SH3 GWX Computer Upgrade Question/Suggestions

[Checkmate King 2]

I want to upgrade my computer mainly for playing SH3 w/GWX & IL-2 1946.

I'm currently running 1 gig of memory (2X 512mb) however, my video card is an integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Graphics with up to 256MB shared video memory.

I plan on getting 2X1 Gig memory cards.

My big problem is what type of video card to get.

Below is my specs for my computer:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&cc=us&jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN&docname=c00749158&product=3239117&dlc=en&printable=no&encodeUrl=true&#N407

This is the specs on my power supply:

AC input voltage (47-63Hz):

100-127V/8A
200-240V/4A

DC output wattage: 300W

Dimensions: 150mm x 140mm x 86mm


I have an Asus motherboard


I would like to order from either Amazon.com, Newegg.com, or Tigerdirect.com.

I know I cannot get a top of the line video card due to my 300w output.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.:)

Thanks

[seafarer]

You could run a GeForce 8500 in that. I have a 300Watt power supply in my machine, and it handles an 8500GT card fine (plus 2 optical drives, several USB2 devices and such).

Or, upgrade the powersupply to something bigger. I'm looking into a 550-650Watt unit for my box, then I could go with a higher end card in the future.


--
Acer Aspire e380 = AMD Athlon 64x2 4800+, 2Gb DDR RAM
400Gb SATA HD
PNY GeForce 8500GT 512Mb video (specs are here (http://www2.pny.com/8500-GT-512MB-PCIe-P2322C269.aspx))
Samsung 216BW

[sasquatch]

Get a new power supply (400w) and then go to newegg and get yourself a 7600GT for $75:hmm:You'll pay $200 aywhere else.

Those integrated chipsets are killers:up:

[Checkmate King 2]

In the past, I've had quite a few "replace the power supply" statements.

I'd just like to keep it simple.

Add 2 1 gig sticks & a new graphics card; if I can ever figure which type of graphics card to get. That's where my big hang up is!!

[ReallyDedPoet]

Why don't you upgrade to handle SH4 as well, in the Spring there will be a U-Boat add-on, so get something that will play it as well.


RDP

[Checkmate King 2]

Thanks!!! I forgot to list SH4!!!; even though I don't own it yet. Its at the top of my list once I get this video card thing figured out!!

[Sledgehammer427]

im running a NVidia GEForce 5200 with a gig of ram, and i can play IL2 1946 and SH3 (no gwx yet, my new copy of sh3 is on its way tho) but i dont see what it should change.

there is very minimal lag with both, if any, but SH4 is steep...like a cliff face steep, ur gonna need at least 2 gigs of ram and no less, as well as the most amazing video card ever made. prepare to spend fellow kaleun

[Peto]

I recommend going with EVGA for you manufacturer. If budget is a main concern, I like the 7600GT mentioned by sasquatch. It's the least power hungry. Otherwise I recommend 8000 series--middle range for price vs value. But--if you do that--I seriously recommend a Good Power Supply! It's really the heart of your system. If your power supply goes bad, it has the ability to take a few other components down with it...

[Canovaro]

I think for SH3 you should only upgrade your memory. To 1,5 or 2 gb.

[nikbear]

Best thing you can get is 2G ram upgrade,it makes all the difference:up:

[Checkmate King 2]

I have a few more video card questions!!

1)What is clock speed? Is it the maximum or minimum output needed from the power supply?

2) Would a GeForce 5200 non-integrated video card be any better than my GeForce 6150 LE integrated video card?

3) What would be the pros & cons to getting a video card that either goes in the PCI slot or one that goes into the PCI Express X16 slot?

Thanks