Looking for a new graphics card

[Geektemplar]

Hey guys, I need some help in finding a new GPU.

I need a new graphics card so I don't lag while playing games like DOTA 2, Final Fantasy XIV: Realm Reborn, or Guild Wars 2 (being able to play some new AAA titles wouldn't hurt). I have a budget between $100-$300 (Preferably below $200). Currently, I have insane framerate issues when I play games like Borderlands 2 (sub 10 fps) and I had enough of looking at Powerpoint presentations while playing my games. I don't know much about computers, so I don't know what graphics card would be good.

My computer specs:
Operating system: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
System Munufacturer/model: Gateway DX4860
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3450 CPU
Memory: 16384MB RAM
Monitor Resolution: 1920X1080 (32bit) (60Hz)
GPU: AMD Radeon HD 7350
PSU: Liteon PS-6301-08A Power Supply (300W?) -- Can be replaced too if need be

I attached some pictures pertinent to my computer

http://imgur.com/ecGfTKN

The inside of my computer.

http://imgur.com/6x7ZxLW

Information about my PSU (since I couldn't get a clear understanding of what is the actual wattage).

Thanks in advance and please let me know if there are any crucial information I am missing.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

It seems to me the PSU is a bottleneck.
300W is definitely weak for a computer, especially for gaming.
Think you could try a better PSU? Preferrably 600W and of Silver quality.

 

[Geektemplar]

Yes, I could definitely use a better PSU as well. However, my main concern is that it wouldn't fit in my computer or buying one that would be overkill for my computer. If you think I could fit it in my case (especially at the top corner where the old one used to be), I will pick one up as well.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

You could pick up a standard size PSU at 600W.
The big PSU's usually start at 800W-1000W.

As for the card, that 300W PSU can't be replaced without depleting your budget.
Nor can you buy a better card because of lack of power.
Gunna have to save up some more money, or deficit a bit.

 

[Geektemplar]

My initial budget was just an estimate of how much I thought I needed for the card. If I need to spend a little more money, it can definitely be increased. Putting the money aside, would you mind giving me some examples of some good cards and PSUs that would fit my computer, and what I should be looking for when buying the two of them together (such as the voltage and etc)?

Aside from the VRAM in cards, I don't really have much knowledge of GPUs.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

The 750 Ti is a good card, and probably does better than the 7350 you got there (ew)
It doesnt require an additional power port (depending on the model)
It sounds perfect for 150 bucks.

 

[Geektemplar]

What about a PSU to go along with that card?

 

[Jay Lavistria]

The PSU should handle it fine, as it's minimum is 300W.
Like I said, the Mobo will power it itself.

 

[Geektemplar]

Okay, that sounds good. What did you mean when you said it doesn't require an additional power port?

 

[Jay Lavistria]

Oh you must not be familiar.
Your card is also powered by the motherboard.
Technically any card powered by JUST the motherboard is weak, however the 750Ti is more efficient with a better tech.
REAL AMAZING graphics cards, are large, bulky. make up a bit chunk of the case.
This is my beast: http://tinyurl.com/kz6u2r3

 

[Geektemplar]

Would this work for my computer?
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127783

I'm not sure what card is run by the motherboard and what isn't.

If this isn't the one that you were talking about (or fit in my computer in general -- the picture of my case is linked in the original post), could you recommend me another?

 

[Jay Lavistria]

I'm not sure of that one, it seems to be carrying a big cooler.
Could you give me how tall the case is? From the motherboard to the case wall on the opposite side.

 

[Mr_StarDelta57]

Definitely need an upgrade for your PSU. 300W is not enough to sustain a more powerful GFX Card. I would recommend upgrading to a 500W PSU or even 600W if need be. A suitable PSU could be the Corsai VS550 ATX PSU. Here is the link - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=22270&cPath=354&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=export_feed&gclid=CjwKEAjw9eyeBRCqxc_b-LD8kTESJADsBMxSsfXrwA8n5chbagTs8TkjmeBlMLFKw31zL_s5XXqkIBoCJxHw_wcB#googlebase

In regards to your new GFX Card, I would highly recommend the GTX 560/570 Ti Superclocked 1GB/2GB (your choice) as they are a cheap and powerful GFX card. Should be a great addition to your CPU and they should both compliment each other nicely. They are a bit of a hard find though. Amazon have a few in stock - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Superclocked-Mini-HDMI-Lifetime-012-P3-1572-AR/dp/B004EYSMGW.

OR

Another option could be the GTX 660 Ti 2GB/1GB (can be cheaper if not Ti) but they are EXTREMELY hard to find and VERY popular in the gaming community. Here is a review of one - http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2012/08/16/nvidia-geforce-gtx-660-ti-2gb-review/1

Also looking at those images, it might be a good idea to clean out some dust. Check out this out - http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Inside-of-a-Computer.

If you choose the GTX 570 Ti Superclocked 2GB and the PSU I recommended, it would set you back roughly $180 - $220 and would allow your system to run AAA titles with ease.

