"Upgrading" my GPU

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

Hi, I'm fairly new here only created my account today. Anyways I have a couple questions/(need help) that I'd like to ask. First off, I am thinking of "upgrading" my GPU. Here are my current specs according to systemrequirementslab.com
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5 CPU 750 @ 2.67GHz
Manufacturer Intel
Speed 2.7 GHz
Number of Cores 4
Video Card ATI Radeon HD 4300/4500 Series
Manufacturer ATI
Chipset ATI Radeon HD 4300/4500 Series
Dedicated Memory 512 MB
Total Memory 4.0 GB
Memory 8.2 GB
Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit
Service Pack 1
Size 64 Bit
Edition Home Premium
Display Maximum Resolution 1920 x 1080
DVD HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GH50N ATA Device
CD HL-DT-ST DVD+-RW GH50N ATA Device
Drive
Size 581.5 GB
Free 207.9 GB
_____________________________________________________________________________
Ok so what I'm looking to do is switch out my GPU. I'm planning for a gtx 260 which is around I can get for around $40 on ebay (or should I not get it on ebay I can't find any other places selling 260s anywhere else they sell the 260 core 216) Really I am just looking for a GPU that will run Starcraft 2 at high setting with at least 30 fps average and it seems the 260 will do that ( and according to this link: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/blizzard-entertainment-starcraft-ii-benchmark,2611-6.html even ultra but this was before HotS and I'm fine with high ). Anyways I have a prebuilt computer ( studio xps 8000: ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/esuprt_studio_xps_desktop/studio-xps-8000_User%27s%20Guide_en-us.pdf ) Basically I would like to know if this card will fit. I have heard that a gtx 260 came along with some studio xps 8000 prebuilts instead of the 4350 hd so I'm assuming it will. Also the 260 says that you need a 500w power supply but I only have a 350w. I have read that 350 would suffice but I am not sure about this because I didn't really understand what I was reading ( basically it was dell saying it would be ok because 500w was safety padded or something like that ). Here is a pic inside : http://i.imgur.com/CHbbvhq.jpg
If you could point out to me what what is that'd be great. I'm a total newbie at this as I've always bought prebuillts my entire life and have never looked inside a case before. So will the gtx 260 do its job ( run SC2 at high settings ) and will it fit in the case/ is the PSU enough. My current "benchmark" I guess is that with my specs I run SC2 at high textures medium graphics at an average 24 fps and with LoL at character models set to high and everything else at very low my average is somewhere around 35 fps (30 fps to 42 fps). Anyways thanks in advance. Also if you can find a better GPU that will fit for under $80 ( shipping include ) that'd be great. I'm currently saving up for a new comp but probably won't get to it until next year ( I'm in high school and the build I've made so far http://pcpartpicker.com/p/wNxRgs costs around $1000, just upping my GPU so I so I can run sc2 on high till then ). Thanks in advance again

_____________________________________________________________________________
Didn't really know what category I should post this in :/

DerpyDonut · Jun 17, 2014

DroneDroneDrone :

First off,you don't need necessarily need a 500 watt psu. the power supply is how much power your pc can intake at once. as long as all the parts don't succeed 350 watts you're fine. However, according to sources the gtx 260 takes up 182 watts. this means you will most likely need to upgrade your psu. There are ways to find out the wattage but going with a 500 watt (like the advice gave) would ensure enough power for your pc (also the website I used to check your card also recommended a 500 watt psu) The card seems pretty good for it's price so you made a good choice there. the card size varies from manufacturer based on how many fans and heat spreaders are attached, so there isn't a definite answer to your question however, when you purchase your card check the specs to find out the size and just use a tape measure to make sure it will fit. Most mid tower ATX cases will be able to fit the graphics card so you should be fine

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

DerpyDonut :

Hmmm upon further reading I think my 350w will suffice. As I said I'm a complete newbie at this, I've provided a picture in my original post of whats inside my case. It is a prebuilt. Would you care to point to me where the GPU is located? Thanks again. ( I believe my prebuilt's is a a mini tower as it is about 16 inches high )

DerpyDonut · Jun 17, 2014

Based on the picture, http://imgur.com/gybc1jO I am unable to tell weather it is located here or here. Usually it is located in the upper arrow however I did not see any ram so it could be the one below. Once again the card should fit the case even if it is 16 inches. I also wouldn't count on the 350 watt power supply but if you think your computer currently uses under 200 watts then you should be fine.

bccorrupt · Jun 17, 2014

The GTX260 came out 6 years ago. If you happen to find one that is working there's a good chance it won't work for long, not to mention it requires 2 pci express connectors(which your power supply doesn't have) and rivals $500 new cards on how much power it draws. Most likely this will end in fire or if you're lucky just a destroyed power supply.

Almost any new GPU over $60 will be faster than a GTX260, use 1/4 the power, and last much longer.

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

bccorrupt :

Do you have one that you would recommend? Don't want it to be too expensive though prefer for it to be under $100 including shipping 80 if possible.

DerpyDonut · Jun 17, 2014

bccorrupt :

DroneDroneDrone :

this is a decent card http://www.amazon.com/XFX-Radeon-HD6670-PCI-Express-HD667XZHF3/dp/B004Z5GRW6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403053468&sr=8-1&keywords=hd+6670

bccorrupt · Jun 17, 2014

DroneDroneDrone :

Dell's power supplies are generally very good compared to what comes in most prebuilt computers(you can trust the watts shown) and it does have 1 pci-e connector so you have quite a few options, it just isn't going to power a GTX260. Here are some that should work well with your power supply.

