I need YOU! - GPU upgrade question

[semaj482]

Hello!
I'm looking forward to DICE's New game BF3 and also The Elders Scrolls: Skyrim.
I have a Packard Bell ixtreme and it has a pretty bad graphics card (I downloaded the BETA and had to run it on low settings). I am thinking of spending about £100 in total. There is a graphics card that looks good and i would like conformation if it it good enough to play BF3 on high settings.
Also this is my first modification and if possible would like step by step instructions on what to do.
This is the GPU: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-165-OK&tool=3

These are my system specifications:


System
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Manufacturer Packard Bell
Model ixtreme M3720
Total amount of system memory 4.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 4

Storage
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total size of hard disk(s) 582 GB
Disk partition (C 240 GB Free (291 GB Total)
Disk partition (D 291 GB Free (291 GB Total)
Media drive (E CD/DVD

Graphics
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Display adapter type NVIDIA GeForce GT 220
Total available graphics memory 2815 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 1791 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.17.12.8026
Primary monitor resolution 1280x1024
DirectX version DirectX 10

Network
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Network Adapter Realtek RTL8102E/RTL8103E Family PCI-E Fast Ethernet NIC (NDIS 6.20)
Network Adapter Atheros AR5006GS Wireless Network Adapter
Network Adapter Microsoft Virtual WiFi Miniport Adapter


Sorry about the smileys!

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

It's only 768mb. I think it will play BF3 on medium settings at best.

 

[semaj482]

oh,
Can you suggest a alternative?
Thanks

 

[julius 85]

The 1GB version might be enough. However, you're probably going to have to upgrade your PSU, too. So 100 pounds won't be enough if you want to play it at high settings. And if you need a guide on replacing your GPU, search on youtube.

 

[semaj482]

I think i can go over 100 pounds but how much over?

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Not for 100 pound. And indeed, for a high end card you need at least a 500W psu.

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Good card and good psu ; round 180 pound.

 

[semaj482]

Might just get it for my PS3 what do you think?

 

[Mousemonkey]

Might just get it for my PS3 what do you think?

The GTX460 and a decent 16 x 10 monitor would be a better investment than anything to do with a PS3! :lol:

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Thats up to you, it would be cheaper yeah.

This is the cheapest upgrade i think ( got it from my dear friend Yummerzzzzzzzz ) ;

BeQuiet Pure Power BQT L7 80Plus 530W PSU £44
+
XFX HD 6870 1GB w/ Free Stalker : CoP £140

 

[semaj482]

hmmmm...

 

[semaj482]

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog?q=XFX+HD+6870+1GB&hl=en&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1280&bih=923&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12267726839512274230&sa=X&ei=1ZOQTputPMmc-wa-h7WBCw&ved=0CFkQ8wIwAA
Is this it?
Also the ixtreme is smaller than usual cases I hope it doesn't make a difference.

 

[Mousemonkey]

Are you in or near Stratford E.15? If so have you tried the computer fair that's held there?

 

[semaj482]

About 3 hours away.

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Ha, that one is even cheaper !
My links don't work i see now. They are from Aria.
Have too look into your case, be back.

 

[Mousemonkey]

About 3 hours away.

Oh, it's just that the google page you linked to had Stratford as the location. You're not out near Stratford-Upon-Avon are you? As that would explain the three hour trip!

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

It should fit. Been looking for 20 minutes but can't find the specs from your pc. ( not if it has a pcie slot anyway )
I did read on Tom's someone has put a gtx460 in it so it has a pciex16 slot. Not sure tho if it's a 1.0 or 2.0. The 6870 could give a problem if it is a 1.0 slot, because some 2.1 gpu's don't work on a 1.0 slot.
If you can find out it's a 2.0 slot go for the 6870, if not ; maybe better to be sure and go for a GTX 460 1G.

 

[semaj482]

how do I find out?

 

[semaj482]

Thanks guys!

 

[semaj482]

I really appreciate your help!

 

[Mousemonkey]

Download and run GPUz.

 

[semaj482]

 

[semaj482]

 

[semaj482]

 

[Mousemonkey]

Hover your cursor over the 'Bus Interface' box for a sec and an info bubble should pop up, what does it say?