Stock HP graphics/psu options

[ChasingHibachi]

Hi all, so recently I purchased a computer from HP (specs below) and at the time I didn't know that I wanted to game with it. Now I'm not looking for super performance but I want to get good performance from games like Battlefield Bad Company 2 and the upcoming Battlefield 3. Currently my graphics card, does run BF but at a meager 30 or so fps. I currently have a 300 watt power supply and want to upgrade it to a 600 watt power supply:
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Memory-Compatible-Certified-CMPSU-600CX/dp/B0044R93S0/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2YW67QV3LML9C&colid=3SZ6HOCH5OSU2.

I'm torn with what graphics card I should get. I'm not interested in high end cards as much as just a "good enough" card to run games at a reasonably good frame rate and resolution so I am looking at the following card:

Sapphire Radeon HD 6850 1 GB GDDR5 VGA/DL-DVI-I/SL-DVI-D/HDMI/Display Port PCI-Express Video Card 100315L
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-DL-DVI-I-SL-DVI-D-PCI-Express-100315L/dp/B0047ZGIUK/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I3OVTI3P86VQIF&colid=3SZ6HOCH5OSU2

So my question is, is it as simple as swapping out my current power supply and throwing in a new card, or am I just showing my ignorance as it relates to computer hardware? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Are my choices good ones or are there better options for me?

My PC specs are as follows:
HPE-515t
Intel Core i5 CPU 760 @2.80GHZ
6 GB (3 x 2 GB) DDR3 PC3-10600
1 TB, 7200 rpm, SATA 3G
GeForce GT420 (2 GB)
Motherboard: MSI MS-7613
HP: Iona-GL8E
power supply 300 watt

 

[ChasingHibachi]

anyone?

 

[The Halo Don]

If price is not an issue, a GTX 560 Ti 1GB should work extremely good with your setup, and since you have an HP case, like myself. I suggest getting this model:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814261099


If the price is to high then keep in mind to get a not to big card since youre working with a small case.

And about BF3, more than sure a GTX 560 Ti will handle it max settings!

 

[iam2thecrowe]

you dont need a 600w psu to run a 6850. a good 450w unit from antec, seasonic, ocz or corsair is more than enough with some headroom to not be pushing it too hard. Just make sure there is Physically enough room in the case to fit the gfx card and psu. Some video cards are quite long. There are some shorter length 6850's available. I would also advise against Sapphire cards, apparently warranty support is horribble. http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Eyefinity-Display-Express-H685F1GD/dp/B0047N0XBM/ref=pd_cp_e_3 this HIS unit is much better, HIS are much more reputable. Also make sure your case has at least 1 decent exhaust fan to remove all the hot air.

 

[ChasingHibachi]

thanks, is there a way aside from opening my case to see if a power supply will fit? also how do I know if I have an exhaust fan?

 

[ChasingHibachi]

I also checked the requirements for that card and they say min. 500w psu is needed?

 

[The Halo Don]

thanks, is there a way aside from opening my case to see if a power supply will fit? also how do I know if I have an exhaust fan?

Nope, also keep in mind most HP cases have a top mounted PSU.

 

[The Halo Don]

I also checked the requirements for that card and they say min. 500w psu is needed?

They take everything into account, they put it as if you'll be burning a dvd, playing a game, while listening to music. A good quality 450w should be fine.

Also I noticed the power supply you chose is the older version, there is a newer version for the same price:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139028&cm_re=cx600_v2-_-17-139-028-_-Product

 

[ChasingHibachi]

I ended up going with this psu Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus Series 500W ATX12V V2.3 Active PFC Power Supply - (RS500-PCARA3-US)

i also got the gpu that crowe recomended.