Advise on a new graphics card?

Sky999 · 12-08-09, 04:11 PM

I'm trying to find out the wattage on the power supply, but I'm not sure how, I am looking inside the desktop but I can't see anything with power supply on.

You're going to have to forgive me on this, I really know very little on computers.

Task Force · 12-08-09, 04:15 PM

hmm... well... what brand is your powersupply if you know?

Sky999 · 12-08-09, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Task Force

hmm... well... what brand is your powersupply if you know?

Ok I think I've found it, It says DC output: 375 W.

Task Force · 12-08-09, 04:22 PM

WOW... really low... defieantly need a new one...

Sky999 · 12-08-09, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Task Force

WOW... really low... defieantly need a new one...

Ok so that's a new power supply, which I assume I just buy from a PC shop, turn off the computer, take out the old one and put in the new one?

What power supply would be good?

Arclight · 12-09-09, 01:59 AM

Ehrm, you might get away with plugging a 8800GT into that, but I would really recommend a 500W or above.

I have a 520W, running a 8800GTS512 (one notch above GT), Quad-core @ 2.8GHz, 4GB RAM, 4 HDs, 1 optical drive and a X-fi soundcard. It's sufficient, though it begins to struggle as soon as I overclock the CPU (actually starts putting out hot air at that point); I would say a 500W is your minimum for a decent gaming rig.

A good 600-650W supply should run you about 80-90 quid, depending on brand (avoid the cheap ones).

Putting it in is a matter of loosening 4 screws at the back, disconnecting all the cables, put in the new one and connect everything back up.

Something to keep in mind is that modern boards have a 24-pin connector on the board, where older ones have only 20. A lot of modern supplies have a 20+4 pin connector, meaning they can connect to either a 20 or 24-pin board.
http://i1.tinypic.com/ncxcf5.jpg
Just check what connector is on the board and make sure the supply has a suitable connector.

HanSolo78 · 12-09-09, 03:30 AM

@Arclight

The 8800gt is not really a lot faster than a hd3870. the diffference is only about 15%!
I do recommend Ati hd 4870/4890 1Gb or Nvidia gtx260/275.
They are about 70% to 100% faster than a hd3870.

But you probaby need a new power supply like the other said.
About 500W and 30A on the 12V rail.

Also I recommend to overclock your CPU or get a new one with about 3GHz.

AVGWarhawk · 12-08-09, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sky999

I'm trying to find out the wattage on the power supply, but I'm not sure how, I am looking inside the desktop but I can't see anything with power supply on.

You're going to have to forgive me on this, I really know very little on computers.

See in this picture the square metal box with the green sticker. Upper lefthand corner. This is the power supply. Should have name and wattage on the sticker.

12-08-09, 04:15 PM	#2
Task Force Rear Admiral Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SPACE!!!! Posts: 10,142 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	hmm... well... what brand is your powersupply if you know? __________________ Task Force industries "Taking control of the world, one mind at a time"

12-08-09, 04:22 PM	#4
Task Force Rear Admiral Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: SPACE!!!! Posts: 10,142 Downloads: 85 Uploads: 0	WOW... really low... defieantly need a new one... __________________ Task Force industries "Taking control of the world, one mind at a time"

12-09-09, 01:59 AM	#6
Arclight Navy Seal Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Land of windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and cheese. Lots of cheese. Posts: 8,467 Downloads: 53 Uploads: 10	Ehrm, you might get away with plugging a 8800GT into that, but I would really recommend a 500W or above. I have a 520W, running a 8800GTS512 (one notch above GT), Quad-core @ 2.8GHz, 4GB RAM, 4 HDs, 1 optical drive and a X-fi soundcard. It's sufficient, though it begins to struggle as soon as I overclock the CPU (actually starts putting out hot air at that point); I would say a 500W is your minimum for a decent gaming rig. A good 600-650W supply should run you about 80-90 quid, depending on brand (avoid the cheap ones). Putting it in is a matter of loosening 4 screws at the back, disconnecting all the cables, put in the new one and connect everything back up. Something to keep in mind is that modern boards have a 24-pin connector on the board, where older ones have only 20. A lot of modern supplies have a 20+4 pin connector, meaning they can connect to either a 20 or 24-pin board. http://i1.tinypic.com/ncxcf5.jpg Just check what connector is on the board and make sure the supply has a suitable connector. __________________ Contritium praecedit superbia.

12-09-09, 03:30 AM	#7
HanSolo78 Sea Lord Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Austria Posts: 1,842 Downloads: 100 Uploads: 3	@Arclight The 8800gt is not really a lot faster than a hd3870. the diffference is only about 15%! I do recommend Ati hd 4870/4890 1Gb or Nvidia gtx260/275. They are about 70% to 100% faster than a hd3870. But you probaby need a new power supply like the other said. About 500W and 30A on the 12V rail. Also I recommend to overclock your CPU or get a new one with about 3GHz. __________________

12-08-09, 04:11 PM	#1
Sky999 Sailor man Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 48 Downloads: 11 Uploads: 0	I'm trying to find out the wattage on the power supply, but I'm not sure how, I am looking inside the desktop but I can't see anything with power supply on. You're going to have to forgive me on this, I really know very little on computers.