Buying new GPU

[toni007]

Hi there,here are my computer specs

Intel celeron E1500
Dual core 2.20 GHZ
Gpu-Gma3100(i want replace it)
2GB RAM

Motherboard:Asus P5KPL-AM IN/ROEM/SI- it has pci x16
Package:socket 775 LGA
PSU: 300 watts(MODEL ATX 300W)
rails:
+3.3v-20amps
+5v-20amps
+12v-10amps

So i ask is there good gpu that can be used on 300 watts and on my motherboard,so that i can play games like Hitman Blood Money,Silent Hunter,...and other games till Year 2008/2009?

Please dont say Uprgrade PSU or Motherboard......
My budget for gpu is around 100 dollars..

[Bubblehead729]

I would recommend searching Newegg.com-the website is set up so you can refine your search parameters and narrow down exactly what will work for you; plus the customer reviews usually have plenty of advice and other info from folks that have tried the various items.
Good luck!
:salute:

[toni007]

:) thanks
also could anyone tell me if i could use GeForce 9500 on my specs above
and would Geforce 9500 run silent hunter 3 without lag?:)

[Sailor Steve]

One quick question: How old is your computer? I ask because mine is almost seven years old now, and a rig of that age is likely to have an APG card slot rather than PCIE. This means that your options are limited. I know this from experience. If your computer is fairly new you don't need to worry about that.

Not an absolute recommendation, but a place to start.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121441

Another option:
http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-Radeon-HD-5570-PCI-Express/dp/B0036ORMYE/ref=sr_1_19?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1325279068&sr=1-19

If you decide you would prefer an nVidia card you will find similar deals if you look hard enough. I'd post links for those as well but I'm unfamiliar with their numbering system. I'm sure help in that department will be along shortly.

[edit] I just read your post above and, looking at this http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-9500GT-Graphics-01G-P3-N958-LR/dp/B0021AFO4Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325279400&sr=1-2 I'd say you're probably okay with it. It looks like it's ready for just about anything.

I don't know if this one is better or worse than the 9500, but it looks pretty good.
http://www.amazon.com/EVGA-GeForce-Mini-HDMI-Graphics-01G-P3-1526-KR/dp/B00549HZ7S/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1325279400&sr=1-1

[toni007]

well my computer is 3 years old...:)

[Sailor Steve]

Sorry I can't help more. Mine is so old that I don't know when they made the change.

[Kafka BC]

A quick check indicates that you need a PCI-E (PCI Express) video card.

I don't know which model of the GeForce 9500 that you are considering, but if it is the 9500GT or better I think you will be fine. Silent Hunter III should play perfectly, other more modern games might need the graphic settings lowered some, really new games might have some difficulty.

Your specs are similar to mine, which I built nearly four years ago:

Intel E2140 Dual core 1.6 GHZ Processor (Socket LGA 775)
MSI 945P Neo5 Motherboard
Palit GeForce 8600GT video with 250mb of video ram (a wonderful card and the first Nvidia I ever liked)
2GB RAM
300 watt power supply


Most video cards made today, even some low end ones, are better than what I have, however I would recommend you get one with more video ram than what I have for graphics intensive games.

Do not get a video card that draws from the RAM for the motherboard like the Intel on-board video that you have, that will slow both your computer and video down.

As well, when you install it, you may need to access the computer's Bios to switch it over from using the on-board video card to the new one. If you do not know how, it is best to have someone experienced do it. You can ruin a computer if you accidentally mess some settings in the Bios.

Hope this helps and Good Luck

[Gargamel]

I'm running a 7800gtx and have no issues. Anything pcie should work fine

[toni007]

iam only afraid about that +12v rail witch only has 10 ampers
i dont know if GeForce 9500gt can run on 10 ampers rail?

[toni007]

or can Nvidia gt220 on 10 amps?and 300watt?

[toni007]

or better question what GPU can i install on 300W
and +12v,10A...?

[danasan]

I am rather glad with my AMD HD 5570 and it eats max 45 Watts.

The next one is a HD 5670 which eats up to 65 Watts.

Both are cool and silent running.

http://www.pc-erfahrung.de/fileadmin/artikel-vga/radeon-hd-5670-5570/ati_radeon_hd_5670.jpg (http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-5000/hd-5570/Pages/hd-5570-overview.aspx)

And both are less than 100 EURO

And it gives a 6.8 in Windows 7 performance index...

[toni007]

I am rather glad with my AMD HD 5570 and it eats max 45 Watts.

The next one is a HD 5670 which eats up to 65 Watts.

Both are cool and silent running.

http://www.pc-erfahrung.de/fileadmin/artikel-vga/radeon-hd-5670-5570/ati_radeon_hd_5670.jpg (http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/ati-radeon-hd-5000/hd-5570/Pages/hd-5570-overview.aspx)

And both are less than 100 EURO

And it gives a 6.8 in Windows 7 performance index...

nice but can it run on 300 watt and on 10 amper only?

