Need a graphics card upgrade and need guidance

[Susedester13]

Hey community,
I got a new computer about 3 months ago and the major downfall of it was the radon 7450 graphics card. (Link to system specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03154290&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5192450)

The current graphics card only runs games at 1600x900 on low mostly about 25 fps. I would like to increase the settings and still get high fps, but my power supply is 300w. I looked at the watt usage of the radeon 6850 loaded, and it was 127. The proccessor's TDP is only 95, so I was wondering if it's possible to use the 6850. If not, what are my options because I would like to keep the cost to $150 and under ($200 max).

-suedester13

 

[fantastik250]

The best card you can get with that power supply is a 7750 (800Mhz).

 

[Susedester13]

How good is it? Would it be able to do what I wanted, because I'm willing to upgrade my PSU.

 

[fantastik250]

Source: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5969/zotac-geforce-gt-640-review-/10

It's a great budget value card. If you are going to upgrade your PSU, then the next step is the 7770

If you want the best mid-range price/performance card 7850.

 

[Susedester13]

So if i am following you correctly, if I upgrade my psu, then I should probably go with the 7770 over the 6850? And how hard is it to self install it?

 

[fantastik250]

Self-install the PSU? It is not very hard. You just unscrew the old PSU and place the new one in. The cards perform roughly the same, just that the 7770 uses lower power consumption.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/536?vs=539

 

[Susedester13]

Best answer selected by Susedester13.