Need Help With Upgrading Graphics Card (Please Help)

angelofcharms · Jan 31, 2015

I bought a pre-built desktop so I could play games smoothly as a first time gamer. I'm now looking for an upgrade for my graphics card. I was wondering what I needed to replace so I could make the graphics card use its full potential. Currently I'm looking for a graphics card under 250$ (gtx660 or gtx 960)

Here's My PC Specs:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883227537

I know that I need a better power supply also but I don't know which one to buy. I've never upgraded before so. Thanks for helping

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

Budget for both graphics card and power supply?

angelofcharms · Jan 31, 2015

Nikos K :

340$

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/86YkwP 10$ more dollars(350 $),does it matter?

bignastyid · Jan 31, 2015

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: PowerColor Radeon R9 290 4GB PCS+ Video Card ($269.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $339.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-01-31 11:15 EST-0500

Looby219 · Jan 31, 2015

angelofcharms :

buy a Corsair cx600 power supply. Its cheap and very reliable. Then get the gtx 960. Total should be about $250.

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

If you haven't those 10$,go for this http://pcpartpicker.com/p/9wpq99 (330$),R9 280X instead of R9 290

bignastyid · Jan 31, 2015

Nikos K :

You do know the CX series has problem right? They use cheap caps with longevity issues giving the CX series a higher failure rate. For $80 there are much better options available.

bignastyid · Jan 31, 2015

Looby219 :

angelofcharms :

buy a Corsair cx600 power supply. Its cheap and very reliable. Then get the gtx 960. Total should be about $250.

The CX series are far from reliable. They aren't system killers but they seem to have an average lifespan of about a year.

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

bignastyid :

I have CX750M and it works fine.

bignastyid · Jan 31, 2015

Nikos K :

How long have you had it? If you have had it over a year without having it replaced you are a minority. Have a friend with a CX750m, the first unit lasted almost 2 years(longest I have seen one last), its replacement lasted 2 months.

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

It's in my recent build,bought it one month ago.

angelofcharms · Jan 31, 2015

bignastyid :

Why does it have to be an r9 290?

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

angelofcharms :

bignastyid :

Why does it have to be an r9 290?

Because it's very powerful

bignastyid · Jan 31, 2015

angelofcharms :

bignastyid :

Why does it have to be an r9 290?

Its the fastest card for the budget.

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

bignastyid,what about the power supply?

Looby219 · Jan 31, 2015

bignastyid :

Looby219 :

The CX series are far from reliable. They aren't system killers but they seem to have an average lifespan of about a year.

I know the parts they are created with are very average. But they are built by seasonic, and they make the best PSUs around. I am certain the average lifespan is far over a year. I have had mine for 3 years.

Nikos K · Jan 31, 2015

So,let's find out how long I will keep mine.

bignastyid · Jan 31, 2015

Looby219 :

The only CX made by Seasonic was the cx400(which has been discontinued for awhile) the rest are made by Channel Well(CWT) and use low end Capxon caps.
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page447.htm
I and many others on this site have had and seen too many failures with the CX series and usually suggest avoiding them if possible. Especially in this case where you can get a much higher quality EVGA B2 cheaper.

geofelt · Jan 31, 2015

You will get fair price/performance value at any price point in the middle performance class.
$200 or so will buy you a GTX960 or R9-280X.
Less, and you may not be satisfied if you see only a small improvement.
You will need a new psu.
The wattage will be driven by the graphics card you pick.
Here is a chart to help:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm
A GTX960 needs only a minimal 430w psu, the 280X is power hungry and hot, needing more like 600w.
Regardless, buy only a quality psu. Tier 1 or 2 from this list:
https://community.newegg.com/eggxpert/computer_hardware/f/135081/t/45344.aspx?Redirected=true
I have no problem overprovisioning a PSU a bit. Say 20%.
It will run cooler, quieter, and more efficiently in the middle third of it's range.
A PSU will only use the wattage demanded of it, regardless of it's max capability.

I might suggest a evga GTX960 superclock
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487091
and a Seasonic 620w psu
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151096

Need Help With Upgrading Graphics Card (Please Help)

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