[Ca$ino]

We have a compaq presarion sr5710f
2.3 antholon x2
250w power supply
3gb pc2-6400 ram
pci x16 (i think v1 or something)


I have been out of the hardware loop for several years now. last computer i built was still AGP and athlon xp was new.

We mainly need it to run sims 3 and the expansions, WOW, guild wars, and some other games but nothing crazy like crysis, MW2, BFBC2 or something that needs alienware specs to run beautifully. I dont really care its its nvidia or ati. prefer something with a fan but im thinking we will need to upgrade the power suuply as well.

Can I get some suggestions on what cards I should look at. i would like to keep it under $100 if possible.

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Hi Ca$ino,

According to your specs >
http://h10025.www1.h...product=3867469
you have integrated graphics and 250watt PSU. Installing a video card will require a larger PSU, recommend a good brand 80 plus certified, IE Antec, OCZ, Corsair, 450watt minimum.
This one is good and a little future proofing >
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817341022

With the amount you want to spend, you are looking at a modest card, I think this one will suit, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814102855 But you may want to do further research?

The next link will take you to a How to page, click on, adding / replacing hardware, There are tutorials there for power supplies and video cards plus more > http://h10025.www1.h...product=3867469 \\Let us know how you get on.

Edited by iammykyl, 21 June 2010 - 10:00 PM.

[iammykyl]

Hi Ca$ino,

According to your specs >
http://h10025.www1.h...product=3867469
you have integrated graphics and 250watt PSU. Installing a video card will require a larger PSU, recommend a good brand 80 plus certified, IE Antec, OCZ, Corsair, 450watt minimum.
This one is good and a little future proofing >
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817341022

With the amount you want to spend, you are looking at a modest card, I think this one will suit, > http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814102855 But you may want to do further research?

The next link will take you to a How to page, click on, adding / replacing hardware, There are tutorials there for power supplies and video cards plus more > http://h10025.www1.h...product=3867469 \\Let us know how you get on.

Edited by iammykyl, 21 June 2010 - 10:00 PM.

[Ca$ino]

thanks for the help. looks like i can get for the most part, whatever card I want as long as I upgrade the psu

[iammykyl]

Hi.
The last link did not work for HOW TO, so have edited that post.

Be a little careful on how powerful a card you get, Some will not fit in your computer case, if you are not playing Far Cry etc, you would be going over the top.

[Ca$ino]

im not gonna go crazy. I dont have the budget for it. I just want something decent for the two games we mainly run. wish i didnt have to upgrade the psu but 250w is a joke.

[iammykyl]

Don't know if you can better price than Newegg links.

US search, > http://shopper.cnet....avSearch;catNav
> http://www.pricewatch.com/

I hear that Tiger Direct is Newegg main competitor.

Let us know the results when you buy and install.