Upgrading GPU and PSU, worth it?

[joekidd]

Hey all. I am "borrowing" a lenovo ideacenter k330 from my significant other who isn't using it anymore, and want to improve the graphics card.
Current specs: intel core i7
12 gb ram
radeon hd 6450
280 W psu
windows 7
I've never done any computer repair or upgrading before, and could use some guidance/advice.

I'm looking at another radeon gpu like 7770 or 7790, and understand that would require me to upgrade the psu.
What do I need to look out for to make sure everything will work? Are there compatibility issues with the gpu and power supply with the rest of the system? (Do I need to worry about cooling?) Or can I just pick the card I want and match for the power?

If I haven't put any of my own $ into the computer yet, is upgrading it even worth it? Or would it be better to just buy a whole new computer with a better graphics card?

Many thanks.

 

[kirilmatthew]

A few PSU and GPU would be fine. It all depends what you want to game at and what you want to spend. The only compatibility things are based on wattage of your PSU generally. But what budget are you on? I could help pick out a GPU and PSU that are good if you want.

 

[Varun Ramesh]

Try a corsair 430V2 or Corsair 500 Builder series PSU. If u are gaming at 1920x1080 try going for a AMD 7850. Else go for the 7790 and have fun gaming.

 

[coozie7]

^ +1: As tediously usual byogamingpc makes perfect sense .

 

[joekidd]

Awesome, thanks for the suggestions!

 

[joekidd]

Amazon seems to be out of stock for that His radeon hd 7850. I'll look for another 7850 2gb unit, but if anyone has another suggestion, I'd love to know.
Gracias

 

[Pranaysonu]

You cpu Intel core i7 is good cpu... According to this you shoul buy a new gpu and going to upgrade gpu will surely need to upgrade the psu.........
Go for the gigabyte 7870 oc that really good gpu,which requires a minimum of 500 w of psu...
Link for gpu : http://www.flipkart.com/gigabyte-amd-ati-gv-r7870oc-2gd-2-gb-gddr5-graphics-card/p/itmd9hhsesgnyyh4?pid=GRCD9HHSAVKUZXGF&otracker=search&q=gigabyte+7870+oc
its a great gpu........ 7870 oc vs 7890 benchmarks.......
Chek this website :http://www.hwcompare.com/14298/radeon-hd-7790-vs-radeon-hd-7870/
and buying this gpu take a good psu of 550 watt of cooler master or of crosshair
list of some psu :http://www.flipkart.com/computers/computer-components/power-supply-units/pr?sid=6bo%2Cg0i%2Cqbk&otracker=browse
hope the answer was hellpfull