Help with graphics card upgrade

scoris · May 12th, 2008, 02:01 AM

Hey guys,

Let me first say that I'm not exactly a computer expert, although I feel comfortable enough to install basic components (i.e. ram, etc.). Basically, I'm looking to upgrade the graphics card on a new Gateway GT5656. I had been planning on upgrading to this card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130082 , but I'm worried that it will be either 1) too big 2) too high maintenance for my 300W power supply. So, I'm wondering if you guys can help me out by giving me some advice on a good card that I could run Age of Conan with medium to high settings.

By the way, here are a couple images I took of my computer's insides:

Sorry for the poor quality, but my camera's battery had died and I had to use my Blackberry's camera. If you guys need any more information I'd love to give it to you.

Thanks!

P.S. Looking to spend under $200.

Keymaker · May 12th, 2008, 02:35 AM

These are your system specs. I take it? http://review.zdnet.com/desktops/gat...-32865771.html

Looks like PCI-E 16x

It would work, it will just take up two spaces. the PCI Express x1, 2 slot. However, you need a minimum of 400 watt PSU.

scoris · May 12th, 2008, 04:33 AM

Hey thanks for the quick reply! I do have additional questions though. They are:

1. How expensive would it be to upgrade the power supply? I'm not sure I'd be comfortable doing it myself, because if I screw something up then I'm stuck without a computer for a long time.

2. I just realized that PCI-e 2.0 is backwards compatible, so the original video card I was looking at would comply with my system. The card is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150252 . However, am I going to run into the same problems with the power supply? I'd rather not upgrade the power supply, fans, etc. if I can avoid it until later on. So, would I be better off going with something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150229 ?

By the way, I run my resolution at a max of 1280 x 1024 but rarely go that high. Also, any other recommendations would be really helpful. I really appreciate all the help!

thephilosophizer · May 12th, 2008, 09:39 AM

Looking at your system specs, I am wondering what level card you will need. The 9600gt is essentially the same card as the 8800gt, just stepped down a bit, but I doubt it is a difference you will notice. I don't know this part for sure, but I think it may have slightly less power consumption as well. I have heard people running after market cards on the stock psu's, it might not work, but it may be worth a try.
Installing a different psu won't be particularly hard, though it will be somewhat time consuming, ie, not a five minute fix like a gfx card or ram, etc.

RamonGTP · May 14th, 2008, 04:04 AM

The 9600GT isn't really the same as a 8800GT. Sure they perform closely with the 8800GT in some scenario's, there is a significant difference once you go up in resolution and/or are running a game that is shader heavy.

That said however, I do agree that the 9600GT is the best card for the guy given that his max res is 1280x1024 and he's only got a 300watt psu to work with. At the resolutions he's running, the difference between the 9600GT and 8800GT would be minimal.