Do I need to upgrade processor/motherboard?

[cuddlefish]

To begin im not very knowledgable with computers etc... With the release of diablo 3 coming ive decided its time to buy my very first graphics card... After hours of research ive decided I like the 7850.

Now after all this research i started thinking are the other parts of my computer capable of handling this card or would I just be wasting my money.

All specs can be found here

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c01905330#N156

This is my processor
Processor
AMD Athlon II X4 620
Figure 2: AMD Athlon II logo

Operating speed: Up to 2.6 GHz
Number of cores: 4
Socket: AM3
Bus speed: 4000 MHz HT3




Can you guys tell me if this computer will be able to take advantage of this gpu or if i need to upgrade components or downgrade the gpu?

Ive never done anything like this... Now if i change out the motherboard and processor or just the processor is that going to mean a wipe of my HDD?

What processor could I upgrade to and will it be modern or still outdated?

 

[cuddlefish]

Would it be better to buy a cheap psu and gpu right now so i can play diablo three and then save up to build a new system?

 

[cuddlefish]

anyone?

 

[WR2]

No, you don't need to upgrade the CPU/motherboard at this time.

What PSU did you have in mind?

 

[WR2]

Have you checked the length of your HD 7850 card to make sure it will fit in that case?

Some of the 7850s are longer than others.

 

[neon neophyte]

its a decent quadcore, itll push that card ok. i would overclock it if you can though. 2.6 ghz is kind of slow.

 

[cuddlefish]

No i have not checked on length yet. Ive been told coarsair... was thinking a cx600 or so?

Also will i be wanting to upgrade processor or anything in the near future? How long until mine is too outdated? would i need a larger power supply to account for that?

What are your reccomendations on psu?

 

[cuddlefish]

Is overclocking easy? Would I need more fans?

 

[cuddlefish]

This is whats in my cart right now



XFX Double D FX-785A-CDFC Radeon HD 7850 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card Item #: N82E16814150609Return Policy: VGA Standard Return Policy


$269.99








CORSAIR Builder Series CX600 V2 600W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply Item #: N82E16817139028Return Policy: Standard Return Policy
-$10.00 Instant
$10.00 Mail-in Rebate Card
$79.99$69.99

 

[WR2]

Also will i be wanting to upgrade processor or anything in the near future? How long until mine is too outdated?

I think you will. You'll know when it's time, when you're not happy with the game performance. You should be OK with D3 with the new graphics card I think.

And no - you won't need a new PSU when you change CPU/MB if you get a decent one with the new graphics card.

Corsair cx600 is about right on power - lets check options/prices.

 

[WR2]

The DD card is a long 9.5" - will that fit in your case?

 

[cuddlefish]

Ummm im a little bit confused as to how much room I have...


It has enough room before it runs in to other side of the case... but How far will it stick out from the motherboard? will my ram get in the way? I also have a bunch of wires connecting into the motherboard near where i think the card will extend to

 

[cuddlefish]

There is a picture of the motherboard on that specs link i posted... The gpu wouldnt be longer than the motherboard

 

[WR2]

I looked at the picture - it didn't help estimating if you had enough room.
You also need room to plug in the PCI-e power adapters - 2 6pin power leads on the top of the card. Other 7850s only take 1 6pin power lead and are 8.5 long.

 

[cuddlefish]

The mother baord is a 9.6 by 9.6 square.... look at the picture of it in the specs link and let me know if you think the plug in on the other side of the ram will get in the way?

 

[cuddlefish]

Ohhhhh... Which one would you reccomend? I liked the double fan to keep it cool.

 

[WR2]

Does that HP Pavilion p6214y case have a place for another case fan?

 

[WR2]

What kind of connector does your monitor use? Resolution?

 

[cuddlefish]

Ummm where would i look for a mounting spot for a case fan? im not sure? Monitor right now is the hp2009f... Would i be able to get like a 32 black friday lcd on black friday to use as my monitor now that ill have hdmi?

 

[cuddlefish]

1600 x 900 factory-set resolution Supports DVI-D and VGA video input...viewing angle: 160 degrees Recommended resolution (H x V) 1600 x 900 @ 60 Hz Contrast...enables the monitor to display HDTV resolution if connected by the DVI connector...

 

[WR2]

Supports DVI-D and VGA - you're OK there.
And yes, you'd be able to use a HDMI equipped 32" TV. (Avoid the 720p models)

An extra case fan mount. There would be mounting brackets, screw holes or a fan grill, spaced for a 92mm or 120mm case fan.

 

[WR2]

It's looking like there are no options to add a case fan to that HP Pavilion p6214y.

I think it's worth your time to run through the HP support forums and see what other HP Pavilion p6214y owners are doing for video card upgrades. Look for HD 6950 or HD 6870 upgrades. And of course possible HD 7850 upgrades too.
See how well those went for other HP Pavilion p6214y owners.

 

[cuddlefish]

There is empty space by the hdd and a 6x2 inch series of holes near there in the door...

there is a large series of holes in the door right obove the cpu cooler but i dont see anything else other than that.

 

[cuddlefish]

will the video card stick out far enough to go up and over my ram?

 

[dannoddd]

I think with that resolution and considering all else, you might really consider something like a 7770. It's less expensive, can probably run on your current power supply. Short so it'll fit. Cool so it won't need additional cooling.

my .02

I'd also stay away from XFX personally. Something from Asus or MSI.