New GPU in an old computer

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
J

Joshp22

Prominent
Feb 23, 2017
8
0
510
Hey,
I've been playing a few games on my ps4, mainly overwatch, and I'm wanting to move over to pc for a better experience. I was talking to my dad about it and he brought home an old PC from his work. It's the HP Compaq DC7700. I was wondering if I brought a new gpu for it, if i could be able to run overwatch. I was thinking of the GeForce 1050 Low profile because of the limited amount of space that I have, since it's a small computer. Is it possible? I'm also on a really tight budget, only having anything due to selling a few old games and electronics. All I want is to play on low settings with like 60ish FPS, Thanks for your help!!!
 
Solution
D


No it doesn't work that way. The CPU...
Sort by date Sort by votes
J

Joshp22

Prominent
Feb 23, 2017
8
0
510

Can't give it to you now, the one that dad brought home didn't have a hard drive so he's getting a different one in the next few days, but I'm not too sure the CPU is great since it's a few years old and is a business computer, but I'll tell you as soon as I know. Thanks for the help!!!!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
The Paladin

The Paladin

Polypheme
Ambassador
Oct 5, 2016
9,663
60
67,340
www.texastandyrestorations.org
well first to decide if a video card will solve your issue you best compare the minimum requirements from overwatch and your PC to understand where to head to.

Overwatch Minimum requirments
Intel Core i3 or AMD Phenom X3 8650
Nvidia GeForce GTX 460, ATI Radeon HD 4850, or Intel HD Graphics 4400
4GB Ram
Windows Vista/7/ 8/10 64-bit (latest Service Pack)

now your pc hardware is composed of
Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 / 2 GHz with *default ram is 1GB *

I would look into 3 things

1. the amount of Ram your system has, pump it to 4gb ( 2x3gb DDR3 667MHZ NO EC)
2. please open case and identify the power supply name/make/model and wattage (important for 3.)
3. do you really need to spend on a 1050 specially if your power supply is under 350w you will have to upgrade it.
3.a you could get a cheap HD 5450 or R7 250 or GTX 660 fort about 50-70$ (used or refurbished) being limited to "slim" nor mini will be issue for your SFF case but could find one anyways.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

Joshp22

Prominent
Feb 23, 2017
8
0
510

I just checked the power supply and it's only 240 watts :/ I'm guessing the 1050 is out of the equation, but is it enough for any of the others? And are you sure they'll all be able to run overwatch because if not, id rather not risk it. Thanks!!

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
The Paladin

The Paladin

Polypheme
Ambassador
Oct 5, 2016
9,663
60
67,340
www.texastandyrestorations.org
okay so you have the 240w PSu, in an SFF case, you can change that:https://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Description=400w%20tfx%20power%20supply&Submit=ENE shows a list of various TFX/SFF power supplies over 400w that could be used in your system, just need to check connecvtors and dimension of your PSu to compare if it will fit in, and could be had as cheaply as 60$.
then once that door is open, choose a video card top use, but if the game requires GTX 460, a 1050 would be overkill, but if in your budget go for it after changing the PSu.


 
Upvote 0 Downvote
belo

belo

Distinguished
Jul 29, 2008
140
1
18,715
I think the 1050 recommends a minimum 300w psu. It's not terribly expensive or difficult to swap psu's. Also verify you have a pci-e slot.

check the specs on the whole pc. with older ram and chip it just might not be enough to get you what you want, but still the 1050 isn't a waste on an older pc. You just might get bottle necking. You can always save up over the year and build a new rig. Your 1050 will slide right in and wont be a waste. gpu's are probably the easiest thing to swap between rigs.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

Joshp22

Prominent
Feb 23, 2017
8
0
510

Thanks a lot! One last thing, do you think I should buy a gpu that is a bit better than the required one to make up for the poor cpu?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

Joshp22

Prominent
Feb 23, 2017
8
0
510

I am leaning towards the 1050, but do you think the r7 250 would be able to run overwatch at an alright fps once I get a new psu?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
The Paladin

The Paladin

Polypheme
Ambassador
Oct 5, 2016
9,663
60
67,340
www.texastandyrestorations.org
according to http://www.systemrequirementslab.com/cyri/requirements/overwatch/12955 the minimal is what I stated earlier
they recommend Nvidia GeForce GTX 660 or ATI Radeon HD 7950 for real enjoyment

the R7 250 and GTX 660 and HD 7950 Scores on benchmarks are as follow (data taken from PassMark web site)

GeForce GTX 1050 scored 44.93
Radeon R7 250 scored 32.69
Radeon HD 7950 Scored 23.82
GeForce GTX 660 scored 15.25

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

Joshp22

Prominent
Feb 23, 2017
8
0
510


Thank you so much for your help!!! Since I'm pretty low on budget, I think I'll go for the r7 250, since I've got to buy a new hard drive as well because the one dad brought home didn't have one :) once again thank you!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

Joshp22

Prominent
Feb 23, 2017
8
0
510


Just went to check the power supply for dimensions and such, and after some reading up on the internet, I don't think it's upgradable, I can send a photo and if it isn't, is there a way of using an external one?

HP_COMPAQ_DC7700_SFF_PowerSupply_4.jpg
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
D

dontlistentome

Glorious
Sep 5, 2016
5,979
19
43,415


No it doesn't work that way. The CPU will contribute what it can, then the videocard does its job. Increasing the power of the videocard does not 'help' the CPU do its job, the CPU is still doing the same amount of work.

This is an ambitious project. Install your new OS, Increase system ram to at least 4gb. Install new videocard, That's a lot for a old computer.

I suggest doing a search on Youtube for the combo of videocard you are considering and Overwatch, such as "R7 250 overwatch" so you can see how the game will look and play. Older videocards like the AMD HD 7750/7770 don't use much power and might come in form factors that fit your case better than newer cards.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom