Upgrading from integrated X4500, Help please!

[midnightmoron]

Hello,

I own the HP Pavilion p6180t desktop. Here is the configuration I got:

Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Quad processor Q9550 [2.83GHz, 12MB L2, 1333MHz FSB]

8GB DDR3-1066MHz SDRAM [4 DIMMs]
640GB 7200 rpm SATA 3Gb/s hard drive

Integrated graphics - Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator X4500


I am thinking of getting a graphics card, something cheap actually. I only play Pro Evolution soccer 2009 from time to time, so I guess 128 MB would be enough. Any suggestions? And would I need to change anything else, like the power supply? (I do not want to, since I do not have any money to waste these days. So keep that in mind )

Thanks fellas!

 

[JofaMang]

Well, I don't believe there is anything modern on the market with less than 512mb of Vram, so that is something you don't have to worry about.

Secondly, without knowing what your PSU actually is, it is hard to recommend a video card that will work with it, but assuming it is the PSU that came with the HP prebuilt, there probably isn't a lot of headroom. You will be limited to some low power draw, low cost cards, anyhow, which is fine considering a limited budget, anyhow.

I would suggest a 4670 DDR3 or if you have bit more cash to spend, a 5670.

 

[jay2tall]

I think those either have a 250 or 300W PSU. You may have to crack open the side of the case to verify.

As JogaMang suggested a 4670 DDR3 would be a good low cost choice. You could also look at a 5670 if you want something a bit better.

 

[midnightmoron]

Thanks guys!

But I have one more thing to add;

How much do you think it costs? And could you also give me a link where I can check this card's specs?

Forgive my ignorance, but I googled it and did not understand anything from the results
So many brands and abbreviations!

 

[midnightmoron]

Oh, and I found these on HP website, thought they might be useful:

Power output wattage: 300 Watt
Expansion Slots: PCI Express x16: 1, PCI Express x1: 3

Is the first one about the PSU?

If it is, do you think I would need to replace it?

 

[JofaMang]

Assuming you are in the US:
4670 DDR3 - $65 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102855&cm_re=4670_ddr3-_-14-102-855-_-Product
5670 DDR5 - $74 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161319&cm_re=5670-_-14-161-319-_-Product

I hadn't checked the prices on these products for awhile, and it seems that the 4670 has gone up in price (could be found for $50 after MIR and deals last fall/early this year) and the 5670 has dropped already. For the $9 difference I would probably take the 5670.

 

[JofaMang]

A 300w HP prebuilt PSU should have no problem with either of those cards.

 

[midnightmoron]

Thanks!

Here it says I need 400 Watt or greater power supply: http://www.compsource.com/pn/100296HDMI/Sapphire_2221/

So I guess I will have to replace it as well.

Do I need to adjust anything after putting in the new PSU? Or do I put it in, make sure everything is plugged in the right place and kick off?

 

[JofaMang]

The wattage recommendations are to compensate for poor quality unbranded overrated PSUs. HP generally has higher quality PSUs than the lowest common denominator, and should be sufficient to keep your system powered.

If you insist on replacing the PSU as well, you are correct, just make sure everything that was plugged in before, is plugged in with the new one. It is more complex than say, swapping out your videocard, but its just a matter of repetition.

 

[midnightmoron]

Ok, thank you so much guys, especially you Jofa!

I will do as you say and get the graphics card for now, I trust I will not have a problem with the PSU.

If I do have a problem, I can always order it later. By the way, what is the worst thing that can happen if it is too much for my PSU? The thing will not explode now will it?

 

[JofaMang]

HP PSUs have come standard with overpower protection for quite some time. It is the overpowering that can occur during a PSU failure that does damage to the rest of the system. 99 times our of 100, when an overpower protected PSU is comprimised, it will restart the PC under load, or just not turn on.

 

[midnightmoron]

Awesome!

Thanks again, and have a wonderful day!

 

[JofaMang]

Feel free to give a best answer if you feel you have had your questions satisfied, and of course, enjoy your new hardware.

 

[midnightmoron]

Best answer selected by midnightmoron.