What would be the best GPU upgrade for my PC?

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offtheheezay

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Jul 23, 2014
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Need help deciding which graphics card I should buy to upgrade my current one. Want to spend $50-$80 but want a nice one that can run games on ultra. All my current PC specs (has windows 7 and GeForce 7200 graphics card instead) are:

http://h20565.www2.hp.com/portal/site/hpsc/template.PAGE/public/kb/docDisplay?javax.portlet.begCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.endCacheTok=com.vignette.cachetoken&javax.portlet.prp_ba847bafb2a2d782fcbb0710b053ce01=wsrp-navigationalState%3DdocId%253Demr_na-c01469329-23%257CdocLocale%253D%257CcalledBy%253D&javax.portlet.tpst=ba847bafb2a2d782fcbb0710b053ce01&sp4ts.oid=3733093&ac.admitted=1406476698594.876444892.492883150
 
Solution
Alex Kelly


I can't find which version (2.0, 2.1, 3.0 etc) that motherboards x16 PCI slot is. I do believe it will work completely fine though. :)
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Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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Unfortunately you can't buy a GPU for under 80 dollars that will run games on anything higher than very low. You would also need to upgrade the PSU in that computer, and possibly the motherboard and CPU as well to avoid major bottlenecking. I'm afraid you can't really do much unless you save up a lot more money and build a brand new PC. Sorry :/
 
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Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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Good response, but I wouldn't trust the other components of that PC to power even a low end GPU like those you mentioned, without the CPU, PSU or even RAM running into their limits. :S
 
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Eximo

Eximo

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I would agree on the replacement of the system, but cash flow seems to be an issue.

If it really does have 6GB of memory, not a problem. Processor is dated, but by no means terribly slow. Don't have to worry about a dual core bottleneck for modern titles, just the relatively slow clock speed and IPC.

Normally a GTX750Ti would be a great choice for its very low power consumption, but it is way over the stated budget.

Might just have to get a picture of the name plate on the power supply. If it offers even one PCIe power connector, then it should be fine to run any of the low-end gaming cards.
 
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Karadjgne

Karadjgne

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The 9800GT is the best you can do for that age of pc, sorry, the only other viable option being a gtx 750 as far as performance goes, but even that low end gpu will run $150 or so. Basically what you're trying to do is put some 'Air Jordans' on a Grandma. It'll look cool, cost a lot, but at the end of the day... No dunk.
 
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offtheheezay

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Thanks for all the responses. The CPU honestly is not the worst, it can run most games no problem, and the 6 gigs of RAM is definitely acceptable. The main thing I'm worried about is the PSU. I know 460w isn't all that much, but there has to be GPUs better than the one in this pc (Nvidia Geforce 7300 SE/7200 GS) that can run off that. Any recommendations for those GPUs (that are also PCI-E x16)? I could drop about $100 on one.
 
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Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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If you can stretch that budget at all, this would be the best choice. :) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487027&cm_re=gtx_750-_-14-487-027-_-Product

If you can't spend over 100, this is the next best option. It's $80 after a $20 rebate :) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127780&cm_re=r7_260-_-14-127-780-_-Product

Edit; that PSU is pretty horrible, but it should be okay to power either of the 2 cards I listed above. If you can buy another PSU, I'd highly recommend it. If not, it should still be okay. :)
 
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hang-the-9

hang-the-9

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460w, even from a pre-built system like an HP is plenty for a lower range video card.

The nVidia 750 and 750Ti are great for their power use.
The Radeon 250x or 7770 should also run in your system and may be cheaper than at least the 750Ti

You can also look for good used cards in your area, just make sure you see them running in a game for a while.
Anything from a 9800GT and up should be a good match for your system. Radeon 7750 is also not a bad pick, good power usage for the performance, and can be found used.
 
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Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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Good response, but I already linked 2 of the best choices, if he lives in the US. :)
 
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offtheheezay

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Yeah I could probably do that. The EVGA is nice. I've heard that 1.0, 2.0, 2.1, & 3.0 PCI-E cards are and also are not all backwards compatible. Would either of those really be compatible and work with my current mobo? (which is the M2N78-LA (Viola) motherboard)

Picture: http://tinypic.com/r/hwlhsl/8

Also, I won't be able to do any upgrades to the PSU until I get a new motherboard sadly. :/
 
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Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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I can't find which version (2.0, 2.1, 3.0 etc) that motherboards x16 PCI slot is. I do believe it will work completely fine though. :)
 
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Solution
Alex Kelly

Alex Kelly

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No worries! Glad I could help :D

Enjoy your new card! Let me/us know if you have any issues after it arrives. :)
 
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