Upgrading my Small Computer

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Greg0825

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Hi there, My name is Greg. I have a Gateway Sx2803-25e and I have been wanting to upgrade it for a while with a new video card since the integrated graphics card (GMA X4500) is simply god awful and I just want to be able to play games. The main setback for me is that it is an extremely small case and have a power supply of only 220W.

The specs for the computer are there: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-sx2803-25e/4507-3118_7-34469038.html
 
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clutchc
Due to the slim line case, small power supply, and cramped enclosure... these cards are about the max you can use in your machine. They should provide good gaming at 1680x1050 or lower resolution.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600038364%20600083901%20600144218&IsNodeId=1&name=Radeon%20HD%206570&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=20

They all come with a low profile bracket(s) you can swap out for use in your slim line case. Be aware you will probably lose use of your second expansion slot.
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clutchc

clutchc

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Due to the slim line case, small power supply, and cramped enclosure... these cards are about the max you can use in your machine. They should provide good gaming at 1680x1050 or lower resolution.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007709%20600038364%20600083901%20600144218&IsNodeId=1&name=Radeon%20HD%206570&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=20

They all come with a low profile bracket(s) you can swap out for use in your slim line case. Be aware you will probably lose use of your second expansion slot.
 
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Greg0825

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So it would meet my power restraint and also my case size? Also Would it be prone to overheating, or have any downsides to it? And also would I just plug it in and that's it?
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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'Technically', since your machine has a PCIe x16 expansion slot, your PSU should handle any card that only requires the 75W provided by the PCIe x16 slot. That is, if you don't have any other added accessories drawing power from the PSU. Worse case; if during heavy gaming with the card maxed out, and the machine shuts down... it means your PSU can't keep up. But I think you will be fine.
 
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clutchc

clutchc

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You're asking a lot of questions I can't answer. I'm only speculating. Your case is cramped, but should accept the cards listed. I would suggest one with a fan rather than one without. The cards will work fine for everday use and gaming up to maybe 1680x1050. If the card is drawing lots of current due to setting the options in game at max with most of the eye candy turned on, you may find the PSU can't keep the voltage up to necessary levels and it will cause the computer to shut down or reboot. Then you'll know.

The way I see it, you have three choices. Forget about adding a discrete card and live with what you have, try the new card and see how it works, or upgrade to a new computer designed for gaming. I can't really promise anything. All I can do is give my opinion.

One thing you can do is get yourself a 'Kill-o-watt' meter and plug it into your outlet. Plug the computer into that. Set it for reading Watts and pay attention to the reading when you have your computer on. (The primary side of the PSU will show a bit higher wattage than the secondary side due to loss caused by power factor variables. But it will give you a good approximation of how many watts your PSU is using.)
http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-P4400-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B00009MDBU
 
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