Graphics Card UPGRADE HELP!

[Python]

So i planning on upgrading my graphics card and i need your help people. These are the specs of my current PC.

Operaring system: Windows 7 64-bit

Processor: AMD Athlon II X2 220 ; 2.8 GHz

Memory: 6 GB

Video Graphics: Intergrated Graphics using ATI Radeon 4200

Hard Drive: 750 GB

Computer Case: Height: 38.7 cm (15.23 inches), Width: 17.5 cm (6.89 inches), Length: 41.4 cm (16.29 inches)

Power Supply: 400W power supply

More Product specifications: HP Pavilion p6604f


All i want to know is what graphics cards are compatible with that motherboard. And i need to know whether it will fit before i buy it.

I am looking to buy a new graphics card from newegg.com and i just need to know what would be best for my computer right now.

Im looking to spend around $80.

Thanks XD

 

[Conumdrum]

Hmm, 400 watt PSU? I already see warning flags. Otherwise, your outdated. You can buy the refurbished PC for $300 back in 2011. Meaning it should go to the trash pretty much.

So, do what you can, sorry, but I feel I don't have time to bring this even close to where we were back in 2011. Sell it, start over.

 

[Python]

I know it is a bad computer. I just don't have the money to get a new one. I want to play Guild Wars 2 soon, so i wanted a graphics card that can handle it on decent graphics.

I am just asking for advice as to which graphics card i should get and will fit in my PC. I am looking to spend about $80.

 

[Knufire]

You might want to look for a used GTX460 on Ebay or something at that price range.

You probably need a new PSU if you want to upgrade the GPU.

 

[Python]

Is there any Radeon cards from newegg that you would recommend?

 

[Conumdrum]

Figure out your PSU and power requirements first. You put in a card that the PSU can't handle, it can smoke your whole computer. We won't recommend junk here. You can learn more in the PSU forum here and in the GPU forum.

Look up the specs on your PSU wattage, amps per rail, etc. Then ask in the PSU forum is the PSU is worth keeping mentioning you want a better GPU at $80. No need to focus on Radeon or Nvidia at that price range, they all will work.

Then ask in the GPU forum what is the best card you can get for that money.

 

[Knufire]

Really unless you buy a Radeon 6850 or 6870, you're better off buying used.

 

[woboy]

The Radeon HD 6670 DDR3 1 GB cards go on sale around $65. No extra power needed.
DDR5 is better, rarer and more expensive.
An HD 5670 with DDR5 is preferable to a 6670 DDR3 if you find one at the right price.
A GT440 DDR3 approximates a 6670 DDR3 if it costs less.

HD7750 is around $110, this is the most powerful card without needing a power supply connection.
You might find one used or refurbished for $80.

The Radeon HD7770, GTX460 (rare) or a GTX 560 SE are about $130, the 7770 uses the least power, these are equivalent, about $130 now, require 6pin power connection.
Usedprices vary but $80 might be difficult.

 

[Knufire]

Just because the card doesn't require an external power connector doesn't mean it'll be fine on that PSU. I put in a 5450, the cheapest, lowest-power draw card out at the time and it blew the PSU.

6670 is the best new cars at that price, but I've seen several used GTX460s under $100, and they're much more powerful than the 6670.

 

[Python]

Alright I asked the PSU forum section about my power supply, and someone said it would be okay. He said the 6670's only need 66w.

Here are a few cards from newegg.com. Will any of these fit my case? If so, which one is the better choice?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125403

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150542

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102988

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161386

Or if you guys have other cards in mind that i can purchase from there.

 

[Metlcub]

are you sure you have a 400w psu? That system shows it only has a 250w PSU. And What 400w psu do you have?

for the GPU, I prefer XFX n gigabyte but thats me.

 

[Python]

Yeh i have a 400W PSU. My comp was sent to the shop awhile ago and the asked me if i wanted to replace the PSU.

Do you think the XFX or the Gigabyte will fit in my PC?

 

[Bobnova]

This is the PSU: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Dynex-400-W-Power-Supply-Review/557
It's not the greatest, but it can do what the label says it can. I'd say it's cleared for a 6670.

 

[Knufire]

Oops, didn't know you replaced the PSU. An average aftermarket PSU is probably much better than the stock PSU, a true 400W will run that fine.

I was just skeptical that a HP 400W would actually output 400W.

 

[Bobnova]

As would I be!
Actually I suspect it would, it's just that finding a 400W HP PSU would be tricky. That'd mean they expected the system to draw 390w or so

 

[woboy]

Gigabyte has about the reputation best customer service, but has the largest fan assembly. Good for cooling, may not fit your case/motherboard. For a two slot card I prefer the Sapphire mounting. Minor issue.
XFX offers a lifetime warranty. Might even be single slot size.
Sapphire is a favorite of mine, meaning I've gotten rebate payments and the ones I have perchased are still working fine. but it is a 2 slot card, like the Gigabyte. I prefer it but it uses two slot expansion slots.
HIS makes good cards but I am not sure of its warranty support.

So.
Look at your motherboard and the PCIe x16 SLOT. If there is an empty PCI x1 or PCIe x1 plug next to it (outboard from CPU) then the Sapphire and Gigabyte will fit.
I would go with Sapphire, though the Gigabyte is as good a choice if not better. Like the $15 rebate. No guarrantees though.

If you are using the slot NEXT TO the PCIe x16 slot, or the slot is at the end of the motherboard, the XFX is best.

The HIS, at the same price would be my last choice. This is based on online posts regarding customer service.

 

[Python]

Thanks for the information man. One more thing. I have a picture and information of my motherboard. According to what just told me, can you tell me which one is the perfect fit?

Motherboard

Manufacturer: Foxconn
Form factor: uATX
Chipset: AMD 785G
Memory sockets: 4 x DDR3
Front side bus speeds: 1333/1066/800MHz
Processor socket: AM3
Expansion Slots

1 PCI Express x16 slot for graphics card
3 PCI Express x1 slots
1 PCI Express x1 minicard slot

 

[jstutman]

Thanks for the information man. One more thing. I have a picture and information of my motherboard. According to what just told me, can you tell me which one is the perfect fit?

Motherboard

Manufacturer: Foxconn
Form factor: uATX
Chipset: AMD 785G
Memory sockets: 4 x DDR3
Front side bus speeds: 1333/1066/800MHz
Processor socket: AM3
Expansion Slots

1 PCI Express x16 slot for graphics card
3 PCI Express x1 slots
1 PCI Express x1 minicard slot

It's not the motherboard that causes fitment issues, its the case that they come in. Being that you are using a OEM case. You might want to measure.

 

[woboy]

Card lengths are Gigabyte 8.3 inch, HIS 7.09, Saphire 6.46, XFX 5.9 inch
mATX Mmotherboards are officially between 6.75 x 6.75 and 9.6 X 9.6 inches.

You want to measure your board. The cards should clear the RAM. The motherboard looks long enough for any of the cards.
To be safe the Saphire and XFX look like certain fit to me. The PCIe x 16 slot is about 3.5 inches, board is about 6.5 inches anyway.
If nothing in the case intrudes over the motherboard where the video card will rest the Saphire or the XFX would be fine.
Are the two white rectangles to the left of the video card "line" header plugs. if the furthest right is in use how tall is the plug. Normally this would fit under the end of a video card, no problem. Only reason to prefer the XFX to the Saphire.

 

[Python]

Alright guys im thinking of spending a bit more money on a card. With my current computer that has a 400W PSU, can it handle this card?

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150560