Please help need video card advise.

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eriks24

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Just bought a new desktop last night to game on since my laptop wasn't cutting it... it has an ok video card Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500 (Obviously I know it doesn't have dedicated memorythe specs i have are1 TB harddrive and 4GB system ram pentium 64 bit windows 7 and PCI slots available. I am running a few online MMO's WOW, Starcraft etc... not playing many shoorters.

If I'm working with $100-200.00 bucks what do you recommend I get as a replacement card and do I have to remove the old card or can I just pop this card into an empty pci slot? do I have to do anything special.

Thanks

Erik
 
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Pallimud

Pallimud

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I would suggest the Gigabyte Radeon HD 6850. It is $10 cheaper now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125353&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&AID=10440897&PID=3067296&SID=

You just need to make sure your power supply can handle it. You can open your case and see how many Watts your PSU can provide of power. You need about 500W to run this card.

To install the card, you just connect it to your PCI-E port and then plug in your power supply's 6 pin cable.

What PSU do you have? We can see if it will work with the card for you.
 
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eriks24

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Processor BrandIntel®ProcessorIntel® Pentium®Processor Speed2.8GHzSystem Bus800MHzCache Memory2MB on die Level 2System Memory (RAM)4GBType of Memory (RAM)DDR2 SDRAMHard Drive TypeSATA (7200 rpm)Hard Drive Size1TBGraphicsIntel® Graphics Media Accelerator X4500Video MemoryUp to 1695MB (total available as allocated by Windows 7)AudioIntegrated 6-speaker configurable with up to 5.1-channel surround sound capabilitySpeakersNoneNetwork CardBuilt-in 10/100Base-T networkWireless NetworkingBuilt-in wireless LAN (802.11b/g/n)Recordable DVD DriveYes, double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RWRecordable DVD Drive Speeds12x DVD+R DL; 12x DVD-R DL; 16x8x16 DVD+RW; 16x6x16 DVD-RW; 12x DVD-RAM; 40x32x40 CD-RWDirect-Disc LabelingYesDigital Media Reader or SlotsYes, digital media card readerAvailable Expansion BaysExternal: 1 (3.5"), 1 (5.25"); Internal: 1 (3.5")Available Expansion Slots1 PCI Express x16, 2 PCI Express x1, 1 PCIUSB 2.0 Ports6 (2 front, 4 rear)Keyboard DescriptionUSBOther Control Devices (mouse, etc.)Optical mouseOperating System PlatformWindowsOperating SystemWindows 7 Home Premium 64-bit.ENERGY STAR QualifiedNoBest Buy PC AppNoHDMI OutputNoBlu-ray PlayerNoDrive Capacity1TBDesktop TypesEveryday

Here are my specs I appreciate all the help! Let me know what you think

Erik
 
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eriks24

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Here are specs for monitor as well. Sorry it didn't list it on previous post

Erik

Monitor TypeWidescreen flat-panel LCDScreen Size (Measured Diagonally)20"Maximum Resolution1600 x 900Aspect Ratio16:9Response Time5 msBrightness250 cd/m²Contrast Ratio1000:1CompatibilityPCAntiglare CoatingYesSpeakers IncludedYes, built-inInputsAudioVGA InputYesDVI-D InputYesDVI-D with HDCP InputYesHDMI InputNoTiltYesTouchscreenNoENERGY STAR QualifiedYesScreen Refresh Rate60HzProduct Depth (with stand)7.2"Product Depth (without stand)2.7"
 
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Pallimud

Pallimud

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lol you gave us everything except what we needed.

Did you buy a brand computer? If so, what is the model and brand?

If not, we need you to find us the Power Supply's information. Open the computer and look at it if you have to, need to see how many Watts and verify it has a 6pin power cord connected for auxiliary power to your GPU.
 
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shadow187

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It's an E5XXX series processor (named 'Pentium'), I think, as I'm pretty sure a PentiumIV-supporting motherboard wouldn't have a PCI-Express slot.

I'd grab an HD5670. It'll run your RTS games decently (don't expect high settings), but it's the best I can recommend for a prebuilt computer.
 
