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Upgrading a GT120 on one machine, and a PCIE 1.0 on another (70$ each)

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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.
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Thanks in advance for your help!

More about : upgrading gt120 machine pcie

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For the price point, I'd go AMD (and I'm an Nvidia guy).

For your sister's machine try a radeon HD 6670. It's in Tom's latest "best graphics for the money" article, and they recommend a 400 watt power supply. You can find them for $50 with a rebate (or $65 without).

For your mom, I don't see any reasonable cards that say they'll work in a 300watt system. You can try a radeon HD 6450. In it's benchmarks it consumes very little power (less than 200watts in crysis), and it can be had for $25 with rebate (or $40 without.)

I don't think PCI-e 1.0 will slow either down at all as long as it's a x16 slot.
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MagicPants said:
For the price point, I'd go AMD (and I'm an Nvidia guy).

For your sister's machine try a radeon HD 6670. It's in Tom's latest "best graphics for the money" article, and they recommend a 400 watt power supply. You can find them for $50 with a rebate (or $65 without).

For your mom, I don't see any reasonable cards that say they'll work in a 300watt system. You can try a radeon HD 6450. In it's benchmarks it consumes very little power (less than 200watts in crysis), and it can be had for $25 with rebate (or $40 without.)

I don't think PCI-e 1.0 will slow either down at all as long as it's a x16 slot.



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0056G66LK/ref=asc_df_B0056G66...

That one's the one on the article, I can't help but notice it's PCIE 2.1. I read it makes it incompatible with 1.0, but is it okay on a 2.0, or is it exclusively 2.1?



badtaylorx said:
its backwards compatible

but you cant upgrade too far because of major bottleneck issues as well as psu requirements......

read up on that sparkle calibre line.....each and every one of them performs at a level much higher than it should

or you could up it to a 430....dbbl your stream prcs.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...


I'll definitely read up on that.

I was also looking at the GT440, I saw this on amazon and it looked really good, any thoughts? (granted it's used, I've never bought a used video card before, and I am weary)

- http://www.amazon.com/GeForce-Express-Displayport-Graph...
Graphics card Expert

prolly too much for the c2d.....but the c2q may work good.....go for it.....

just make sure its a 2.0-----two point oh...... 2.1 can (not always tho) break b/wards compatibility

badtaylorx said:
prolly too much for the c2d.....but the c2q may work good.....go for it.....

just make sure its a 2.0-----two point oh...... 2.1 can (not always tho) break b/wards compatibility



Yeah I totally meant that for the c2q.

For the C2D i was thinking a 5450/6450 or a GT520 or GT 220
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