What can I do to upgrade my computer?

[xres]

Hi all! I am new to this forum and had a few questions on how to upgrade my PC. Im not sure if this is the right category to place this question in so please forgive me if it is wrong.

I was wondering what is currently limiting my PC? I do a lot of gaming and wanted to upgrade my PC to handle some of the newer games that have extremely high graphics. Here is a quick snapshot of my current computer:
http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/793680_10151497224775712_742878542_o.jpg

and or what can my mother board support as far as graphics cards?

Thanks!!

 

[Outlander_04]

Depends on your budget really , and the resolution of your monitor

You have a powerful processor and more than enough RAM . The H67 chipset motherboard means only one graphics card which is plenty

You need to turn your PC off , open the case and report what the wattage and amperage ratings of your power supply are . There should be a sticker on the side of the power supply

Also let us know the resolution of the monitor you intend to use

 

[hillmanant]

Hello Xres

Looks like the only thing bottle necked on your PC is the video card and check your power supply to see if its big enough for a bigger video card. I would try the XFX Double D Radeon HD 7970 or the EVGA SuperClocked+ GeForce GTX 680 if NVIDEA is your preferance . I don't know your price range, I could suggest a different card based on that.

Edit: LOL Outlander sniped my post.

Just my 2 cents Do with it what you will.

 

[xres]

1920x1080 http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/843040_10151497266935712_1780196242_o.jpg is it 450 watts?

edit: about $1000 is my budget
edit2: is this a good card for the money ? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007KC1R9E/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=reckful-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B007KC1R9E

 

[unksol]

The 680 is a bad value, that cooler will be loud, and I'd replace the PSU

 

[Josheyman123]

Here's what I'd do:

1. Get a different 680 - MSI Lightning GTX 680 OC

http://www.amazon.com/MSI-DispayPort-PCI-Express-N680GTX-LIGHTNING/dp/B008D1JKF4/ref=sr_1_9?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1359836765&sr=1-9&keywords=gtx+680

Picked it because extra cooling, overclocking headroom, and quieter operation is worth way more than just the ~$20 price premium.

You might be able to find that cheaper places other than Amazon, such as Newegg - I just figured that Amazon was your preferred retailer.

2. Your PSU is actually 600w, but you could always upgrade it ( COMPLETELY OPTIONAL ) with this:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Enthusiast-Certified-Compatible-platforms/dp/B004LB5AZY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce

For $69 its pretty hard to beat.

---------------------

And when you said your budget is $1000 - does that mean just for upgrades? If that's the case - a GTX 690 might be more your style if you are truly serious about your gaming ( however, that will definitely require that PSU upgrade )

 

[xres]

yeah $1000 for upgrades, i think i might go with the gtx 680 that you linked

 

[Outlander_04]

You definitely need to replace the power supply . Coolmax is a budget brand , and that looks to be an older less efficient model.

use only 80+ bronze [or better] power supplies
A good quality 600 watt model will be fine .

 

[xres]

is the extra 50 watts going to make or brake my decision in graphics cards? Im probably going to go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127671.

So would I need a new power supply with this card?

 

[jo_de_manne]

The link is broken Xres,

"We apologize for the inconvenience, but the item you are looking for has been deactivated. Here are some similar products that you may wish to consider"

The guys here try to convince you to get a new PSU, because what a 80+ certified means is: (wiki) is a voluntary certification program intended to promote efficient energy use in computer power supply units (PSUs) if it's not 80% it might run on lower power, your pc is not getting enough power, things can't run optimally.

THAT AND: a PSU loses power every year you use it, I'm not an expert, just enthousiast trying to help you, but due to capacitor leakage or something, your wattage reduces over time.

And yes a 480 might run slow on a 2600 (more than fine) machine.

correct me if wrong,
Noro

 

[Outlander_04]

Its not just about efficiency , though that is a bonus .

To be that efficient a psu needs digiatl control circuits that also help to stabilize voltage and smooth out the ripple .

A modern processor and graphics card will be more stable if they get good clean current .

A coolmax psu wont cut it

 

[Robert Pankiw]

Hey, about the power supply. Is this it? http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159108

If it is, it only has 1 6pin PCIe connector, which isn't enough to run a high end card (like the 680 or 7970). I would upgrade anyways, just because it is lower end as it stands, but you cannot use a high end graphics card without upgrading your power supply. The current one physically doesn't have enough plugs.

I hope you enjoy your new computer. It will be a beast.

 

[tiny voices]

Get a new PSU for sure. Coolmax is one of the worst PSU companies. Here is a review of their 750w model which failed at 476w. http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Coolmax-CUL-750B-750-W-Power-Supply-Review/977/7

They are not good PSU's. Never trust it to an expensive system.

 

[xres]

So i think I am going to get this card http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130768.

Along with http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Enthusiast-Certified-Compatible-platforms/dp/B004LB5AZY/ref=dp_ob_title_ce for a power supply.

is that going to be enough power to power my card? Thanks again guys for all your inputs