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Graphics Card Help?

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  • Graphics Cards
  • Graphics
  • Product
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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March 8, 2013 2:50:48 PM

Hi, I'm looking for a new graphics card to play various types of games. I have no idea what I'm doing or what I'm looking for so I'm in need of some help. I am willing to spend up to 200$ but I'd prefer to keep it under 100$. My specs are...


Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.130104-1435)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: SX2801
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5700 @ 3.00GHz (2 CPUs), ~3.0GHz
Memory: 6144MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 6110MB RAM
Page File: 4378MB used, 7837MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 11

Card name: Intel(R) G45/G43 Express Chipset
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) 4 Series Express Chipset Family

tl;dr: I have a crap graphics card I wanna replace it and get the most "bang for my buck" so help please. :D 

More about : graphics card

a c 204 U Graphics card
March 8, 2013 2:57:32 PM

Unless you also want to replace your PSU, the most powerful card you'll be able to run is an 800GHz HD7750. A 220W PSU is pretty weak. From looking at the specs at http://support.gateway.com/s/desktop/2010/gateway/sx/sx... it appears you are limited to low-profile cards. That means this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... which is $105, but it does have a $10 MIR if you play that game and win.
Edit: ...and that, btw, would be pushing it. The PSU calculator at http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine really suggests a 235W PSU for that setup, but the minimum is 185W, so you should be good as long as you don't do a lot of flat-out benchmarking.
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March 8, 2013 3:15:43 PM

Onus said:
Unless you also want to replace your PSU...

How much do you think replacing my PSU would cost?
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a c 182 U Graphics card
March 8, 2013 4:01:57 PM

Around 45$ for good 400w psu
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a c 204 U Graphics card
March 8, 2013 10:26:06 PM

^Yep, I think a 380W Earthwatts is around that price, BUT, I think your case may require a SFX or TFX form-factor PSU. SFX units are smaller, but proportionally similar to ATX units, and TFX models are long and narrow. Seasonic and FSP both make well-reviewed units in those sizes. I'm not sure anyone else makes anything in that size not fit for the scrap heap.
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March 9, 2013 4:40:40 PM


Okay so after searching about and you know getting more comfortable and less intimidated with upgrading my computer I am more than willing to switch out my power supply and would love some more suggestions on PSU and video cards that I should get.
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a c 204 U Graphics card
March 9, 2013 5:52:57 PM

Well then, see what size PSU it takes. You might want to go to Newegg.com (even if you won't be buying from them) to look at the sizes I mentioned.
The biggest limitation you have is that your case only fits low profile cards. I believe the strongest low profile card currently available is the HD7750; although a modest card, it is a lot more powerful than what you have now. You may need to lower settings, in some cases a lot, but you should be able to enjoy any game.
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