I wanted to upgrade my graphics but...

[kgh91go]

i have looked through numerous websites but
im still quite not sure what kind of graphics card my pc can support
here are my computer specs from dxdiag

Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000)
System Manufacturer: HP-Pavilion
System Model: GC515AA-ABA a6009n
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3800+ (2 CPUs), ~2.0GHz
Memory: 2942MB RAM
Page File: 1814MB used, 4256MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 10

Main Circuit Board
Board: ASUSTek Computer INC. NARRA 1.01
Serial Number: MS1C73S12002364
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz

my power supply has max output of 250W
and under device manager, it says that my computer is a "ACPI x86-based PC"

i know this is a pretty outdated computer, so thats why i wanted to get a bit of upgrading done
hope these info can help

 

[scout_03]

power supply won't have enough power for the today graphic card

 

[UniqueName]

What is it you want to do with this computer?

 

[jjb8675309]

even if you upgrade your your psu I would not go much higher than a 5770 and even that would likely be pushing it, otherwise Id be looking to the used market and ebay for a gts 250, gtx 260, 4850/4870 or something similar.... if you want more performance than that (although will already be seriously held back by your current cpu) your def due for an upgrade keep the current machine as an htpc or something and build a new one

 

[iam2thecrowe]

Like others have said, i dont know what you plan to do with this pc, gaming? general office use? media playback? If its just general use or media playback, just get a low end card like 5570 or gt200, these cards can play older games but forget anything new. But agreed that with your current power supply you are very limited and even low end cards like the ones i have mentioned may tip the psu over the edge. Replace the power supply with something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033 which is a great deal if you have access to newegg. you can then run a 5770, gts450 or even a gtx460 and not be scared that your psu will explode. it also leaves room for upgrading other components like your cpu, motherboard etc in future. With your current cpu i would not go more than a 5670 or gt240 or you will suffer a cpu bottleneck, where getting a more powerful gfx card wont benefit you as the cpu is the limiting factor.

 

[jjb8675309]

yeah a 5670 tops that is probably the most logical buy if the gpu will not migrate to a newer build in the future

 

[AS79]

5670..

Not trying to be an asshole, but i'd scrap that computer if I was you and just build a new one. but still, a 5670

 

[jjb8675309]

^+1 agreed

 

[kgh91go]

i use this computer just for kick-back. nothing serious really. its been years since ive gotten it and it was on the crappy side so i thought maybe i could fix it up a bit but i guess i should just get a new one. thanks for the help guys it really helped