250w computer needing video card upgrade

Hey your system can handle the hd 4650 but i think hd 4670 will be a little difficult due to your 250 watt psu.... if you can replace your psu then you can use any card you want as 250 watt is little less bro.

What resolution do you play at?

So HD 4670 is risky? I have heard that its not just about the power supply, it's about how much power the rest of the computer uses. What about considering the dual-core CPU?

ANYTHING is an improvement over the integrated chip. I listed these video cards cause they are decent, and (hopefully) don't need an extra PSU to be bought, which is why i'm asking here.

Best case scenario?

If I could play World of Warcraft (latest expansion), Starcraft 2, Dragon Age: Origins, and Mass Effect 2

All with high or max graphic settings, including shadows and multi-sampling

at 1280 x 1024 resolution

I'd be very pleased.

**But my priority is NOT having to buy a PSU.**

get the hd 4650 it will be great for these games and at 1280 x 1024 resolution it's the best i can suggest you....this card can handle more games too on higher settings that are more gpu intensive then the games you have mentioned.
And no need to change psu too.

oh wow really? that is totally awesome. Granted even higher resolution would be nice. But I'm so used to 1024 x 768.. and even sometimes 800 x 600 (!!) that it would make a world of difference.

Thanks a lot for the info.  


BUT!!

What about the 512mb vs. 1gb video memory?

Would it make a huge huge difference for me and my system if i got one instead of the other?

At the resolution you play at you won't see a noticible difference between 512 and 1gb.

What BRAND psu do you have and how many amps on the 12v rail.

It's right the 512mb vs. 1gb video memory isn't going to be much of the noticeable ...so either one will be good but going with 1 gb will help you in increasing the resolution if you want to in future.

**I DON'T have any extra/external PSU**

PLEASE do not give me wrong info on the presumption that i Have 250w EXTRA. I don't.

The computer itself has no info on brand of its internal PSU.

If an hd radeon 4650 is good enough without one, and satisfies my gaming experience, then i don't intend to get one, either.

What about at 1600 x 1200 resolution, does 1gb video memory make a difference?

*added that back in for future reference for others*  

The one that comes with the computer IS a power supply. Haha.

And yes the 1gb over 512 will make a difference at that resolution.

If you upgrade to that resolution though, you would be better get a better card and PSU.

Heh ok.

So how do I check my amps though? Is that important still before buying a 4650?

With a 4650 I think you will be fine, but its good knowledge to have regardless, it should be on the sticker of the PSU.

Hey there is no need to replace your psu for hd 4650 man...it runs cool and will be good for you...

I have found some sticker on the back of my computer, but i still can't tell if it even mentions amps, or wherever else i'd find this com's psu amp info.

Thank you for the 100% confirmation about the Radeon HD 4650, guys.

I'll order one now  

I have this exact comp (well almost, mine is a Compaq CQ 5619F but with exact same specs) and the same issue; I'm investigating what vid card to get for it and I'm surprised that it can be done without changing the shitty 250W psu.
The specs on my psu are:

LiteOn model PS-5251-08 rev. 04
250Watt
combined power on +5V and +3.3V rails not to exceed 165W Max.
combined power on +12V and +5V rails not to exceed 218W Max.
Output: +5V --- 25A Max. +12V --- 14A Max.
+3.3V --- 18A Max. -12V --- 0.8A Max.
+5Vsb --- 12V Max.

I guess model 'PS-5251' stands for pos  
Anyway I used this power supply calc with the Radeon HD 4650 and the total comes to 231W but that's only a recommended minimum psu wattage so is it realistic to use this vid card with this psu? Seems like it's cutting it very close and what would happen if the power went over 250W?

BTW were can I find the physical measurements for vid cards so I know if it'll fit?