[danasan]

45 Watts at 12 V should be something like:

45 / 12 = around 4 amps for the 5570

65 / 12 = around 5 amps for the 6570

try this PSU calculator:

http://www.be-quiet.net/be-quiet.net/index.php?websiteLang=en

a quick try gave me an OK on the 5570 for a 300 W PSU:yep:

http://www.amazon.com/Sapphire-100287VGAL-Radeon-PCI-Express-Graphics/dp/B0033WSDNI/ref=dp_cp_ob_e_title_2

[Kafka BC]

The 220GT seems to be your best bet. Its power consumption is very low in compairision to others:

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1121/10/
http://www.pcper.com/reviews/Graphics-Cards/Galaxy-GeForce-210-and-GT-220-Review-NVIDIA-40nm-GPUs-hit-consumers/Power-Con
http://www.guru3d.com/article/geforce-gt-220-review-test/3

However that 10 amps on the 12v rail may be the killer, that seems awfully low for a PSU from only three years ago. I believe 18 or more may be needed, I don't know.

EDIT: That 5570 looks really good too.

[toni007]

well,
what GPU can run on 10 amps only?

[toni007]

45 Watts at 12 V should be something like:

45 / 12 = around 4 amps for the 5570

65 / 12 = around 5 amps for the 6570



You sure about this ampers?

[danasan]

seems to be a law...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/math/d/7/9/d79e70625caa4a69f7e3bbb5a8dbad9f.png

Ampere = Watt / Volt

http://kolb-computersolutions.de/kunden/stromrechner/stromrechner.exe

[toni007]

seems to be a law...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/de/math/d/7/9/d79e70625caa4a69f7e3bbb5a8dbad9f.png

Ampere = Watt / Volt

http://kolb-computersolutions.de/kunden/stromrechner/stromrechner.exe

but does only gpu use +12 volt rail?
or cpu and other stuff too?
if cpu uses +12 volt rail than it would be over 10 amps,my psu then would die.
so does anything except gpu use +12 volt rail?

[danasan]

http://img.tomshardware.com/de/2005/02/24/starke_leistung_power_netzteile_im_vergleich/northq_atx_and_pcie.jpg

This feeds your CPU, Mainboard, RAM and the HD 5570 itself, because it does not need another cable plugged in.

Then your PSU has other cable(s) like this:

http://www.edigitech.de/shop7/images/products/main/detail/shiverpeaks-basic-s-pc-stromversorgungskabel-intern.jpg

That feeds the HDDS and drives. I am pretty sure your PSU gives 10 amps at 12 Volt on these wires, but more on the first mentioned.

Edit: Open your case and have a look on your PSU: There should be the name of the brand and the type on it. Google that and you'll find out exactly.

[toni007]

so 10 amps are only for gpu,if i understand correct?

[toni007]

Here it is,iam sorry for bad quality but my camera battery dead
so i photograped with my phone 2.0 megapixel

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/259/photo0019o.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/23/photo0020cw.jpg/

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/717/photo0021ky.jpg/

[danasan]

Well, judging from the photos, I am a bit scared off saying "yes" or "no". There is a large difference in quality and stability between no-name PSUs and other ones. I would read here on yours: TOTAL OUTPUT 170 Watts stable. :dead:

Your CPU takes up to 65 Watts at 1.5 Volts...

[Hylander_1314]

That 300 watt PSU is a big achillies heel. To run a good vid card, you should be running at least a 500 to 600 watt PSU.

I know, I burned mine out on my old rig. Having a weak PSU can cause a lot of thorns, from sporadic reboots while in the middle of a game, to all kinds of quirks.

[toni007]

Well, judging from the photos, I am a bit scared off saying "yes" or "no". There is a large difference in quality and stability between no-name PSUs and other ones. I would read here on yours: TOTAL OUTPUT 170 Watts stable. :dead:

Your CPU takes up to 65 Watts at 1.5 Volts...

so iam unable to add any decent gpu?

[toni007]

well it does have qc pass on it :)

[toni007]

and i have 2 PCI slot not PCI e X16

[toni007]

and i have 2 PCI slot not PCI e X16

my mistake
i didnt see
i do have 1 dark blue PCI E x16 slot

[toni007]

Well, judging from the photos, I am a bit scared off saying "yes" or "no". There is a large difference in quality and stability between no-name PSUs and other ones. I would read here on yours: TOTAL OUTPUT 170 Watts stable. :dead:

Your CPU takes up to 65 Watts at 1.5 Volts...

what that means,i cant add new gpu without new PSU???

[toni007]

i think i could add ati radeon HD 4350
it only consumes 25 watts at full load,dont you think
i could use it?

[Bubblehead729]

I'd check with a reputable computer tech to verify that the ati card would work with your current power supply; don't rely on the advice of some flunky of questionable knowledge level at a "big box" store.
Or, you might be able to find an affordable PSU to get along with your new vid card.
Good luck; I know its a headache, but in the end, you'll be happier once your system is upgraded. :up:

[danasan]

Well I am one of these questionable guys who studied computer science, had a computer store as a self-employed for a couple of years and sold hard- and self-developed software.

Best would be to invest in a reliable PSU before upgrading the graphics at all.

