I'm upgrading two family members' PCs with incoming tax money, and I had a few questions someone might be able to clear up for me.
Before it comes up, I'm not interested in getting them a new motherboard or anything more expensive than maybe 50-60 bucks each machine, they don't expect to be able to play current gen games on ultra. I realize DDR2 RAM isn't the newest, but it will do.
PC 1:
I'm upgrading my sister's video card, she's limited to a 400w PSU (not willing to upgrade it, she won't be playing battlefield 3 anytime soon). The PC currently has an Nvidia GT120 (got it from amazon, I realize it's OEM) with 1gb ram ddr2. The thing gets hot, capping out at 114 celcius on a well ventilated system. I was wondering what the best card that wouldn't have similar heating issues (which might just be a problem with the GT120 from what I read) that would remain under 400w.
I was considering a GTS240 for this, since I'm able to get one for 40$, but it says 450w recommended on nvidia's site, although a friend tells me it's not "required", just recommended.
System specs as follows
C2Q Q8200 @ 2.3ghz
8GB DDR2 RAM (unsure about the speed)
Nvidia GT120 1GB DDR2(GPU-Z marks it as Sapphire/PCPartner)
400W PSU (unsure about the maker)
Nforce 720i MCP
PC/Case @ link (for purposes of card fitting)
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gat...-33513654.html
PC2:
My mom's pc is a different issue, it's currently running with intel integrated graphics, so ANYTHING is an upgrade. However, it's PCI Express 1.0 interface (has x16 slot), I know PCIE 2.0 is backwards compatible (at least most of the time). I was hoping to get a decent video card in there, but I don't know how much of a detriment or cap it is that it's 1.0 interface. For example, will a GT120 and GT240 perform similarly because of the cap on transfer?
I'd like a recommendation on a graphics card on the cheap for it as well, system specs are as follows
Core2Duo @ 2.93Ghz
3GB DDR2 RAM (speed unknown)
300w PSU
Mobo unknown, however it's a dell vostro 220 (says on the sticker)
PC/Case @ link (for purposes of card fitting)
http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/vostro-220/pd
Edit: It may not sound like it, but I'm fully open to getting an AMD/ATI graphics card, I just don't know anything about them. Equivalents for ATI would be welcome as well.
--
Thanks in advance for your help!
Before it comes up, I'm not interested in getting them a new motherboard or anything more expensive than maybe 50-60 bucks each machine, they don't expect to be able to play current gen games on ultra. I realize DDR2 RAM isn't the newest, but it will do.
PC 1:
I'm upgrading my sister's video card, she's limited to a 400w PSU (not willing to upgrade it, she won't be playing battlefield 3 anytime soon). The PC currently has an Nvidia GT120 (got it from amazon, I realize it's OEM) with 1gb ram ddr2. The thing gets hot, capping out at 114 celcius on a well ventilated system. I was wondering what the best card that wouldn't have similar heating issues (which might just be a problem with the GT120 from what I read) that would remain under 400w.
I was considering a GTS240 for this, since I'm able to get one for 40$, but it says 450w recommended on nvidia's site, although a friend tells me it's not "required", just recommended.
System specs as follows
C2Q Q8200 @ 2.3ghz
8GB DDR2 RAM (unsure about the speed)
Nvidia GT120 1GB DDR2(GPU-Z marks it as Sapphire/PCPartner)
400W PSU (unsure about the maker)
Nforce 720i MCP
PC/Case @ link (for purposes of card fitting)
http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gat...-33513654.html
PC2:
My mom's pc is a different issue, it's currently running with intel integrated graphics, so ANYTHING is an upgrade. However, it's PCI Express 1.0 interface (has x16 slot), I know PCIE 2.0 is backwards compatible (at least most of the time). I was hoping to get a decent video card in there, but I don't know how much of a detriment or cap it is that it's 1.0 interface. For example, will a GT120 and GT240 perform similarly because of the cap on transfer?
I'd like a recommendation on a graphics card on the cheap for it as well, system specs are as follows
Core2Duo @ 2.93Ghz
3GB DDR2 RAM (speed unknown)
300w PSU
Mobo unknown, however it's a dell vostro 220 (says on the sticker)
PC/Case @ link (for purposes of card fitting)
http://www.dell.com/us/dfb/p/vostro-220/pd
Edit: It may not sound like it, but I'm fully open to getting an AMD/ATI graphics card, I just don't know anything about them. Equivalents for ATI would be welcome as well.
--
Thanks in advance for your help!