What graphics cards are compatible for my build?

0buud0

Honorable
Nov 26, 2013
7
0
10,510
First off I don't know to much about computers so sorry for any complications that may come.

Specs:

CPU: Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-3770 CPU @ 3.40GHz, 3401 Mhz, 4 Core(s), 8 Logical Processor(s)

Motherboard: CM6630_CM6730_CM6830

Card: GeForce GT 520

Ram: Not quiet sure just found it is 8Gb don't know if there is a model/etc...

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium

If you need more info just ask.

The card I was looking to get is GTX660-DC2O-2GD5 or just something of the same strength.

Any help is well appreciated.
 
Solution


500W would be your minimum (for reference: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-660/specifications). If you want some headroom for future upgrades/overclocking, you could look at 600/650W as well. Try to stick with: Corsair, Seasonic, XFX, Antec, OCZ or Fractal.

ACTechy

Distinguished
Can you share your exact model? Or can you measure how much space you have in your PCI-E slot, so we know how long of a card to recommend? Also what are you wanting to be able to play with the card and at what kind of settings? Budget?

Be prepared to upgrade your power supply as well because the OEM unit that came in your computer is likely not enough for that big of an upgrade, nor of adequate quality.

(just as a side note, there's an awesome deal today only on this 660: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130826)
 

0buud0

Honorable
Nov 26, 2013
7
0
10,510
Well before hand I tried looking for my model on the Asus website but no luck. Is there a model number I can find on the computer its self or something I can look up?
 

ACTechy

Distinguished


Yeah it should be on the case somewhere, check the sides and front...
 

0buud0

Honorable
Nov 26, 2013
7
0
10,510


Asus Essentio Series <- front on computer.
nothing anywhere else
 

ACTechy

Distinguished
Let's assume it's something like the ASUS Essentio CM6630 for the sake of argument (http://www.hardwarerate.com/workstation-and-desktop/asus-essentio-cm6630-review-good-performance-for-daily-computing).

It only comes with a 300W psu, so you're going to need to upgrade that to at least 450-500W for decent graphics card.

It's going to be impossible to recommend a card with any level of certainty unless you open your case and measure how much clearance you have for a new card. See this picture...you need to measure from the back of the case (where the graphics card outputs are) to the hard drive bays, along the PCI-E slot, another picture.
 
Your case should be one of these, although I couldn't find a model that uses a GT 520

http://www.asus.com/Desktops/Essentio_CM6850/#overview
http://www.asus.com/Desktops/Essentio_CM6730/#overview
http://www.asus.com/Desktops/

Can't find info on those cases either. It should be large enough to accommodate a respectable graphics card.

But first we need to know the wattage and amps on the 12 volt rail of your PSU. You'l have to open up your case too find it a sticker on the side of the PSU.
 

ACTechy

Distinguished


You have plenty of room for any graphics card. You definitely need to ditch that power supply, but again, $45-$55 can get you a decent replacement. I'd recommend the following cards:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202025 - $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121660 - $170

Both are similar in performance, but you get PhysX with the 660, which is awesome for the games that support it.
 

0buud0

Honorable
Nov 26, 2013
7
0
10,510


So finally just to clarify whats the minimum wattage power supply I should get if I got a 660? and thank you in advance you've been such a great help.
 

ACTechy

Distinguished


500W would be your minimum (for reference: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gtx-660/specifications). If you want some headroom for future upgrades/overclocking, you could look at 600/650W as well. Try to stick with: Corsair, Seasonic, XFX, Antec, OCZ or Fractal.
 
Solution