What is the best graphics card my pc can handle?

[drlector3]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering if anyone knew the best graphics card my pc could handle would be? Also, I can only assume that I would need to upgrade the 300w power supply that came with it, so if anyone has an opinion about that as well, I would appreciate it. I didn't know what information to supply so I am going to paste my dxdiag. Thanks all!




Machine name: A-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.100618-1621)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: DX4831
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 CPU 530 @ 2.93GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.9GHz
Memory: 6144MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 6008MB RAM
Page File: 1449MB used, 10562MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) HD Graphics (Core i3)
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_0042&SUBSYS_03891025&REV_12
Display Memory: 1696 MB
Dedicated Memory: 64 MB
Shared Memory: 1632 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1080 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: MEUSPTV11
Monitor Id: MEL31C8
Native Mode: 1920 x 1080(p) (60.000Hz)
Output Type: HDMI

 

[commandermuffin]

I'm going to assume you have at least 1 PCI-E slot free, so any of the new cards should work just fine. Yes, you do need upgrade your PSU (preferably 500W minimum).

What are you going to be doing mostly? What's your budget? AMD vs NVidia?

 

[electrontau]

Two things you need to consider:

1 - Power supply. You need at least 500W. Also make sure that the board does not use any proprietary connector. Dell and HP are notorius of having special connectors on the mobo requiring special PSU.

2 - Enough space to accomodate the graphics card physical dimension. High end cards are really long, about 12in, and thick (cooling fan). It looks like your computer can take full height cards (not short profile).

Most likely you can use any non-high end cards.

 

[g00fysmiley]

you have one pci express x16 ... , your psu on there is not gonna cut it for a good gpu, what is your budget for psu/graphics card? , also you might want to consider adding a fan in the back for better ventilation, the cooler on your i3 is nice though

a good match would be either a 6850/gtx460 in the 200 range

or around the 100-125 range gts 450/5770

depends on the games you wanna play or your use, give budget/use and i'll narrow and suggest a good psu for ya

 

[wolfram23]

As mentioned, the power supply is a concern in a Gateway. But your system could handle any GPU really. I wouldn't exactly throw a GTX 580 at it but it would work.

For 1080p gaming, depends on the games of course, but if you want good settings I wouldn't go less than a 5850/6870/GTX470. The 6850 and GTX 460 can handle it if you need to budget, and if you don't play any really demanding games only then would I suggest a 5770 or GTS 450 because many newer games would need to be on medium settings with those cards (assuming low, medium, high, very high are options).

 

[drlector3]

Thanks all for the responses. I play alot of RTS games and RPG's, so nothing too demanding. I think I am going to try to find a 500w power supply, and was looking at the ATI Radeon HD 5570 1GB. I will def. check in to the connector to make sure I find a psu that has the same. Do you all think that GFX card would be the best bang for my buck? I mean the 5570 that is. My budget is pretty open since I got a good deal on the pc ($150.00)

 

[drlector3]

Best answer selected by drlector3.