Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Can I replace my GPU?

Tags:
  • GPUs
  • Radeon
  • Computers
  • CPUs
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
Share
November 20, 2013 12:37:00 PM

Hey guys I'm new to this and I slowly want to start building my own computer! Currently this is my computer
http://www.cdw.ca/shop/products/Acer-Aspire-X3470-EF10P...

My CPU is an AMD a8-3820 APU with Radeon HD graphics 2.60ghz..

Am I able to buy a new GPU and put it in? Or how does that work..

More about : replace gpu

a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 12:40:00 PM

will you tell me the name of your motherboard ?
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:41:09 PM

Can you open the case and take a picture of the inside? It looks like a small case so you might be limited on what you can do.
m
0
l
Related resources
a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 12:41:24 PM

You can but due to the case and its power supply you are incredibly limited on what you can replace it with. Unfortunately the best thing I can recommend is
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
which is better then your current GPU, just don't expect battlefield 4 at 1920*1080 with 60 fps

I would first upgrade the case and psu before upgrading the GPU as you will have more options to upgrade then.
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:42:07 PM

I have another case that is fairly old would that work? Do cases get outdated?
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:44:11 PM

I don't know how to find my motherboard..

The old case I have is from a Dell XPS that I spent a fair price on on back in the day.
m
0
l
a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 12:47:17 PM

Cases usually do not get outdated but the motherboard may not fit due to being a different standard. If you know the specific model of the dell then that would help.
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:48:35 PM

an xps case isn't going to be much better than that one. Basically, the motherboard needs to have at least 1 PCI-e x16 slot and the card has to fit inside the case. Also, if you only get slot in the back of your case you'll have to limit yourself to a single slot card, not the dual slots.
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:50:26 PM

This case was really big I know that..

Would I just be best off buying a new case?
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:52:44 PM

It would be highly recommended to upgrade most of your components, case/cpu/motherboard/gpu
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:53:45 PM

Yeah I am going to buy I was wondering if I could get away with buying some parts at a time, as at the moment I only got $250.
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 12:55:30 PM

with that CPU you're only going to be able to actually get full potential out of a 7770 or gtx 650(maybe a 650ti) the mobo is most likely only single slot and very small case so you'd be limited again to a single slotted 7750 or 650,
the case you want more airflow anyway, and since I don't know all about it oh well.
and the gpu... yeah, you need one.
m
0
l

Best solution

a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 12:56:12 PM

Unfortunately that case only supports full sized atx motherboards and not the micro atx that your current computer uses. You can find bigger basic cases easily and usually starting at 20$ usd. I would wait until you can buy a new case and a new power supply until you start upgrading.
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/25BI5

I would buy that psu and case first then worry about a GPU which can be subject to change depending on budget.

I would also recommend upgrading the motherboard and cpu but by then you may as well just build a new computer as you would have to buy a new copy of windows if you changed the motherboard for another.

For now that combination should work fine and its not too costly.
Share
November 20, 2013 12:58:44 PM

I would suggest buy yourself a case and motherbaord first.
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 1:00:12 PM

Okay thanks, so I wanna build a complete new computer should I wait till I can afford a whole one? Or just buy bits and pieces
m
0
l
a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 1:00:53 PM

deadmaufive said:
I would suggest buy yourself a case and motherbaord first.


The problem with that is that he would then need a new copy of windows to go with the new motherboard as the old copy would be useless since it binds itself to one board
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 1:02:07 PM

call windows, tell them you're just upgrading the PC, they give you key. It's quite simple actually.
m
0
l
a b à CPUs
November 20, 2013 1:02:09 PM

StumpyG said:
Okay thanks, so I wanna build a complete new computer should I wait till I can afford a whole one? Or just buy bits and pieces


My advise is to buy the case psu and GPU and use them for now, but in the future upgrade your motherboard and cpu. If you upgrade the motherboard and cpu right now your going to have to fork over an additional 80$ for windows.

You will also see more of a performance boost with the gpu then with the cpu if gaming is your intent.
m
0
l
November 20, 2013 1:06:16 PM

You won't need to buy windows. You just call microsoft and tell them you're reinstalling and they will get you a key.
m
0
l
!