Help for a first time builder, upgrading psu and gpu

[bstore2]

Hey all thanks for reading

I got a prebuilt pc last year and want to upgrade the gpu in it, but was thinking I might need a bigger psu as well. Here's the pc I bought.

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02908817&tmp_track_link=ot_faqs/top_issues/en_us/c02908817/loc:2&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5154644

I'd like to upgrade the gpu to an amd 7870, but it says minimum power required is 500 and my psu puts out 460. Do I still need to upgrade the psu?

also how do I know which psu to get? thanks!

 

[stickg1]

If your current power supply can run a 6850 no problem then it can handle a 7870 no problem. If it were me I would upgrade the PSU anyway because its the most important part in your case and you want it to be top quality.

If on a tight budget just go for the GPU, if you can swing it, pick up something like this.

SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

SAPPHIRE 100354OCL Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB - $240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202010

But like I said you have enough power to run a 7870 but I would put a higher quality unit in there just to be sure.

 

[bstore2]

If your current power supply can run a 6850 no problem then it can handle a 7870 no problem. If it were me I would upgrade the PSU anyway because its the most important part in your case and you want it to be top quality.

If on a tight budget just go for the GPU, if you can swing it, pick up something like this.

SeaSonic M12II 520 Bronze 520W - $70
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151093

SAPPHIRE 100354OCL Radeon HD 7870 GHz Edition 2GB - $240
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202010

But like I said you have enough power to run a 7870 but I would put a higher quality unit in there just to be sure.

Awesome thanks for the advice! I'm sure I can find guides on how to install both parts, but is there anything else I'll need aside from a screwdriver?

 

[stickg1]

Awesome thanks for the advice! I'm sure I can find guides on how to install both parts, but is there anything else I'll need aside from a screwdriver?

A phillips head screw driver and one or two hands with opposable thumbs!

 

[rabidraccoon]

I also second stickg1's recommendation of the seasonic PSU. I've had great experiences with seasonic PSU's and the warranties are usually very good (my platinum has a 7 year warranty.) Installation will be pretty straightforward: The PSU will just screw into the bottom or back of the case and you'll have to reconnect the power wires to the motherboard and any other components like DVD and hard drives. For the graphics card, just pop out the right number of slots on the back I/O panel (should be 1 slot for most cards,) push down the latch on the PCI slot, stick the card in, screw in or snap down back I/O panel slot, attach cables from power supply, and you're good to go with the installation.

 

[bstore2]

Best answer selected by bstore2.