Need some advice on upgrading GPU

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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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I have an old PC from my father, it has decent specifications except the program my father programs does not interface with the GPU so therefore this computer has good specs except for the GPU which is pretty terrible.

So for me to able to run any games, recent or new I will be needing a new GPU.

My specs are:
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8500 @ 3.16GHz
Manufacturer Intel
Speed 3.2 GHz
Number of Cores 2

Video Card NVIDIA GeForce 9400 GT
Manufacturer NVIDIA
Chipset GeForce 9400 GT
Dedicated Memory 512 MB
Total Memory 4.0 GB

Memory 8.2 GB

Operating System Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate Edition Service Pack 1 (build 7601), 64-bit
Service Pack 1
Size 64 Bit
Edition Ultimate

I want to get a new video card. But the main inquiries are how do I know if I have enough physical space in my PC and how do I know if I need to upgrade my power supply?

Also for next gen games, what video card should I be looking at, (specs, still probably Nvidia) and will I need to upgrade my CPU, and is that possible?
 
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if you do upgrade to the GTX 760, your card will be held back by your CPU. I have a plenty amount of experience with the core 2 duo E line up (I use't to own a E8400 myself). And my recommendation is to hold off on getting the...
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The Builder

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To get an idea of the clearance space, open your case and measure it from front to back. Whether or not you need a new PSU depends on the GPU that you will be buying. When you pop off the side to measure the clearance space, also jot down the brand and mdoel of your PSU.

As for the GPU upgrade, what is your budget?
 
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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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My PSU is AcBel E2 Power Series PC7005, specs: http://www.acbel.com/ProductFile/SingleE2-470(PC7005).pdf

I am also slightly confused on what I should be measuring, when I take the side off and look inside am I measuring from left to right, me to the back or from top to bottom and should I stop measuring where there are components?

As far as budget is concerned I am happy to spend $200 and was hoping not to spend over $300 including PSU and any other components, but could save if it is necessary to get one that can run new games reasonably well.
 
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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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I have measured it out and that card would fit.

Do I have to measure space for the PSU?

Also are you sure this graphics card would not be held back by the old CPU, just want to check it is worth it before spending.

Also, I live in NZ, does this site you suggested ship to NZ and what are my options if they don't?

By the way, I haven't said this yet but thank you for helping me, I am good with the software side of computers but the hardware confuses me somewhat so thank you very much for the help :)
 
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RainingPixels

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if you do upgrade to the GTX 760, your card will be held back by your CPU. I have a plenty amount of experience with the core 2 duo E line up (I use't to own a E8400 myself). And my recommendation is to hold off on getting the graphics card, and upgrade your CPU alike GPU together.

However, if you are impatient (like me) you can just get the GTX 760 as mentioned earlier and install it. You will see a performance boost, however, in CPU intensive games such as the Battlefield series, you will feel the bottleneck. I did this exact thing but with a 650 ti. If you do plan on going this route, a little bit of an overclock won't hurt.

Fact of the matter is, your PC specs are old. Newer games are taking advantage of a higher amount of cores faster and faster. If you want optima performance, expect to upgrade your components. :p
 
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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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What sort of money am I looking at for a new CPU?

I am not wanting to play games like BF but more like AC, Bioshock, Tomb Raider, Payday... are these "CPU intensive"?

Also are there more components that could hold it back?

 
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RainingPixels

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Unfortunately, if you are going to upgrade your CPU, you must also upgrade your motherboard in your case. Your motherboard uses a LGA 755 socket. This socket it is fairly old and no longer supports the latest processors now a days. And when it comes down to how much a CPU is, it's more as how much are you willing to spend on a processor, and what you will be doing with it. THe AMD FX -6300 (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286&cm_re=amd_fx_6300-_-19-113-286-_-Product) is a great processor for this application. Not only is it cheap but it won't hold any restrictions on the GTX 760. And as for the motherboard, it all comes down to what kind of features do you need. As in, how many Hard Drives do you plan on using? Is your RAM DDR3? Do you plan on getting an SSD? Does it correspond with your CPU's socket? This motherboard (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130630&cm_re=motherboard-_-13-130-630-_-Product) is a pretty basic motherboard. It is capable of withstanding 16gb of DDR3 RAM, and can operate six hard drives.

