Acer M3630 upgrade

[tigazn]

I'd like to upgrade the video card of my Acer M3630 desktop to improve the graphics performance when playing. What would be the maximum specs of the card that I can buy? And can you give me a good PSU model to replace the measly 250 W PSU.

 

[steckman]

Do you have an available PCIe slot? Do you know any of the other specs of your computer?

 

[coozie7]

We need to know what resoloution you will be or are playing in and the type of games you play.
The larger the monitor, the more powerful the graphics card will have to be and the larger card will, in turn, need more power.

 

[tigazn]

There's only 1 PCI-e slot. Here's the specs:

Processor and Chipset * Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 2.2 GHz
* Intel G31-ICH7DH Chipset
Operating System * Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
System Memory * 2 x 1GB DDR2-667
Video & Display * ATI Radeon HD 2400 Pro 256MB (dedicated memory)
* DVI and Analog VGA connections
* Acer P223W 22-inch LCD Display
HDD * 1 x 320GB Western Digital Caviar SE
* 72000RPM
Optical Drive * Hitachi LG GSA-H60N DVD Super Multi Double-Layer
Communication * Gigabit Ethernet
Audio * Realtek HD Audio
* 7.1-channel surround sound ready
Dimension & Weight * 455mm (L) x 183mm (W) x 370mm (H)


I'm also going to upgrade the RAM to 4GB. One of my concerns is if there is any PSU that can fit the casing. I normally play Call of Duty 4, NBA Live 08 & Ghost Recon AW.

 

[steckman]

I don't know anything about the PSU on an Acer M3630, but you can see the standard ATX PSU size here: http://www.pcguide.com/ref/power/sup/formATX-c.html. If your PSU is that size, then you should be able to replace it with any standard ATX PSU.
If you can't replace the PSU, I would recommend getting a Radeon 4670.

 

[coozie7]

Given the limited processor in the system I`d go for a HD4650 and if the PSU has 8 or more Amps on the 12v output, I`d leave that alone as well.

 

[tigazn]

Thanks for the info. By the way, would the Radeon 4650/4670 run with a 250 W PSU? And any suggestions for a NVIDIA card?

 

[coozie7]

A 4650 would most likely run with your existing PSU, but not the 4670, it uses more power and migt be just a little to much.
Nvidia options are;9500GT, a little slower than the 4650 and uses a fraction less power or the 9600GSO/GT, faster than the 4670 but uses more power.
My advice would be to get a 350-400W supply from OCZ, Corsair, Seasonic, Antec or PC Power and Cooling and go for the 4670

 

[steckman]

I don't know, the 4670 might work just fine. My Shuttle has a 250W power supply and runs the Sapphire 4670 without any issues. Also, this chart shows a decent system with a 4670 peaking at 218W while running Crysis: http://www.legitreviews.com/article/792/11/. Of course there are other things to consider about the power supply other than pure wattage. Personally I would buy the 4670 and see if it works. If not, then I would get a better power supply to go along with it.

 

[tigazn]

Thanks for the help guys. I'll probaby get the new card first to test if it's gonna work w/ the existing PSU. If not, then I'll get a better PSU. Cheers!