Edit - The GFX Cards may be too large for the case as I did not take this into account.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

Definitely need an upgrade for your PSU. 300W is not enough to sustain a more powerful GFX Card. I would recommend upgrading to a 500W PSU or even 600W if need be. A suitable PSU could be the Corsai VS550 ATX PSU. Here is the link - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=22270&cPath=354&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=export_feed&gclid=CjwKEAjw9eyeBRCqxc_b-LD8kTESJADsBMxSsfXrwA8n5chbagTs8TkjmeBlMLFKw31zL_s5XXqkIBoCJxHw_wcB#googlebase

In regards to your new GFX Card, I would highly recommend the GTX 560/570 Ti Superclocked 1GB/2GB (your choice) as they are a cheap and powerful GFX card. Should be a great addition to your CPU and they should both compliment each other nicely. They are a bit of a hard find though. Amazon have a few in stock - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Superclocked-Mini-HDMI-Lifetime-012-P3-1572-AR/dp/B004EYSMGW.

OR

Another option could be the GTX 660 Ti 2GB/1GB (can be cheaper if not Ti) but they are EXTREMELY hard to find and VERY popular in the gaming community. Here is a review of one - http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2012/08/16/nvidia-geforce-gtx-660-ti-2gb-review/1

Also looking at those images, it might be a good idea to clean out some dust. Check out this out - http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Inside-of-a-Computer.

If you choose the GTX 570 Ti Superclocked 2GB and the PSU I recommended, it would set you back roughly $180 - $220 and would allow your system to run AAA titles with ease.

Problem is, I dont think his case is big enough for a full size dedicated card.
Considering they threw in a 7350 into his PC, I'm assuming it's a small case.
Which is why I offered the latest 750Ti for his 300W PSU.

 

[Mr_StarDelta57]

Definitely need an upgrade for your PSU. 300W is not enough to sustain a more powerful GFX Card. I would recommend upgrading to a 500W PSU or even 600W if need be. A suitable PSU could be the Corsai VS550 ATX PSU. Here is the link - http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=22270&cPath=354&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=export_feed&gclid=CjwKEAjw9eyeBRCqxc_b-LD8kTESJADsBMxSsfXrwA8n5chbagTs8TkjmeBlMLFKw31zL_s5XXqkIBoCJxHw_wcB#googlebase

In regards to your new GFX Card, I would highly recommend the GTX 560/570 Ti Superclocked 1GB/2GB (your choice) as they are a cheap and powerful GFX card. Should be a great addition to your CPU and they should both compliment each other nicely. They are a bit of a hard find though. Amazon have a few in stock - http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-Superclocked-Mini-HDMI-Lifetime-012-P3-1572-AR/dp/B004EYSMGW.

OR

Another option could be the GTX 660 Ti 2GB/1GB (can be cheaper if not Ti) but they are EXTREMELY hard to find and VERY popular in the gaming community. Here is a review of one - http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/2012/08/16/nvidia-geforce-gtx-660-ti-2gb-review/1

Also looking at those images, it might be a good idea to clean out some dust. Check out this out - http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-the-Inside-of-a-Computer.

If you choose the GTX 570 Ti Superclocked 2GB and the PSU I recommended, it would set you back roughly $180 - $220 and would allow your system to run AAA titles with ease.

Problem is, I dont think his case is big enough for a full size dedicated card.
Considering they threw in a 7350 into his PC, I'm assuming it's a small case.
Which is why I offered the latest 750Ti for his 300W PSU.

Actually, you could be right. Sorry I didn't take that into account. 750 Ti would be pretty good. But it would be beneficial to upgrade his PSU.

 

[Mr_StarDelta57]

Could you post a whole image of the case so that we can justify what size it is?

 

[Geektemplar]

Thanks for the reply guys. I would like to upgrade the PSU but my concern is that it wouldn't fit into my case. Would that Corsair PSU that Mr_StarDelta57 recommended fit into my case?

Also, is http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127783
what I'm looking for?

EDIT: Sure, I'll get picture uploaded right away.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

At least the 750Ti hits his current PSU wattage.
It'll be enough, but I dont think he has money to purchase both parts.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

Most PSUs are the same size, and follow a standard.
It's the ones that exceed 600W that are "extended" PSUs.
You dont need to worry about the size, you're not even carrying that strong of a PC.

 

[Geektemplar]

Just to clarify, I am ABLE to spend more money than what is listed in the original post so money's not a problem here.

Anyways, here are the pictures of my case size:

http://imgur.com/pyVVO7S (my case relative to my brother's Coolermaster case)

http://imgur.com/ATOqYj1 (relative to a Razor Blackadder mouse)

http://imgur.com/l3GGSuO

 

[Jay Lavistria]

What the hell is that cylinder sitting on your CPU?!

 

[Geektemplar]

I have no idea what that vacuum-looking thing is. It was there since I got my computer.

 

[Jay Lavistria]

It appears to be a ventilation shaft for your CPU.
Can you detach that thing, it's collecting dust horribly >.<

 

[Jay Lavistria]

Anyhow your case is certainly big enough for a dedicated card.
Which means your situation is either buy a cheap card for the PSU, buy a better PSU for a future card, or buy both a PSU and a good card.

 

[Geektemplar]

I'll do it and clean out the inside when I replace the GPU.

Getting back on discussion, what do you guys think of the size of my case? Does it look like a 750 Ti would fit?

Is this the 750 Ti you guys were talking about or is this a full-sized one that won't fit?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127783