Worth Upgrading: Old Media Center

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Last response: May 20, 2010 3:06 AM in Graphics & Displays

Anonymous

Graphics card Master

May 19, 2010 7:52:24 PM

Fellow Computer Enthusiasts,

I have a 2006 Mediacenter PC that I am thinking about upgrading the graphics card (Geforce 7300LE 64MB

) However, it only has a 300W powersupply. I believe it has one PCI-express 1.0 16x slot.

It has a core duo 2 2.16, 2GB ram 4200.

I want to use this computer for a DVR / somewhat gaming computer (CS Source, TF2, Portal 2).

Therefore is it worth the $100-150 bucks to upgrade it or do you think I should just build another...

If I should upgrade what would be my best / cheap graphics card to replace it with / PSU.

Thanks for the time and comments,

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JofaMang

Graphics card Authority

May 19, 2010 8:35:06 PM

I think it could greatly benefit from a graphics upgrade, and with your choice of games, could probably be a viable gaming rig for a while yet.

HP uses decent PSUs, so your 300w should be able to most graphics cards that require 350-400w.

In that range, at your budget (100-150) A 5750/5670/GT240 are all solid choices. A 5770 would probably push the limits of the PSU, if the 5750 isn't already. A 5670 or GT240 would both be fine, though I would push the 5670 before the GT240, for its higher performance, even though the GT 240 costs less. Regardless of price, they are both well within your budget.

ATI 5750 $130 ($110 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

ATI 5670 $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

GT240 $70 ($50 after MIR)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Might the money be better spent saving towards a new system in the future? Perhaps, depending on how long you want to wait. On the flipside, an investment in a video card is not lost, as it can carry over to the next system.