Upgrading GPU on a Gateway dx4200-09

[80sGlamRocker]

Hello,

I have a Gateway dx4200-09. I want to upgrade the graphics card for 3d gaming. I realize I'll have to upgrade the power supply also.

What is the best card I can put in for the $?

Here are my system specs:

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (64-bit) with SP1
• 640GB 7200rpm Serial ATA II/300 hard drive with 16MB Cache
• AMD Phenom X4 9100e 64-bit Quad-Core Processor (1.80GHz, 2MB L2 Cache) with AMD64 Technology
• Integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 Hybrid Graphics with up to 256MB of Shared Video Memory
• 4096MB 800MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (2-2048MB modules), expandable up to 8GB
• AMD 780G Chipset
• 1 – PCI-E x16, 1 – PCI-Ex1 and 1 – PCI Available Expansion Slots
• 18X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti Drive featuring Labelflash Technology
• Gateway 15-in-1 media card reader with copy button
• 6 USB 2.0 ports (2 Front, 4 Rear)
• 2 IEEE 1394a Ports(1 Front, 1 Rear)
• 1 HDMI and 1 VGA video port
• 2 PS2 Ports
• 56k ITU v.92 Ready Fax/Modem (RJ-11 port)
• 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 port)
• Premium Multimedia Keyboard
• 2-Button USB Optical Wheel Mouse
• Amplified USB Powered Stereo Speakers
• 8-Channel (7.1) High Definition Audio
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 16.34” x 7.09” x 17.32” (415mm x 180mm x 440mm)
• 300W Power Supply

Thanks in advance for help!

 

[80sGlamRocker]

Will this work with power supply upgrade?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873

 

[purple stain]

I would suggest saving up your money for a new CPU.Your not going to get much of an improvement using that CPU.

The 5770 is a good choice but it will get bottlenecked by your CPU.The most powerful GPU you could get without bottlenecking would be the 5670.

Of course if you wanted to use a more powerful card you would have to get a new CPU which means a new Mobo and RAM.In the end it depends on what your budget will allow.

What is your total budget?

 

[80sGlamRocker]

The computer's not a spring chicken anymore, so not too much, possibly $150 to $160 including a 450 watt power supply. My 16yr old son got GTA IV and I noticed we need hardware acceleration for the game to work.

 

[80sGlamRocker]

If I got the 5770 now, I could transfer it to the next computer in 6 months or a year from now. Would that work?

 

[80sGlamRocker]

I do like this one too.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102920

 

[Onus]

It looks like the PSU in your Gateway was made by FSP, which means it isn't crap. You should be able to run a HD5670 or HD6670 without upgrading it. If you want to run something stronger (even if it would be bottlenecked some by your current CPU), get an Antec EA380D: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371033 for $40. You can then fit a HD5770 or HD6770 into your budget.

Edit: This one is only $90 if you play the rebate game and win: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102941 and comes with a free game, and looks like it exhausts at least some of its heat, which could be an issue in your cramped Gateway case.

 

[80sGlamRocker]

I was looking at this power supply

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159082

 

[80sGlamRocker]

Jtt283 I just saw your post. I like your power supply better. checking out the vid card.

 

[Onus]

No! That's a chokemax PSU-shaped object. A quality modern PSU has full range active PFC (no little voltage switch) and some level of 80+ certification for efficiency. Seasonic, Antec, Corsair, XFX, and Enermax/LEPA are among the better brands.

Edit: Ah, good!

 

[80sGlamRocker]

Best answer selected by 80sglamrocker.

 

[Onus]

Hey thanks. Have fun with your new parts.

Edit: Please do not be too disappointed if GTA IV still doesn't play very well. I do not have it myself, but I have read more than once that it is a somewhat poorly-coded game that is very CPU-dependent; your CPU is weak, so that game may never run well. Many other titles, however, should be playable, and they will look decent with your new GPU.

 

[80sGlamRocker]

The video card looks good too! Thanks for the help!

We can dial the resolution down a bit and hopefully that will be acceptable.



Edit: The parts came today and we got them put in without a hitch. Everything works great!