Updating GPU [HELP]

[RAMgod]

First of all, my PC's specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02481314&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=4311961

My PC's power supply is 300w. Correct me if i'm wrong but, I will have to upgrade this to upgrade my gpu right?

Is this good enough to run a high-end gpu? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027
Again, suggest what would be best for gaming with my PC.
Also, will I be able to buy any gpu I want?

Was looking at this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130826
Again, I am no computer wizard so I need help before I buy these things. I can install the gpu but, I'm not sure about the psu.

 

[geofelt]

About the strongest graphics card you can run with a 300w psu is a 7750.

Here is a handy chart for what different graphics configurations require:
http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

And, only buy a quality psu. A tier 1/2 or perhaps 3 from this list:
http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/323050.aspx

 

[RAMgod]

Which psu and gpu would you suggest?

 

[geofelt]

Which psu and gpu would you suggest?

What is your budget for both?

 

[RAMgod]

GPU- nothing above 350
PSU- nothing above 150

 

[geofelt]

GPU- nothing above 350
PSU- nothing above 150

EVGA GTX660ti for $310 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130816

Seasonic M12II 620 $80 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095

 

[RAMgod]

Ok, my motherboard is a foxconn #2AB1.

My questions are, if I buy the PSU and buy the GPU, will I need to buy anything else? First time installing this on my own also. Will the GPU work on my motherboard? Will the card "fit"?

 

[geofelt]

Ok, my motherboard is a foxconn #2AB1.

My questions are, if I buy the PSU and buy the GPU, will I need to buy anything else? First time installing this on my own also. Will the GPU work on my motherboard? Will the card "fit"?

No, you should not need anything else.

Your link to the pc shows a standard M-ATX motherboard with a pcie-x16 slot. That is good.
The only thing that gives me pause is that the HD5450 shown appears to be a half height card.
Yet, the case looks like full width.
Measure the height of the slot in the rear opening where the graphics card will be installed. A standard slot will be about 10mm high.

While we are at it, measure the opening of the psu. A standard atx psu will be 150mm wide, 85mm high, and vary in depth from 140mm up to 180mm.
The seasonic I linked to will be 160mm deep.

 

[devilofdeaths]

EVGA GTX660ti for $310 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130816

Seasonic M12II 620 $80 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151095

that 660ti would only be used about 70% because the cpu is a phenom X2 955 which will bottleneck the 660ti.i would get a 660 because it won't bottleneck(as much)and it saves you $80

 

[RAMgod]

The psu installed currently is 152m wide and 80-85high. My case is 15inches or 381mm high. From the gpu slot to the psu is 76.2mm. It should fit, not sure though. The case is 16 inches or 406mm wide.

 

[geofelt]

The psu installed currently is 152m wide and 80-85high. My case is 15inches or 381mm high. From the gpu slot to the psu is 76.2mm. It should fit, not sure though. The case is 16 inches or 406mm wide.

I think you are good.

 

[RAMgod]

Last thing, the gtx 660ti you linked required 2 6-pin PCI-E connectors. The psu you linked has one 6-pin and a 6+2pin. Will that work or does the gpu come with a adapter?

 

[geofelt]

Last thing, the gtx 660ti you linked required 2 6-pin PCI-E connectors. The psu you linked has one 6-pin and a 6+2pin. Will that work or does the gpu come with a adapter?

The 6+2 pin connector is able to connect to either a 6 pin or 8 pin connector.
So you are good. Nothing extra is needed.

 

[devilofdeaths]

with that cpu it would bottleneck the 660ti a lot and only be able to use part of the 660ti

 

[RAMgod]

Are you sure even with the psu upgrade it would bottleneck. What do you suggest would be a perfect gpu?

 

[geofelt]

with that cpu it would bottleneck the 660ti a lot and only be able to use part of the 660ti

I don't much like the term "bottleneck". It implies that bad things will happen.
When you upgrade anything, you get better frame rates. It is just a matter of diminishing returns for your dollar.

To help clarify your options, run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 50%.
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.


Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
set to 50% and see how you do.


If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

 

[RAMgod]

Tell me what you know about my CPU. I will run these tests and get back to you.

 

[geofelt]

Tell me what you know about my CPU. I will run these tests and get back to you.

The link you gave said you had a phenom X4-945. It is a decent quad core cpu.

I have little doubt that a graphics card upgrade would do you a world of good.
What is not clear is how sensitive your games are to the need for cpu power, and for gpu power.
The tests I suggested are one way to get some insight into that equation.

If you find that you are truly cpu limited, then you are facing a cpu and motherboard change. Just upgrading your X4-945 to a faster X4 would not bring a substantial difference. You would be looking at a change to a Intel i5.

 

[RAMgod]

The pc is new, don't want to have to completely rebuild it. Maybe I should just buy an i7 and a new heatsink and fan for around the same price as the gpu and psu. What do you think, pretty sure my CPU will bottleneck.