPU would be unstable and have artifacts
wrong.. he had 260 which is more power hungry outdated gpu...270x is more power efficient so i can't see any problems...don't encourage people to waste another money in buying new psu
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BotoX8 said:
are you sure? somebody please confirm this
but I don't want a new psu... what gfx would work along with my psu then?
I hope this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
That card only needs one 6pin PCI express power and a system recommendation of 430watt PSU. No adapters and PSU plenty big!
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BotoX8
November 7, 2013 1:34:29 PM
Damn I just wanted to order that card and then I realised that the cable from my gtx260 to the PSU looks as following:
![]()
and the cable I need to connect the new card to looks like that:
![]()
I dont really see how I can connect my 6 pin cable (the one in the first picture) which goes directly from the PSU to the new gfx card? There is no way is there? Because I am sure I need this power supply cable...
the problem I have now is that my grafics power cable (the one I have connected to my GTX 260 at this moment) has a direct connection from the psu to my grafics card (6 pin on the end). how can I connect this 6 pin cable to my new r9 (which needs two molexes that cannot be connected because I only have a 6 pin cable)?

and the cable I need to connect the new card to looks like that:

I dont really see how I can connect my 6 pin cable (the one in the first picture) which goes directly from the PSU to the new gfx card? There is no way is there? Because I am sure I need this power supply cable...
the problem I have now is that my grafics power cable (the one I have connected to my GTX 260 at this moment) has a direct connection from the psu to my grafics card (6 pin on the end). how can I connect this 6 pin cable to my new r9 (which needs two molexes that cannot be connected because I only have a 6 pin cable)?
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BotoX8 said:
Damn I just wanted to order that card and then I realised that the cable from my gtx260 to the PSU looks as following:
and the cable I need to connect the new card to looks like that:

I dont really see how I can connect my 6 pin cable (the one in the first picture) which goes directly from the PSU to the new gfx card? There is no way is there? Because I am sure I need this power supply cable...
the problem I have now is that my grafics power cable (the one I have connected to my GTX 260 at this moment) has a direct connection from the psu to my grafics card (6 pin on the end). how can I connect this 6 pin cable to my new r9 (which needs two molexes that cannot be connected because I only have a 6 pin cable)?
To answer that question...
Get a new PSU that has enough amps and watts and the required connectors for the R9
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BotoX8
November 7, 2013 1:55:59 PM
BotoX8
November 7, 2013 3:09:33 PM
I need answers like this! THANK YOU!
*concern-edit*
so the fact that the card comes with two 12v Molex to 12V 6Pin adapters doesn't mean that I have to use them and can instead just use a direct PSU cable with 6 pin on the end without being concerned that the wattage isn't distributed properly?
I decided to buy this card:
http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=02g-p4-266...
It only has one pci-e connector. that's a lot easier...
**edit**
this thread may be closed
*concern-edit*
so the fact that the card comes with two 12v Molex to 12V 6Pin adapters doesn't mean that I have to use them and can instead just use a direct PSU cable with 6 pin on the end without being concerned that the wattage isn't distributed properly?
I decided to buy this card:
http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=02g-p4-266...
It only has one pci-e connector. that's a lot easier...
**edit**
this thread may be closed
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BotoX8 said:
I need answers like this! THANK YOU!
*concern-edit*
so the fact that the card comes with two 12v Molex to 12V 6Pin adapters doesn't mean that I have to use them and can instead just use a direct PSU cable with 6 pin on the end without being concerned that the wattage isn't distributed properly?
I decided to buy this card:
http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=02g-p4-266...
It only has one pci-e connector. that's a lot easier...
**edit**
this thread may be closed
Yep the adapters are there as a convenience for people that do not have the correct cables to connect the card. That the card manufacturer includes the adapters sort voids somebody's comment here in this thread that it will burn up the card to use an adapter.
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rolli59 said:
BotoX8 said:
I need answers like this! THANK YOU!
*concern-edit*
so the fact that the card comes with two 12v Molex to 12V 6Pin adapters doesn't mean that I have to use them and can instead just use a direct PSU cable with 6 pin on the end without being concerned that the wattage isn't distributed properly?
I decided to buy this card:
http://www.evga.com/products/product.aspx?pn=02g-p4-266...
It only has one pci-e connector. that's a lot easier...
**edit**
this thread may be closed
Yep the adapters are there as a convenience for people that do not have the correct cables to connect the card. That the card manufacturer includes the adapters sort voids somebody's comment here in this thread that it will burn up the card to use an adapter.
meh never said it'd burn up the card. Though I am wrong, I should've looked it up more thoroughly before answering my mistake
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