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eriks24

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Any idea if 5670 or 6850 will be fine with this pre built power supply?

I knew going into it I was gonna gut a few pieces got it for 400.00 bucks new in box.

Appreciate your time on this very helpful information.

Erik
 
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Pallimud

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Yeah, this card seems like a good call, cheap too: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102870

I found your computer specs here: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c02575965&lang=en&cc=us&taskId=115&contentType=SupportFAQ&prodSeriesId=4269976&prodTypeId=12454

Your power supply is 250W, but it should be okay to run that graphics card even though it is asking for 400W.
 
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eriks24

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Man you guys are my hero ... I'm book marking that link for my specs. I agree thats an awesome price too for that card. My local computer store matches new egg.

Is it hard to switch out a power supply (plug and play and a few screws?) or is this something an expert should do?

Erik
 
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Pallimud

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To swap your supply, you have four screws and you have to reconnect all the cords that are connected throughout your computer. It's good to remember what was plugged in, so that you can plug the same cords of the new power supply to those things (like harddrive, dvd, motherboard, etc.). Shouldn't take you more than 45 minutes (for the first time and being very careful). For an expert, might only take 10 minutes to do.

Anyway, as malmental said, post again once you want to do that though. You might get advise that NOT to do it, based on the reason you are upgrading and your current computer specs.
 
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shadow187

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I switched out my first power supply when I was 13 (2 years ago). I'm sure you can do the same thing :lol: !

Simple steps;
■Wear nothing cotton
■Don't do this on carpet (hardwood floor/table)
■If you're overcautious, go with an anti-static wristband
■Disconnect everything from the back of the computer (mouse, ethernet, power, etc)
■Open computer case by unscrewing the back-side screws (probably 2 or 3 of them)
■Remove the panel
■Gently disconnect everything, keeping note which plugs go to where (you'll most likely have a molex going to a fan, two SATA cables going to your DVD drives, possibly one going to the processor, and a 24-pin going to the motherboard. Keep in mind you don't have to unplug the two SATA cables running from the motherboard!)
■Unscrew the exterior screws from the back of the case (probably 5-6)
■Remove the power supply
■Insert the new one
■Screw it in, making sure it fits properly
■Gently plug everything back in
■Put excess wire somewhere out-of-the-way
Enjoy!
 
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eriks24

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Wow thanks alot for all your help :) I'll start with video card and go from there do you recommend new egg as best place for power supply and what typve voltage do you suggest?

Erik
 
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eriks24

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1 more video card question and I'll quit bugging you .. So when I get this new card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161334&cm_re=5670-_-14-161-334-_-
Product

Do I just swap old card out even steven or just place it in empty pci express slot?

Erik
 
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shadow187

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Considering you ARE upgrading your powersupply and you have a decent budget, why not up the graphics card?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139017 <- Corsair 430W PSU w/ 12v@28a, $33AR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131330&cm_re=5770-_-14-131-330-_-Product <-- HD5770 PowerColor, $105AR

Together it's $138 after rebates. The 5770 is perfect for your resolution as well; not too high, not too low. Corsair is a VERY highly regarded name in the PSU area, and are known for exceptional quality.

You have 1 PCI-Express x16 slot that is free; you'll simply pop in the card. You will have to unscrew a backplate though, it'll take you a quick second.
 
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Pallimud

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Pallimud

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Good point, if you are upgrading it now, might as well do a package or plan your video card based on your new power supply. This of course is only if you are planning to do it all right now.
 
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Pallimud

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I trust that shadow187 wouldn't post something that wouldn't work, but the card does ask for 500W. I'd wait to see what he says about that though.
 
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shadow187

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To save explanation, consider this.

Your computer's power supply is 250Watts.
The Corsairs is 430 Watts. I'd go out to say yours is 75% efficient, Corsair's is 80%.
250*.75=187.75
430*.8=344
That's a rough difference of 157Watts more that your components can receive.
The HD5770 uses no more than 85Watts during typical game load, leaving you with plenty to spare.

 
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