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Upgrading a video card on a stock PC?

Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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So I decided that I'm going to upgrade my video card for Christmas. I have a card picked out, (EVGA GeForce GTX 660Ti SUPERCLOCKED 2048MB) and a new power supply, (Cooler Master eXtreme Power Plus 500w Power Supply). The only problem is that I want to make sure my computer is compatible with the hardware. I have a Gateway DX4860 with an Intel core i3 running at 3.3 Ghz. With shipping and everything it comes out to about 400 dollars so I don't want to buy it if it won't work (Obviously). I'm a noob so if someone can confirm that it will work than that would be great :)  Just ask if you need any extra info. I'm particularly worrying about the power supply not fitting the hole for some reason... but I'm not sure if the card will work either. Thanks, SeaStrudel.

More about : upgrading video card stock

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Graphics card Expert

I don't have experience on this topic so you might want to get more feedback before making a decision. I found the model with similar specs here:

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

There's a PCI Express X16 slot for the GTX 660 Ti but I don't believe there's enough clearance for the EVGA card after taking measurements from the picture. However, I found a couple of shorter cards from Zotac below and they should fit. There may be others so you should do more research to see whether there's another card that you might prefer.

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

The PSU looks replaceable but I can't say for certain. If it is, I suggest going with a different PSU. Here's a contender:

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

If you can afford to spend a little more, I'd say go for quality PSU with modular cabling to reduce the clutter and improve airflow.

Lastly I can't say whether you will experience any thermal issue with such a graphics card in a small case.
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Graphics card Expert

The cards themselves are pretty much the same. The differences are the service and warranty provided by each brand and the overclockability of each card will vary. I suggest reading reviews of the cards from review sites and user reviews. If you want to know the shipping cost, add the card in your cart, enter your zip code, and choose Newegg Next Day.

Bestkid said:
i3 with 660 ti? Wow you must be nuts...

I'm probably going to be upgrading the processor in a few months so chill out. Also, why would I be nuts? As I said, I'm a noob and don't really know what I'm doing lol

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Graphics card Expert

If you're thinking of upgrading the CPU in the future, it might not be a bad idea to think about buying a new case (and maybe a motherboard) instead of upgrading your computer. You're not that far from building a whole new computer anyway. You can reuse the hard drive, optical drive and memory. I don't know if you can or should reuse the motherboard. Again I don't know much about replacing/upgrading the components on these computers so it may or may not be an easy task. One think I'm sure of is if you find that the GPU and PSU aren't compatible with your computer, then you have a reason to build a new computer. Here's a guide if you decide to go that route. There are more guides online and of course help from forums like Tom's.

http://techreport.com/review/23624/how-to-build-a-pc-th...

And here's another PSU for you to choose:

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

You probably know this already but I forgot to mention that you will be voiding your warranty if you're still covered. Lastly if you're going to upgrade the CPU, go with a quad core to see any real difference. And if you go with a K Series CPU for overclocking, you'd definitely need a new motherboard (Z77) to overclock and maybe an aftermarket cooler.
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