Looking for a Low Profile Graphics Card for a Acer Aspire X1301 (220w PSU)

dabadguycr

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http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/acer-aspire-x1301-u130...

I'm going to build a PC in the summer but I'm really sick of Integrated Graphics. I rather not get a new PSU or Case.

As of right now I can run games like L4D2 and TF2 on Low to Medium. I rather get a little more graphics out of the games. I mainly want to play older games and some newer ones on low settings. I rather not go over $50.

I've been looking at the Radeon HD 6450 and that seems like it will work but if there something that can pull off better graphics but still run safely with a 220w PSU..... Anyone have a X1301 (or near) has upgraded the GPU with stock PSU? I really need some help!!!!!
 

clutchc

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I hate these kind of systems as they limit any long term options, your psu is the weak link and the card will run but it may kill the psu down the road. The ratings on these types of small form factor power supplies can be too optimistic especially when they are full of dust. You might be able to upgrade if the screw mounts are the same as some of the ITX units. If the screw mounts are the same you should start looking for Seasonic ITX units that are rated for like 260-300w.
 

dabadguycr

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I'm thinking of getting the Radeon HD 6450. Looks like it will run TF2 and L4D2 at high settings and some newwer games on low. It only takes up 18w of power.
 

clutchc

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Yikes. That's one of the lowest rated +12V rails I think I've seen. 14 amp. Yeah, you better stick with the HD 6450 unless you want to take nforce4max's advice and upgrade to the Seasonic PSU.
 

dabadguycr

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I don't believe that will fit in my computer... I have a Mini desktop it uses a very small PSU...... You think GT 630 Low Profile fan less will work? Anyway to find out how much PSU my system is using?
 

clutchc

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Does your PSU look like this: http://www.fusioncomputerusa.net/product_images/w/745/Acer_DPS-220UB%2520%282%29__02140_zoom.jpg
If so, that is a std TFX PSU and should be replaceable with one of these: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%20600014004&IsNodeId=1&name=TFX12V

The GT 630 varies from 65W to 25W depending on the GPU installed: http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt-630/specifications

The best way to determine how many watts of power (or current draw) the system is using, is to plug it in to one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/P3-International-P4460-Electricity-Monitor/dp/B000RGF29Q
I keep my test bench rig's PSU plugged into one all the time.
 

dabadguycr

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Yeah, that's the one. I may Upgrade the PSU... I rather not since I will be building a new computer in 6-12months.
The card I'm looking at only takes up 25w and it doesn't have a fan. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121778

I did a Power Calculation says 202 rec 175 min. I won't be using the CD/DVD-RW whenever Im playing games doesn't that drop the power 20-30w?

What will happen if I overload the system? Will I only blow the PSU?
 

clutchc

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Chances are the system will simply shut down or re-boot when over loaded if the PSU is of decent quality. That's what usually happens. When the supplied voltage drops below what the system can use, modern systems simply call it a day and shut down. Really, really cheap PSUs might pop and take something else out with them. But the chance of a fire or explosion is very rare.

If that GT 630 is the Kepler GPU, then yes, it is the 25W version. It should be fine with your PSU. What resolution is your monitor?
 

dabadguycr

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1440x900 on my computer monitor 1080p on my TV. The integrated GPU is dual screen supporting. VGA and HDMI. HD Runs amazingly well.... Just L4D2 doesn't run as good as I want. about 25fps on med settings.

I also believe the Intergrated Graphics takes up about 15watts not really sure if I'll gain those watts back whenever I shut it off....
 

clutchc

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After checking out the capabilities of the lowly GT 630, it doesn't look to be a total wash out. I have an old 8800GTS card I keep on hand for testing purposes. It can play modern games at medium settings at 1440x900 fairly well. I too have an old 1440x900 monitor I keep on hand for test purposes.
As you can see the 8800GTX and GT 630 are in the same tier for gaming: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107-7.html
But the GDDR3 version of the GT 630 drops one tier lower.
 

dabadguycr

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I looked up some videos and it will run BF4 on low (Better graphics than Xbox 360 were i'm playing it now). I was looking at the reviews and it seems a few people put this card on a 220w PSU with no issues at all....

Just to add. At one point I was running a GT 520 (With Fan) it is about 5-10w more than this card and my system ran just fine even when I play TF2 and ABP on full maxed out settings. The system fan did seem to be running a bit louder than without it..... but it could have been the GPU fan.

So if the card is to much for my PSU it will just shut off the computer no CPU error or slow running?Is there a difference between the 1gb and 2gb?

I know some low end cards the gb doesn't really matter because its still pushing the same.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121836
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121778
 

clutchc

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Those "1/2 slot" cards will work and fit fine in the X16 slot. They will just use 8 of the 16 PCIe lanes which is more bandwidth than they ever will use anyway. Of course the short card will not be able to use the locking latch at the end of the slot like full length cards do.

2GB of VRAM with that card at 1440x900 is a bit of a waste of money. The card will barely utilize even 1GB. Greater amounts of VRAM are only necessary when resolutions get extremely high, the card can produce mega amounts of textures, or you use extremely high Anti-Aliasing. None of which is easily possible with a card in that class.

The GT 520 is another 29W card.
http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt-520/specifications
 

dabadguycr

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Well it's just $10 extra plus I'll use 1080p a lot on my tv.

I just thought about something. I don't even think there will be enough room in the case for this card. The heat sink is pretty tall and the only PCI-E slot is near the top of the computer....... Didn't even think about that one
 

dabadguycr

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LOL good point!!!

Yeah it looks like it.... Mines the Aspire X1301
 

clutchc

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OK, because the two links above that you sent would not fit your case. The cards may be L-P, but they come with full height brackets.

This one, however DOES come with both full height and L-P brackets: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500305
And it isn't much thicker than the bracket itself.
 

dabadguycr

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Thanks man!!! I didn't even see that one. Is zotac a good brand? I never heard of it before...

Plus it's a full x16 so it will fit prefect.