[GRAPHICS CARDS] Getting new HP computer, wondering if should switch

[lalaomg]

I just bought a HP Black Pavillion p6813w Desktop. Comes with 4GB of RAM, 1TB hard drive and my monitor's resolution is 1280x1024. Now the graphics card that comes with it is the ATI Radeon 4200 and I heard its not good for gaming?

This isn't going to solely be a gaming computer but I was looking forward to the Sims 3 on this computer. I heard it'll play well if settings were at best toned down but playing in HQ is what it's about! So is it worth switching out and getting a new graphics card or keeping this one? I've yet to receive the machine so I can't really tell you how things look.

As far as budget - I really don't want to spend the money at all. So anything cheap is fine. :lol:

 

[computernugget]

well from the specs, you're gonna need to upgrade that power supply. its only 250w and the cheap kinds too. and it is worth upgrading if you plan on gaming, even if that means games farmville lol and the sims. you will see smoother frames and you can increase the visuals with it having to lag. but its gonna cost around like 100 bucks. with a power supply upgrade and a videocard upgrade.

edit: i think you can get away with this card. but im scared that your power supply might not handle it.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162067

 

[wiinippongamer]

^5670 beat it handily for $10 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102930

This is a pretty good PSU that should handle most single graphics card if want to upgrade in the future: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

You WILL need a new PSU if you want to run any decent card and keep within safe limits

 

[computernugget]

i mean you can try getting a 5450 but its not gonna be any improvemnt over your graphics.

but if you can have some decent graphics then you are gonna have to upgrade your psu.

i would personally recommend getting something like this antec earthwatts. 45 bucks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034

and this card which im sure will have no issues with your motherboard. 50 bucks gt240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162044

 

[purple stain]

The 6670/5670 is a good choice but even the 5570/6570 would be much better than what you have now.With the 6570/5570 you wouldn't have to upgrade the PSU.

The HP p6813w use's intergreated graphics so anything is an improvement.

 

[wiinippongamer]

But it's not like they're intel GMA level graphics, the 4200 is quite a decent chip for anything non-gaming

 

[purple stain]

Unless it's a LLano then all intergreated graphics are horrible for gaming.I find that even 1080p video can be a chore for it.

 

[computernugget]

his power supply is a 250w so he has to upgrade. you cant run much on that.

 

[lalaomg]

i mean you can try getting a 5450 but its not gonna be any improvemnt over your graphics.

but if you can have some decent graphics then you are gonna have to upgrade your psu.

i would personally recommend getting something like this antec earthwatts. 45 bucks
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371034

and this card which im sure will have no issues with your motherboard. 50 bucks gt240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162044

Power supply? @_@ I had no idea about that. Not to mention I have no idea how to even install one if I got a new one... I've read that the Sims 3 runs fine with that card on Medium-ish settings but I mean, if you can go high then why not?

Are these the best options for a low price? And they're compatible with the machine too?

 

[wiinippongamer]

They are compatible, but you will need to change your current PSU

 

[purple stain]

What is your budget?

 

[computernugget]

this video should be somewhat helpful if you wanna teach yourself how to install or remove a power supply.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8inWYUxElAs

 

[lalaomg]

Well tbh I wanted my budget to be zero dollars. But if this is the best choice, I'll definitely look into it. Thank you.

 

[MistressofBurden]

I'm relieved you asked this question because I'm running into the same problem as well . I want to be able to play The Sims 3 in addition to it's expansion packs on high setting (the non-online game).

I know I will have to pay for another psu and a card so here are my thoughts, I know I need help in choosing a psu and this following link is the specs for this tower HP p6813w. Mind you I am not computer smart but I know little tid bits. I'm clueless as far as picking a psu to power a decent card. my limit is around $100.

HP Link: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02870583&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5117357

PSU options?:
SILVERSTONE ST45SF 450W SFX12V 80 PLUS BRONZE
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=17-256-063&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=-1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Page=2

Diablotek PHD Series PHD450 450W ATX12V V2.2 Power Supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817822002

Graphics Card:
GeForce 9800 GT 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187163

 

[wiinippongamer]

^ make a thread of your own for that, thread hijacking isn't cool

 

[MistressofBurden]

Didn't realize that and my bad, but heck I figured we have the same issues so why make another thread of the same issue? Talk about being pissy.

 

[wiinippongamer]

^ I'm not pissed, and it's not the same "problem", similar situation maybe, but there are also like a 1000 people everyday that come to this forum wanting to upgrade their systems.