Can I switch my 5450 with something else?

[weehamish]

Yeh what PSU do you have?

 

[darkknightdude]

I bought this desktop a month ago, had an i5 core 650 3.2 GHz with an ATI HD5450 1 GB edition. What graphics cards can I buy to replace the 5450 without causing any power problems or processor issues? Do I have to check my power usage?

 

[darkknightdude]

The thing is, how do I tell what my PSU is?

 

[weehamish]

Inside your case where the power cable goes thats your PSU, normally you can look inside and it will have it on the side or even at the back where the cable goes in it might have it written on.

 

[Onus]

While knowing about your PSU is essential to determining the safe upper limit, you should be able to install a HD5670 even if it's only 200W. If you are limited to low-profile cards, then a HD5570 is probably the best safe choice. There is a low profile 9800GT, but it may draw too much juice. Tell us what's on the label of your PSU, or its brand and model.

 

[darkknightdude]

While knowing about your PSU is essential to determining the safe upper limit, you should be able to install a HD5670 even if it's only 200W. If you are limited to low-profile cards, then a HD5570 is probably the best safe choice. There is a low profile 9800GT, but it may draw too much juice. Tell us what's on the label of your PSU, or its brand and model.

Is there a way to determine the PSU without opening the case? I checked the power cable and the back, but its not saying much.

 

[jaguarskx]

You need to open the case and find the sticker. It will give you info about the PSU.

 

[Onus]

If you're concerned about voiding a warranty, if you provide a manufacturer model# for your system, it may be possible to look it up online.

 

[darkknightdude]

It says 250 Watts (I checked the model number online). What would you recommend to replace my 5450? (For gaming)

Actually that makes no sense, because the ATI help page says that the HD 5450 requires 400 Watts minimually....

 

[Onus]

What is the brand/model number? It sounds very minimal. If it's a Bestec, it needs to be replaced ASAP before it kills the motherboard with turn-on spikes; never mind replacing the GPU. It may otherwise be enough for a HD5670.