$80
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3vgfP6
$100
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nQqDjX

bccorrupt · Jun 17, 2014

I edited the post, refresh it please if you have it up. I meant to link the ddr5 r7 250 and it's fixed now. Ignore any cards that are ddr3. DDR5 in the same card will give about 30% more performance so don't be tempted to save the $5 or $10 for the ddr3 r7 250.

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

bccorrupt :

DroneDroneDrone :

Dell's power supplies are generally very good compared to what comes in most prebuilt computers(you can trust the watts shown) and it does have 1 pci-e connector so you have quite a few options, it just isn't going to power a GTX260. Here are some that should work well with your power supply.

$80
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3vgfP6
$100
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/nQqDjX

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-11215-01-20G/dp/B00FLMKIHC
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-11215-00-20G/dp/B00FLMKHW8
^^^
Those are the same thing right? And I could get the 2gb one and it'd still work or should I get the 1gb still?

bccorrupt · Jun 17, 2014

The 2GB is exactly what I was saying not to get. It's trickery to get you to buy the one with cheap ddr3 ram. The 1GB ddr5 version will perform 30-40% faster.

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

bccorrupt :

Did some further looking in amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-11215-05-20G/dp/B00ILALUDC/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1403056230&sr=8-5&keywords=r7+250
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics-11215-00-20G/dp/B00FLMKHW8
The first link appears to be cheaper what's the difference?

bccorrupt · Jun 17, 2014

One has a display port and the other has vga.

bccorrupt · Jun 17, 2014

The one I posted from Newegg is probably the best price you're going to find. It has vga/dvi/hdmi, a $10 mail in rebate, and an AMD bronze game for free.

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

Hmmm ok but the one from amazon is ok yes? Just saying because I'm not buying the parts myself and rather paying my dad as I do not have a card and I don't know if he'll buy from newegg he usually buys everything on amazon :/ I'll try to convince him to buy it from newegg so I can spend less

bccorrupt · Jun 17, 2014

Yes, the one from Amazon is fine if you need to go that way, just make sure you get one with the video output you need for your monitor. Newegg is definitely trustworthy though. I don't always buy from them, but I've bought off and on from them for about 12 years with no issues.

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

How to check what my video output for my monitor is? I'm fairly new at this so sorry for all my questions

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

Also if you could find benchmarks for the r7 250 that'd be great

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 17, 2014

bccorrupt :

Also here is my monitor: http://www.amazon.com/Dell-ST2210B-21-5-Inch-Widescreen-Monitor/dp/B002JP6K7Q/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

bccorrupt · Jun 18, 2014

Your monitor has HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA. You'll want to use one of the digital inputs, either DVI or HDMI, but you can just pick up an HDMI cable from where you get the card from for $2-$3 if you don't have one.

Tom's hardware has just about all the benchmarks you could ever want.
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2014-vga-charts/benchmarks,175.html

It's really your choice, but I would strongly recommend the GTX750 I linked 2nd for $100-$110 especially since you're gaming at 1080p. It's about 100% faster than the r7 250 for $20-$30 more. For the under $150 cards every dollar you spend gets you a big performance increase.

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 18, 2014

bccorrupt :

The gtx 750 will fit right? [strike]Anyways I'll think about it in the meantime I found this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127763&cm_re=r7_250-_-14-127-763-_-Product
No difference other than its MSI instead of sapphire right. Just looking at this one because this has a $20 mail in rebate and free shipping.[/strike] The one I linked was a ddr3 nvm

JUICEhunter · Jun 18, 2014

+1 for gtx 750, much faster than any card mentioned above and great with your PSU, 750ti would be even better but slightly over your budget.

bccorrupt · Jun 18, 2014

DroneDroneDrone :

bccorrupt :

The gtx 750 will fit right? [strike]Anyways I'll think about it in the meantime I found this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127763&cm_re=r7_250-_-14-127-763-_-Product
No difference other than its MSI instead of sapphire right. Just looking at this one because this has a $20 mail in rebate and free shipping.[/strike] The one I linked was a ddr3 nvm

The GTX750 will fit. MSI cards are great, they usually cost more than other brands though because they have a solid warranty and better cooling than just about any other brand.

DroneDroneDrone · Jun 18, 2014

Hmm I think that I will stick with the r7 250 instead of the gtx 750. Will probably make the purchase tomorrow. Just wanna ask/reask some questions before I make the purchase.
1) R7 250 will fit in my case? Yes, I assume.
2) Will it be able to run Sc2 and LoL at at least high settings at at least 30 FPS?
3) Do I need to uninstall my drivers for my current GPU or not? (my current GPU is an 4350 HD)

bccorrupt · Jun 18, 2014

1)Yes, it will fit
2)Both of those games have really low requirements and you will exceed the recommended on both.
3)Uninstall your drivers, run a driver cleaner program(like Driver Sweeper, instructions are on the page), turn off your computer and unplug it, hold the power button for a couple seconds to discharge any remaining power, remove the old card and install the new one(touch the frame of the computer first to ground yourself and remove any static before touching the card), then restart the computer and install new drivers from AMD's website(not the ones included on the disk, they will be old)

"Upgrading" my GPU

Reputable

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Distinguished

Reputable

Honorable

Distinguished

Distinguished

Reputable

Distinguished

Reputable

Distinguished

Distinguished

Reputable

Distinguished

Reputable

Reputable

Reputable

Distinguished

Reputable

Honorable

Distinguished

Reputable

Distinguished

Share this page