Best 300w PSU Graphics card for under $150?

[SkyMeh]

Hi,

I'm looking for the best graphics card that can work with a 300w power supply. I have a HP Media Center m8200n.

I have 4GB DDR2 PC2-5300 RAM installed
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ 2.6 GHz (different)
And currently, nVidia 6150SE.

I'd like a good graphics card that is can run SimCity 2013 (on low settings) and is under $150, but I can go up to $180 if I have to.

The power supply is a HIPRO HP-D3057F3R

After a quick look inside the computer I found:
+5V & +3.3V Shall Not Exceed 175W
+5V & +12V Shall Not Exceed 268W

I've heard that HP stock power supplies aren't good. Is that true?
Right now I'm thinking about a 7750, which seems like a good option. So, what's the best card to update the 6150SE that can run SimCity without replacing the power supply?

Thanks, I really appreciate your help.

 

[bigshootr8]

a 7750 would probably best the best card in that area it requires no external power and uses slightly less power then a 7770. A card like this will do. And you should have no problems playing sim city.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121633

 

[SkyMeh]

Ok, thanks. I have a PCI Express x16 slot and the card is 3.0 so does that mean I can't utilize the full ability of the card?

Thanks!

 

[SkyMeh]

Ok, thanks. I have a PCI Express x16 slot and the card is 3.0 so does that mean I can't utilize the full ability of the card?

Thanks!

Double post; sorry.

 

[bigshootr8]

It means that your card will not run at the full 3.0 bandwidth speeds. If your motherboard has 2.0 slots then it will work at that and regular 16x at that you should notice a difference though moving up from what you have.

 

[SkyMeh]

I looks like I have a regular 16x slot on the MCP61PM-HM Nettle2 motherboard. Makes sense as the computer was released Aug. '07 and the first PCI 2.0 capable board was released October that year.

I hope it won't be a big difference?

 

[SkyMeh]

Best answer selected by SkyMeh.

 

[bigshootr8]

Well there is a jump between one and two but with what you are faced with right now you can't really do much unless you decide on doing a bucket upgrade.