Should I upgrade my Graphics Card and PSU?

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jecann

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I would like to upgrade my graphics card that came with my computer. I'm not a hard core gamer, but enjoy dabbling when I can.

After some review from Toms Hardware, I think I should go with the RX 480 (not sure which model).

The problem is if you look at my computer's specs. You will see my PSU is only 300 Watts. Should I move up to 500 Watts, and if so, which brand should I choose for PSU? Will it be compatible with my other hardware?

Here is a link to the specs of my machine.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c02679437/


Thank you!
 
Solution
R_1
yes. should be no real problem I would suggest watching a few youtube tutorials first just to get a feel for it and put instructions into perspective.
Follow proper grounding procedure- http://www.wikihow.com/Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge
1 Shut down the system
2 open the side of the case
3 remove the backplate where the GPU will go, insert the video card into the PCIe slot, verify the safety clip at the rear/bottom of the card is engaged and secure down the unit with screws.
4 unplug all power cables from the hard drive, CD/DVD-ROM, motherboard, and anywhere else it may be connected. remove the 4 screws holding in the power supply, there may be a screw inside the case too. some models
5...
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jecann

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Thank you so much! R_1!

Is this something that I could do myself? I'm relatively handy.

Also, would you go with the RX 480 or something else?
 
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R_1

R_1

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yes. should be no real problem I would suggest watching a few youtube tutorials first just to get a feel for it and put instructions into perspective.
Follow proper grounding procedure- http://www.wikihow.com/Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge
1 Shut down the system
2 open the side of the case
3 remove the backplate where the GPU will go, insert the video card into the PCIe slot, verify the safety clip at the rear/bottom of the card is engaged and secure down the unit with screws.
4 unplug all power cables from the hard drive, CD/DVD-ROM, motherboard, and anywhere else it may be connected. remove the 4 screws holding in the power supply, there may be a screw inside the case too. some models
5 replace the power supply with the newer unit, secure with screws.
6 plug in the power to all devices the old unit unplugged from -the CPU 12V aux-the aux on the new PSU may be an 8 pin plug, it will fit into the 4pin aux port on the motherboard
7 insert the power cable for the GPU.
8 Insert the power cord to the power supply and power on the system.
9 if system boots and everything looks good
10 shut down the system and secure the side panel, a blast or 2 of canned air may be appropriate.

the only reason you would need more card is if you are gaming at higher than 1080.
 
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FR0STBITE

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Depends what you are looking for. If you want 1080p 60fps Ultra/High settings get the rx 480. If you want 1440p go for the 1070. Waiting for Vega is also an option.
 
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jecann

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What do you think the price range will be for the Vega 10? I think I might be getting over my head with that, my monitor is only an LCD display, not sure if it even gets 1080p.
 
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R_1

R_1

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your monitor will actually determine which card you will need, the rx 480 is the best card for FullHD (1080).
if you have a LCD monitor with a maximum resolution of 720p, the RX 480 may be overkill for now, but if you plan to upgrade monitors to full HD in the near future then the card will be unleashed.
if your monitor is 1080 then the RX is the one for you, if you double the resolution to 1440P from 720P you will need more GPU power.
if it were me I would get the RX480 now and grab a FHD monitor when able. even at the lower resolution the card will be great.
 
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jecann

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Great advice! I'll do that! Thank you!
 
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jecann

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R_1,

Thank you so much, I have learned a bunch already!

What is the difference between the brands like PowerColor, XFX, Sapphire, etc.

Also what about the hard swap edition, and the custom backplate? What is that all about?


As always, thanks again!
 
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R_1

R_1

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AMD and Nvidia release what are called reference cards. the OEM's like sapphire, XFX, and Zotac are all trying to jazz up the reference card, so they may increase the memory clock a bit, or change the cooling to a quieter unit, or may overclock the thing to within an inch of its life and sell it at that speed. they then bundle their own branded drivers and utilities.
the sapphire cooling solution is why I have one (HD6970)
Zotac is a budget card OEM, as such they have very few bells and whistles compared to the others but the product is good and I have been impressed. powercolor is another budget friendly brand that has performed great for me.
the backplate is there to support the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) against bending from heavy custom coolers, and also aide in cooling. not every card will have a backplate, not every card will need one.
the hard swap edition have easily changed fans so if a fan fails replace the fan not the entire cooler
 
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jecann

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Wow, I am learning so much. Thanks for your professional help!
 
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jecann

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Well R-1, I pulled the trigger. For the first time in my life I'm going to try a good graphics card, and install it and the new PSU myself.

Best buy had a sale on both so here is what I got.


EVGA - 80 PLUS 600W ATX 12V/EPS 12V ...
$34.99

XFX - Hard Swap Edition AMD Radeon RX 480...
$189.99

I'm sure I'll bug you if I run into problems! lol.
 
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jecann

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In case anyone is still reading this, I installed the power supply and graphics card listed above today. There actually was no problems at all, everything booted up perfectly. The card was really tight to the RAM on the motherborad, but just fit. I had to clean up the cables to keep them from touching the new fans on the RX 480.

Thanks again everyone! Now I just need to find a slightly upgraded monitor.
 
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