Computers & Networking

[JOSH1122]

I'm looking to get a different graphic card but I'm not sure really what to buy, I had an idea of one I wanted to get GTX 275, but decided against it due to needing an 850wat item you had to buy as well.

These are my computer specs for everyone that helps that needs them

Computer: AMD Phenom X4 (HP)

OS: Windows Vista Home Premium

Memory: 8GB

Direct X: Direct X10

Current graphic card: NVIDIA GeForce 9100 ?(PCI)

I was wondering what would be a good graphic card that is a good significant upgrade from the GeForce 9100? I just don't want one that's barely better than the one I have now. I'm looking for one that has a significant increase over what I have right now, it doesn't necessarily have to be the best out there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

thank you

-Josh

[TheLexMachine]

A low-end 200-series GTX/GTS card would be fine for your system or you can go with one of the higher-end 9000 series Nvidia cards which is what your unit can probably handle without a PSU upgrade. My advice to you is to upgrade the PSU and replace the current graphics with the best card you can afford.

[Sassums]

For the most part, any new Graphics card will require a new power supply, as the graphics cards require the most power out of any component.

[JOSH1122]

makes sense and which do you think based on the information I have given would be a good choice to get, Sassums

[Sassums]

I assume the computer has a PCI-Express, so for the most part, anything will be an upgrade (give or take).

I generally like to go by "You get what you pay for" - so i'd say anything over $100 would be more than sufficient.

It really depends on what you are looking to do.  Games, pictures, movies, etc?

Also, the Graphics card should indicate how much power it will require.

[JOSH1122]

Oh, yeah sorry for not including that info earlier.

I'm mainly looking to game, stuff like Fall Out 3, TF2, Tomb Raider Underworld,Last Remnant. Things like that. I can attempt to run them on this system but it can only run with very low settings.

[hockeycanuckjc Trusted Contributor]

This will determine if you need a new PSU. Please be aware this does not test amperage and voltage rails its only desinged to give you an idea of what to look for :

http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

[JOSH1122]

i just went there and tried filling out my information but some i didnt get what they were asking me(cpu lingo) and they didnt have my NVIDIA GEFORCE 9100 graphic card under their list either

[Drew-Intel]

hi josh.

i'm typically a fan of corsair's power supply calculator because of how straightforward it is. you can find it here: http://www.corsair.com/psufinder/default.aspx

using your provided CPU, 2 hard drives (an assumption), and an nvidia gtx 260 (which should run your games fine), the calculator spit back a handful of power supplies ranging from 450 watts to 550 watts. I don't think you'd need anything over 550W for the level of graphics card you're interested in.

[Sassums]

Once you find the card you are looking for, it will indicate how much power it takes to run.

So factor in the other components of the computer to get a general idea of the power it will take to run.

Also, depending on the graphics card, you might need a higher end supply, just for the correct connections.

I am using a 650watt supply because I needed 2 PCI connectors for the card itself.