Upgrading a Graphics Card

[hahaloser]

Well, I'm pretty sure this is the section this would go in, if not, please move to the proper section for me.

Been using this same computer for about 5 years now and when I got it, I had a pretty decent graphics card(at the time). Been playing Aion and noticed that my graphics are pretty bad now compared to what most people are showing in their screenshots and with their 2.5 patch on the way, I figured it was time for an upgrade; My problem is I'm a software guy, not a hardware guy.

All the information I can give at the moment is my graphics card is a NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430.

If any more information is needed, please let me know where to find the information and what information is needed and I'll try to give you guys as much info as possible. Thanks for any help.

[stroyal]

Welcome to TechIMO!

We will need a budget.

Power supply info, so we know if it needs up-grading, along with the Graphics Card ( Brand, Watts, and 12v amps)
We will also need to know a little about your computer, so we know how good a card it can take, without bottle necking. (CPU, Memory)

[stroyal]

I see it is probably on-board video, so do you have a PCI-e 16X slot, or a link/ model number.

I see why gaming is slow, it only scores 55 on PassMark

What I would consider a low end gaming card scores 1000 or more, and the top cards are @ 3848 now.

PassMark Software - Video Card Benchmark Charts

[stroyal]

Just looked up Aion, and it is not a demanding game.

It only prefers a HD2600 @ about 223 PassMark.

Is this the most demanding game you are going to play???

[hahaloser]

As far as a budget was going, was trying to look for something in the price range of 50-100$ (USD). May be willing to spend a little more depending on the longevity of the graphic card. Preferrably looking for a card with a VGA output or DVI output.

As for the power supply, I'm guessing I can find that info on the power supply in the computer?(I'll get this info for you by the end of the night.)

Graphics card, all I know is its made by Nvidia and the model is NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430, assuming I would also find this info on the card when I open up the computer as well.(I'll get this info for you by the end of the night as well.)

As far as my computer is concerned, these are the stats on the computer
Manufacturer: Dell
Model: Inspiron 531
Total amount of system memory: 4.00 GB (3.44 GB usable)
System type: 32-bit OS Windows 7 Ultimate
Number of processor cores: 2
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+ 2.60 GHz
64-bit capable: Yes


And as far as gaming goes, Aion should be the most advanced game I'd be playing on here.

This is an example of what a screen should look like in Aion:
http://i51.tinypic.com/29vkkuu.jpg

This is what I have at the moment:
http://i54.tinypic.com/xllaw0.jpg

So you can see exactly why I need an upgrade here.


Assuming that all my power supply info checks out, think this would work.
Newegg.com - VisionTek 900181 Radeon HD 2600PRO 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card

[Aaron_8015]

Its on-board video, so you won't be able to read it on the card...

That 2600 is way overpriced....

Depending on if your PSU will handle it...

Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6670 1GBD5-H Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Something like that.... I can't imagine you play at a high screen res (1280x720)?

[ShyguyXPC]

Wow, That IS expensive.

I have that same exact 2600 Pro sitting right next to me, and I only paid $60 on clearance at Best Buy for it 2 or 3 years ago.

one of the new Bottom of the barrel Radeon 6500's or whatever it goes by (6450 I think?, or something similar), is at least as good if not better than that 2600 Pro was.

Even the 6570 would be an option: Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6570 1GBD5-H Radeon HD 6570 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

[hahaloser]

Its on-board video, so you won't be able to read it on the card...

Well that explains why I couldn't find the dang thing in the system.

That 2600 is way overpriced....

Depending on if your PSU will handle it...

Newegg.com - PowerColor AX6670 1GBD5-H Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Something like that.... I can't imagine you play at a high screen res (1280x720)?

My current res is 1360x768.


@stroyal:
Since, as Aaron_8015 said, I have on board video so can't read the card, can't give much information there.

I did grab the info off the power supply though, this is exactly what it said on the sticker.

BESTEC
Model: ATX0300D5WB Rev.:X3
Input: 100-127V~8A, 200-240V~4A 50/60 Hz
Output: +12V/18A, -12V/0.8A
+5V/22A, +5VSB/2A
+3.3V/17A

+5V & + 3.3V 160W MAX.

I'm also pretty sure I have a PCI-E slot which I know would be needed to physically install the card; This is a picture of it just so I don't give false information:
http://i54.tinypic.com/35ksok9.jpg

Should be the black slot in the center of the picture, sorry for the graininess, took the picture on my mobile.

[Aaron_8015]

Yes, thats a PCI-E x16 slot....

