What graphics card can I put in my computer?

[Lozor]

Hey,
I am interested in upgrading my existing graphics card, or atleast switch to an Nvidia, but I am not sure what my computer can handle.
I was looking at getting a Zotac GeForce GTS 250 675MHZ 1GB 2.2GHZ GDDR3 PCI-E DVI VGA HDMI Video Card.
Please post back telling me what you need to know, and how I can get it for you.
Many thanks!

 

[eyefinity]

Tell us what you have first of all.

The gts 250 is a pretty decent card, but you might have something that is almost identical to it without knowing.

 

[Lozor]

I currently have an ATI Radeon X1950 Pro

 

[eyefinity]

The 250 is a good bit faster than the x1950 pro then.

If you really want an Nvidia card for some reason, go ahead. The Radeon 5750 is faster than the 250 and might be cheaper so check that out if you change your mind.

 

[mywifehas36DD]

GTS 250 is still a decent card but for a little more the GTS 450 seems a little better.
EVGA GTS 450 $129
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130572

or this gigabyte GTS 450 for $109 after rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125342

 

[Lozor]

The 250 is a good bit faster than the x1950 pro then.

If you really want an Nvidia card for some reason, go ahead. The Radeon 5750 is faster than the 250 and might be cheaper so check that out if you change your mind.

Ok, well, would I be able to put either of those in my computer? How can I tell, and what do I need to check?

 

[eyefinity]

As mywifehas36dd says, you are probably better off looking at the 450 gts instead of the 250 gts (assuming the prices are the same).

You should be able to use any of the cards mentioned. The only problem I can see is, the 250 gts you are looking at might need dual pci-e connectors (some of them do, some don't).

If you are just looking to upgrade for around $100, the 5770, gts 450 and 5750 are all pretty much on the same level and a big increase over your 1950pro.

 

[eyefinity]

As far as changing the card goes, you would just need to take out the x1950 pro and plug in the one you buy. It's pretty simple stuff.

 

[Lozor]

As far as changing the card goes, you would just need to take out the x1950 pro and plug in the one you buy. It's pretty simple stuff.

Thanks,
I understand that much, and the only thing I was concerned about in the first place was possibly a compatibility issue with the motherboard, PSU etc. So could you give me some advice on whether or not I need to worry about this.
Thanks!

 

[eyefinity]

Nah it should be fine, so long as you can plug a 6-pin connector into the card.

 

[Lozor]

Nah it should be fine, so long as you can plug a 6-pin connector into the card.

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but is a 6-pin connector one that comes from the power supply, or iis it one I buy seperately and plug into the motherboard, and then into the video card?

 

[Lozor]

Never mind, I dd some research and figured it out. Thank you all for you help, much appreciated!

 

[Lozor]

Best answer selected by Lozor.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey