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Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 7:14 pm
by Tony :3
I have already found the one that I want-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814127664
Im not sure if it will be able to play the games i want (skyrim at least medium graphic options without lag)
Ive already got a great processor and i know my motherboard has an empty express whatever thingy slot on it. It would help if someone could add me and we have a chat about it ^-^
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 8:32 pm
by soulharvester
full build specs?
CPU
Motherboard
PowerSupply (Have to look into the case for this one).
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 9:22 pm
by Tony :3
CPU: 3.00GHz
RAM:8 gigs
Power supply: 300 watts
Processor:Intel i5
System Type: 64-bit operating system
Manufacturer:Gateway-Model=Gateway DX480
thats all i got
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 1:56 am
by soulharvester
And you bought this... how long ago?
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 3:14 am
by Tony :3
about a year, more or less
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 4:13 am
by soulharvester
from where.
tell me as much about it as you can/know.
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 5:42 am
by Tony :3
i believe it was from a best buy. Thats really everything i know. So can you help me with getting and installing?
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 8:22 pm
by Fire
If you are going to get a nice GPU you are going to have to also upgrade your PSU. 300 watts isn't ideal for higher end GPUs. I suggest buying a 400-600watt PSU, preferably Corsair brand.
What is your price range?
EDIT:
Also for 5$ more you can get this card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814130838
And it comes with Assassin’s Creed III for Free.
^The card needs a 400 watt PSU though.
I found this one which is 430 watts from Corsair:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6817139026
It's $46 but it has a $20 mail in rebate offer, so it is really $26 which is a pretty awesome deal.
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2012 9:36 pm
by Tony :3
Price range for the Card was going to be about 100-150 Dollars, That PSU looks nice.
Now all I need is the money for them
Spent all my cash on christmas shopping for other people.
Re: Buying a new graphics card, needs help
Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 5:14 pm
by BlackKnight
Actually, If you want sufficient power for a higher end graphics card, with the option to install a second in SLI (if it's nVidia), you want AT LEAST 800W, ideally 900-1100W, so you can future-proof your investment. A rating of gold/silver would be nice as well (insuring the power is what it says). 800W+ will provide you with sufficient power for all your components.
Another investment to look into is liquid cooling. The price is comparable to heatsink+fan combos, and the cooling is vastly superior, both in magnitude and speed. Crashes/shutdowns caused by overheating of the CPU will be eliminated with a liquid cooling system.
For the GPU, I'm assuming you have the stock case that the computer came in from best-buy? If this is the case, you should take a look at dimensions, as graphics cards are large, and the one you buy may not fit in your case lengthwise.
The GTS 670 would allow you to play Skyrim on the highest possible settings, no lag/tearing.
A lower end 600 series would definitely allow you to play on medium settings no lag.
Also what make is your CPU? Should be accessible by right clicking on "My Computer" and clicking "properties." just copy the entire line after "Processor."