New video card

[foytlin01]

Want to install an new graphics card on a H-RS880-uATX motherboard in an HP Pavilion p6736f-b //Windows 7 //AMD Anthalon II x4 640Proccessor 3.00Ghz // 8G DDR3 (4x2) ram
//Integrated Radeon HD 4200 (256)

I see that the memory runs DDR3 but new Vid cards are GDDR5 -

Am I limited to only DDR3 cards or does it make any difference?

What is the best card (1g+)I can put on it under $200...can I use multiple cards?
Do I need to make any changes on the board (pins)?

 

[Kari]

the type of vram doesn't matter, but gddr5 is faster than 3.

as long as the mobo has pcie x16 slot and there is enough wattage on the power supply, you can use what ever card that fits into the case...

take a look at some reviews, tpu has nice summary graphs
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Powercolor/HD_6870_X2/27.html

 

[foytlin01]

Any preference to Radeon over GeForce? been told Radeon works better with AMD????

 

[Kari]

nah, not really. I thinks thats a bit of a myth, they should both work just fine. Radeons tend to be a bit cheaper for about similar performance and lower power consumption. But ppl keep on insisting that nvidia has better drivers, but I thinkk thats just another myth.

 

[foytlin01]

nah, not really. I thinks thats a bit of a myth, they should both work just fine. Radeons tend to be a bit cheaper for about similar performance and lower power consumption. But ppl keep on insisting that nvidia has better drivers, but I thinkk thats just another myth.

can I just pop in the card or do i need to change anything on the board to shut off the installed 4400?

 

[jamx13]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-performance-radeon-geforce,2997.html

 

[Archean]

I think only edge nVidia's drivers have is in the SLI configuration where they seems to have better performance, but that is about it.

HP Link for your PC and specs.

First problem I see with it is the crappy 250W PSU, which you will need to replace if you want to have any decent graphic card.

I would suggest you to get this HD 6850, it will cost you 135$ after mail-in rebate:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384

And this Antec PSU to go with it will cost you 70$ + shipping cost:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371035

Lastly no, your motherboard does not support CF or SLI setup.

 

[foytlin01]

Thanks for the help! put in a Corsair 600w core today... Nvidia GTX 550-ti is next

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Why not a 460 or 560 ?