Never mind having a good year!

[Bubblehead729]

@ danasan-

Hope you didnt mistake my advice to the OP as an attack on you...your posts have offered very sound advice.
I was trying to steer him away from visiting a large, chain electronics store and getting advice from someone who is only interested in selling him something.
Actually, based on your background, you sound like the exact type of person I was encouraging him to seek advice from.
My apologies if my post seemed negative; that was certainly not my intent.
:salute:

[danasan]

No need to worry at all, Bubblehead. I am always aware of guys going to spend 100 bucks or more for a GPU but don't mind to blow up the whole system because of a 30 bucks PSU.

[toni007]

well if 25 watts GPU would blow up PSU
than G31/33 gma 3100 would too.:D:D

[toni007]

Best would be to invest in a reliable PSU before upgrading the graphics at all.



Well reliable PSU is expensive as GPU.i dont have that much money right now.

[toni007]

I'd check with a reputable computer tech to verify that the ati card would work with your current power supply;

ok check it...
but after buying GPU i would definetly
saving money for PSU

[toni007]

answer anyone...

[toni007]

Sorry I can't help more. Mine is so old that I don't know when they made the change.

acctually my bad...on my qc pass it says year 2007
so my computer is 5 years old not 3.

[toni007]

answer please:)

[danasan]

So, what do you want us to answer?

Do you want to know if it blows up or not?

First of all, you have to understand that the older a PSU is, the less power it can produce. That is a fact caused by all the components inside the PSU becoming older. And no matter of quality.

Then, you have to know that a no-name PSU has non, not a single mechanism to protect the components connected to it.
That means that there is no protection for CPU, Graphics, RAM etc. if it comes to an unwanted situation like over-voltage, for example, all components can die. This can happen if the PSU is running at 105%.

So, if you want me to give you any guaranty, I 'll give you the guaranty that it will blow up - or not.

If I were in the situation, I would invest in a senseful step - by - step - upgrade.

1. Better PSU, after that
2. Better Graphics

[toni007]

So, what do you want us to answer?

Do you want to know if it blows up or not?

First of all, you have to understand that the older a PSU is, the less power it can produce. That is a fact caused by all the components inside the PSU becoming older. And no matter of quality.

Then, you have to know that a no-name PSU has non, not a single mechanism to protect the components connected to it.
That means that there is no protection for CPU, Graphics, RAM etc. if it comes to an unwanted situation like over-voltage, for example, all components can die. This can happen if the PSU is running at 105%.

So, if you want me to give you any guaranty, I 'll give you the guaranty that it will blow up - or not.

If I were in the situation, I would invest in a senseful step - by - step - upgrade.

1. Better PSU, after that
2. Better Graphics

ok i will than listen to your advice i will 1st buy quality PSU than GPU

[toni007]

will INTER TECH Booster SPS-520
520W be ok PSU?

[danasan]

Here is one fine enough for your needs:

http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-430-Watt-Certified-Compatible-Platforms/dp/tech-data/B004W2T2TM/ref=de_a_smtd

And it provides all the safety you can expect from a reliable PSU, the one you mentioned seems not

[toni007]

i dont trust amazon until my country gets in Europe Union.
My friend once ordered from amazon ipad but he got a brick instead.

[tat501]

This thread has me rather worried.

I've just bought a new laptop - Dell XPS 15 with I-5 Processor and a Geforce GT 525M and Im concerned it wont play. Has anyone experience of playing the game with this GPU?

However, I do take solace from the fact that I can comfortably play the game (stock vanilla version) with my old integrated mobile 4 chipset graphics card that is absolutely pants. If this graphics card will play it then surely a brand new mid-range laptop card should be able to?

Anyway. If anyone has this card let me know what performance is like. I'll test it when the new laptop arrives and let you all know if it plays!!

[Bubblehead729]

I can't say for sure about your laptop card, but my desktop is about a year and a half old, and the game works great with its onboard graphics chip; no dedicated video card installed at all, and I have noticed no issues. So I'd imagine your laptop will handle it fine. :up:

[danasan]

I'd like to recommend a brilliant thread started by Feuer Frei, a guy from Down Under and a guy who I would call a friend of mine:

http://www.subsim.com/radioroom/showpost.php?p=1638879&postcount=1

So, if anyone is going to upgrade the GPU, please read his post about PSU, all the information you need is there.

[danasan]

This thread has me rather worried.

I've just bought a new laptop - Dell XPS 15 with I-5 Processor and a Geforce GT 525M and Im concerned it wont play. Has anyone experience of playing the game with this GPU?

However, I do take solace from the fact that I can comfortably play the game (stock vanilla version) with my old integrated mobile 4 chipset graphics card that is absolutely pants. If this graphics card will play it then surely a brand new mid-range laptop card should be able to?

Anyway. If anyone has this card let me know what performance is like. I'll test it when the new laptop arrives and let you all know if it plays!!

There is nothing to worry about that hardware. I suspect your GPU won't even wake up while playing SH3 :D

[toni007]

is atx asus a-36f good enough?