And as far as your list goes, the only games that I can think of that are CPU intensive is Assassins Creed (3+) and Bioshock (Infinite). But I would still recommend upgrading your processor. And as far as any other components that could restrict your computer's performance are your Hard Drive and Power Supply. However you can't do much about your Hard Drive. And your if your Power Supply meets the criteria, then you are golden.

 
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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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Now on my shopping list I have Motherboard, CPU, GPU & PSU, isn't that nearly the whole computer? Is it worth it?

Also I live in NZ, know any sites that are based near me (Australia or New Zealand) or is it cheaper to order overseas and ship it all the way?
 
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RainingPixels

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It is... lol. I guess my advice to you now is to simply upgrade your graphics card and power supply now, and plan to upgrade your CPU/motherboard later. Keep in mind that there will be a bottleneck, and you will notice it when you are playing on your computer. However, the performance will increase by using this card instead. But it is ultimately your choice. An overclock can help with the bottlenecking, however, when it comes to games that require more then two cores, you will notice a strong bottleneck.

And a sight that you can use to order from Australia is http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/partlist/. Good luck, and most importantly, have fun gaming. I hope I helped.
 
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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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OK, thanks

One other question is, looking at this list of components:

AMD FX -6300
EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Dual Superclocked ACX Video Card

Do you think they will be able to run next gen games like Rise of the Tomb Raider, Assassin's creed Unity, Far Cry 4... at average graphics with no lag?

Regarding the Motherboard also, my RAM currently is 4 2GB DDR PC2-6400 chips and I have 1 hard drive

P.S I know the games aren't out yet and the specifications therefore aren't available, but do think it'll probably be able to, because that was my target, to be able to run the beautiful games they showed off at E3
 
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RainingPixels

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I don't see why not.

And in regards to your RAM, you are going to need to use DDR3 in order for it to be compatible with your motherboard. How many gigabytes is really up to your preferences. Surprisingly, I have built a system very similar to these components. Needless to say you will be able to run games very smoothly at good settings, however, don't expect miracles out of it.


 
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Geekernatir

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Looking at the Nvidia Geforce GTX760 GPU, I notice I can get one from Asus, Gigabyte, EVGA & ZOTAC. Is there a difference between these, will one perform better than the other, or should I go for the cheapest?

Also are there any other PSUs you could suggest because in NZ stores I can't find the seagate s12g for under $150!
 
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The Builder

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It depends on the model. Some are faster than others.

Corsair RM650 is a good alternative if you cannot get the Seasonic.
 
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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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Yes, good point, just looking for cheaper options because of the CPU and motherboard in tow, guess I'll go with you suggestions for GPU and PSU even though they come out at $375 USD at any stores in NZ, better start saving I guess.
 
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RainingPixels

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Try the CORSAIR CXM series CX500M. It is much cheaper, reliable, and can easily get the job done.
 
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RainingPixels

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Yes, you will need to get new RAM for your computer.

Here is a cheap motherboard that should work for your system. (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131795).

Also, here is some RAM that would work for you.
If you can afford it go for this. http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231422&cm_re=ram-_-20-231-422-_-Product

If not, http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104238&cm_re=ram-_-20-104-238-_-Product
 
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Geekernatir

Geekernatir

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I have been discussing this with my family and had the thought, I could replace the GPU and PSU now due to a limited budget and see if it is sufficient for now and then when I have more money, I will upgrade the CPU, motherboard and RAM, which may be cheaper for the same components or I'll be pay the same for better components.

Will simply upgrading the GPU and PSU for now be sufficient for the games I currently play and Next-gen at average settings?
 
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RainingPixels

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Yes, you could try that. However, I am unsure of what your performance would be. However, in my experience (I did the same exact thing), your frames per second will be constantly changing dramatically from per say, 60 frames to a meager 30 frames. This being because the CPU cannot feed the graphics card sufficient data, thus being a bottleneck. Yes, your performance will increase, but your components will not be achieving it's full potential.
 
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Geekernatir

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As far as the Asus M5A78L-M is concerned, should I get the USB 3, LE, LX, LX V2 or the LX PLUS version? Also what do all these even mean?

Also, do I want a total of 8 or 16 GB of rat, if I want 8, should I get one 8GB or 2x 4GB? If I get one 8GB chip that would allow me to upgrade it wouldn't it?
 
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sora

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The CX series is cheaper and more reliable but the capacitors are bad. I'd try shooting for an XFX 550W or Seasonic 520W power supply.
 
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