Graphics Card Compatibility

[poggy]

Gateway model: DX482005H
CPU: intel core 2 quad Q8200
CPU speed: 2,33 GHz
6GB DDR3 SDRAM
Graphics Support: PCI Express x16

I'm not sure how to find the Watt capability.. very new to installing graphics cards, the card that caught my attention was PNY GeForce 9800 GT, but I'm also open to suggestions on cards that would be better around the same price margin.

Any related feedback/comments would be appreciated!

 

[customisbetter]

Im pretty sure Gateway put a decent sized power supply with that system. If you look at the power supply inside the case, it should have a label like this...

Find what the output wattage is and the +12V amperage is. Just post what is labeled heree and well see what you got.

The 9800GT is a tried and true card. It isn't the fastest thing in the world, but its more than enough power for medium to high settings in most games.

How big/what resolution is your monitor?

 

[deadlockedworld]

A 9800 is the best card available between about $80 and $105. You should be able to run it with about a 400w power supply--depending on the amperage etc.

When you are shopping notice that there are some 9800GTs that require a 6-pin connector and some that do not. Sometimes the "green" or "power saving" ones are clocked a little slower or something to make them less of a power burden. Both are good options.

 

[poggy]

Im pretty sure Gateway put a decent sized power supply with that system. If you look at the power supply inside the case, it should have a label like this...

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/svcompucycle/outputspecs.jpg

Find what the output wattage is and the +12V amperage is. Just post what is labeled heree and well see what you got.

The 9800GT is a tried and true card. It isn't the fastest thing in the world, but its more than enough power for medium to high settings in most games.

How big/what resolution is your monitor?

22 inch, 1680 by 1050

DC output: 300 W
AC Input: 100-127/220-240V~7/3 .5A, 60/50 hz

+3.3V 20 A(ORG), +5V 26A(red), +12V1 8A(yel), +12V2 14A(yel/black), +5Vsb 2A(purp), -12V 0.8 A(Blue)
PG signal (gray), Ground (black)
(+3.3v+5v = 130 W max)

Model no. : FSP300-GOTHA(1)

 

[sabot00]

Maybe a 4770?
It is better than a 9800GT.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150369&cm_re=4770-_-14-150-369-_-Product

Here's a 5750 which is another step up from the 9800GT, it also gives you DX11
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859&cm_re=5750-_-14-102-859-_-Product

However, the 4770/5750/9800GT will probably not work with your PSU, a 4670 might even stretch it a little.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127448&cm_re=4670-_-14-127-448-_-Product

 

[poggy]

Maybe a 4770?
It is better than a 9800GT.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150369&cm_re=4770-_-14-150-369-_-Product

Here's a 5750 which is another step up from the 9800GT, it also gives you DX11
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859&cm_re=5750-_-14-102-859-_-Product

However, the 4770/5750/9800GT will probably not work with your PSU, a 4670 might even stretch it a little.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127448&cm_re=4670-_-14-127-448-_-Product

What else do I need to buy so I can use higher end graphics cards? & which would be the best gfx card I could get as of now, I currently have ATI Radeon HD 4350 512MB

 

[deadlockedworld]

Hey Poggy,

1. Looking at your specs, I would say you could get away with an ATI 4670 ($60) on the current PSU but not anything much more powerful. The 4670 is a big step up from a 4350--but still wont let you max out settings on newer games.

2. This article from Tom's discusses the best graphics cards at each price point:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-310-5970,2491.html
You just have to decide how much you can spend, and what kind of performance you need.

3. If you decide that you want a powerful graphics card for gaming you will need to purchase a new power supply. The most reliable PSU brands are Corsair, Antec, and PC power and cooling(P&C is american made).

These would be good PSU options to run any of the cards on the list under $150 or so.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008&Tpk=corsair%20400cx
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371029
Not all 400w PSUs would be good choices, but these are both very high quality.