That Bestec PSU is not great.... Although the 6670 does not need a extra power via a 6 pin plug.... It might be a bit much extra load for the PSU...

I would look into replacing it...

[stroyal]

Aaron and Shyguy know this stuff off the top of their heads, I have to look it up.

the hd2600 is listed as recommended in the game specs.
It only scores 223 in PassMark
the overpriced HD2600 pro scores 262

Aarons 6670 scores 1357
Shyguys 6570 scores 906
Those 2 are quite a bit better than the game needs, so would have better longevity.

A little cheaper, the 4670 and the 4650 @ 582 and 522 would seem to be good enough, but not future resistant. The 4350 is even with the Aion specs.

Newegg.com - Computer Hardware,Video Cards & Video Devices,Desktop Graphics / Video Cards,Radeon HD 4000 series

[ShyguyXPC]

the PCIE slot for the video card is the longer Black slot, the short little black one is the PCI Express x1 slot, the longer is the x16 slot.

looks like you have enough room for a Dual Slot card, like the one Aaron linked to, as long as its not too long front to back.

as to the Power supply, you'll definitely want to upgrade that, Bestec is a low end brand.

Given the low budget, this

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100323L Radeon HD 6570 1GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Plus this

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 CMPSU-430CX 430W ATX12V Active PFC Power Supply

Would be your best bet for performance.

Its a bit over the budget, but your not going to get much better unless you can stretch it another $50 more ($150) on the budget.

This PSU, is a bit cheaper, and still good enough: Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Elite 460 RS-460-PSAR-J3 460W ATX12V V2.31 Power Supply

saves a few bucks and gets closer to budget that way.


If you don't have a problem with some Open Box Items, you could probably get a better deal.


This Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER Elite 460 RS-460-PSAR-J3 460W ATX12V V2.31 Power Supply

Plus This

(if its still in stock if you ordered it)

Newegg.com - Open Box: MSI R5670-PD512 Radeon HD 5670 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card with Eyefinity

[hahaloser]

Well I'm ideally looking to NOT have to replace the power supply because as you can tell, I'm a newb at best when working with the hardware inside the computer. I can do plug and play and mess with the software with no issue.

If I went along with replacing the power supply, how easy is that to do? Just unscrew a few screws and plug in a cord to the motherboard?

(Looking at what Shyguy is suggesting in the first idea posted, if I bought the power supply and graphics card, I'd end up spending 114.98$, I can go a little over, an extra 15$ isn't anything too much over so I'd be willing to spend that.)

[-FMA]

Replacing the PSU is really easy. You'll struggle the most with how to manage the wires and make it look pretty.

[-FMA]

Plus this

Newegg.com - CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 CMPSU-430CX 430W ATX12V Active PFC Power Supply

Would be your best bet for performance.

This is 10% off with promo code and $20 rebate. Assuming he gets the rebate, it's a steal.

10% comes to $4.00, so $16 AR.

[Aaron_8015]

Gah... I hate how cheap some things are over there.....

[hahaloser]

Replacing the PSU is really easy. You'll struggle the most with how to manage the wires and make it look pretty.

Glad to hear that and was just looking around the net about that as well. Pretty much says just ground yourself(I touch a metal screw on a wall socket), unscrew the power supply from the computer, draw a diagram while you disconnect the cables on the inside of the computer so you remember where each connection goes, then screw in the new power supply and reconnect the cables. Alright, I feel a whole lot better about attempting this now.

Think what I'll go head and do is buy the power supply first, then, after I get that and get it installed, I'll buy the graphics card, this way I got the part I am unsure of(the power supply) out of the way. Thank you all, you've all been a great help.

[stroyal]

Take the side off and it is just 4 screws, then the plugs.

If you replace the power supply, those cards recomended will be a 40 times better.(literally)

If you don't replace it, the cards available will only be 4 times better.

[stroyal]

Ground your self to the case, NOT the wall socket.

You want to equalize the charge on you, and the case.

The wall socket would only work, if the computer is plugged it, and that's not reliable.

[stroyal]

Gah... I hate how cheap some things are over there.....

Do you want our health care?
I can't afford the cheap parts, after that bill.

[hahaloser]

Ground your self to the case, NOT the wall socket.

You want to equalize the charge on you, and the case.

The wall socket would only work, if the computer is plugged it, and that's not reliable.

Alright I'll case ground myself then, always was using the other socket on the other side of the room but you know more than I do about this stuff so I'll switch my habits now.