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Advice on purchasing new GPU

Tags:
  • GPUs
  • Power Supplies
  • Graphics
  • Graphics Cards
  • Gaming
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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November 15, 2013 7:07:11 AM

Hi,

I want to upgrade my GPU to be able to play some new games on an acceptable resolution. I was hoping to get some advice on what graphics card I should get and a new PSU (as my current one only has 300W).

My budget for both is around 150-250, but ideally around 200. I also have to know if the graphics card is not too big for my case. My current one is an AMD Radeon HD 6450.

Thanks for the advice! :) 

System:

OS Name Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium

Version 6.1.7601 Service Pack 1 Build 7601
Other OS Description Not Available

OS Manufacturer Microsoft Corporation

System Manufacturer Acer

System Model Aspire M3970

System Type x64-based PC

Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-2600 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)

BIOS Version/Date American Megatrends Inc. P02-A1, 1-8-2011
SMBIOS Version 2.6

Hardware Abstraction Layer Version = "6.1.7601.17514"

Installed Physical Memory (RAM) 6,00 GB

Physical Memory 5,98 GB

Available Physical Memory 3,75 GB

Total Virtual Memory 12,0 GB

Available Virtual Memory 9,36 GB

More about : advice purchasing gpu

a b ) Power supply
a c 123 U Graphics card
a b 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 7:09:33 AM

what case/what motherboard/what power supply???
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Best solution

a b ) Power supply
a c 502 U Graphics card
a c 225 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 7:20:45 AM

Your system is very upgradeable, but you may have to remove the PCI card under the current 6450

The $200 Radeon 7950 is currently out of stock, so this would be a nice choice

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1NAff

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Video Card: Sapphire Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB Video Card ($169.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($29.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $199.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-15 10:19 EST-0500)
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a b ) Power supply
a c 123 U Graphics card
a b 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 7:51:47 AM

easy to recommend stuff until you find out it's a proprietary case and "normal" stuff won't fit.
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November 15, 2013 11:41:17 AM

Thanks for the answers. The case is the one I got when I bought the computer, as is the motherboard. Im not quite sure how to find out what name to give you in regards to the motherboard and case. The PSU delivers 300W which Im quite sure isnt enough for a decent GPU.

rolandzhang, thanks for the advice! Do you think that GPU will be able to support new games, like Watchdogs and GTA V (if it ever gets to PC)?
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a b ) Power supply
a c 502 U Graphics card
a c 225 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 3:11:50 PM

http://icdn5.digitaltrends.com/image/acer-aspire-m3970-...

http://www.digitaltrends.com/desktop-computer-reviews/a...

If that's your PC then it should be fine, could you measure the width of the case just in case and tell us?

Looks like a regular tower to me, unless there is small form factor version somewhere, it's easy to read and google posts my friend

If it's the same machine as the links, then any ATX power supply should work

The 7870/7950 will definitely be playing the latest games on PC at higher settings
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November 15, 2013 3:33:05 PM

Yeah that's the one. The dimensions are:18 cm x 40.2 cm x 37.9 cm. Here's a link to my exact model, if it helps (it's in Dutch however, as I live in Amsterdam sorry!) http://www.vdhsoft.be/sp39/39794.htm

The other thing worrying me however is that the exit slots in the case are made for my current GPU. Wont that be a problem as a new one has different exits? Probably a very dumb question as that is always the case when people replace a GPU, I suppose..
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November 15, 2013 3:33:57 PM

7.08661 x 15.826 x 14.921 in inches ;) 
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a b ) Power supply
a c 502 U Graphics card
a c 225 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 3:34:44 PM

You mean the rear slots? You'd have to remove the PCI card under the 6450 as well because these gaming cards are dual slot cards

The case does seem to be a little cramped though

Since pricing is different everywhere, the minimum we'd generally recommend would be a 660/7870 for modern games

Good power supply brands are Antec/Seasonic/Corsair/EVGA/XFX/OCZ etc.
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November 15, 2013 3:45:18 PM

Okay, didn't realize that was possible. I think it's becoming all too clear that I never worked on my PC myself before.

RCguitarist, thanks for the advice! Is there a substantial difference between the MSI GTX 660 Twin Frozr and the Sapphire HD7870 OC?
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November 15, 2013 3:45:53 PM

Hmm it seems I'm not able to upload a picture from my computer.

I agree that the case looks small, especially when I see the size of one of those GPU's...
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a b ) Power supply
a c 502 U Graphics card
a c 225 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 3:48:04 PM

The 660 and 7870 perform just about the same, the 7870 is a bit more powerful usually

Really not too sure how well a dual slot card would fit though, that's what we all hate about OEM parts haha
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November 15, 2013 3:55:52 PM

Yeah it was a mistake to buy it like this instead of trying to make my own.. My own fault..

Just one last question and I'll be out of your hair, if you don't mind. Is the Sapphire Radeon R7 260X OC,2GB comparable to these other two or is it not quite so good? (it does save a lot of money though)
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a b ) Power supply
a c 502 U Graphics card
a c 225 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 3:58:19 PM

The 260x is basically an overclocked 7790, it's comparable to the GTX 560 from 2 years back but alot less powerful than the 7870/660 mentioned
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November 15, 2013 4:05:00 PM

Oke, then I'll be going for the Sapphire HD7870, as soon as I verify that it'll fit in my case.

Thanks a lot, you've been more than helpful! My first good experience on a computer forum ;) 
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a b ) Power supply
a c 502 U Graphics card
a c 225 4 Gaming
November 15, 2013 4:05:52 PM

Here's hoping it all works out :D 
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a b U Graphics card
November 15, 2013 4:08:21 PM

If you're looking at 200 dollars for both a PSU and a GFX Card I would say grab a decent 50 dollar or so 500W+ PSU and a gtx 650TI Boost.
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