[corbek]

http://h10025.www1.h...ct=5049513#N152

I am looking to upgrade the graphics card on this computer. I got a couple cards in mind, and I am willing to swap out the power supply if I have to. I will post the ones that I have in mind, however, in the mean time I would appreciate some recommendations.

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What will the main use of the computer be and what is your maximum budget please.

[phillpower2]

What will the main use of the computer be and what is your maximum budget please.

[corbek]

Sorry for the late response, I have been extremely busy.

Main use of computer is for gaming, and some light schoolwork. Nothing too intense, primarily GW2.


Power supply I am thinking about
http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139028

Looking to spend about 250 dollars on the graphics card. Give or take like 20 bucks.

How about this one right here?

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130683

I do not know for sure, but would a quality gpu like this one bottleneck the standard CPU in the computer?

Edited by corbek, 29 October 2012 - 08:29 PM.

[phillpower2]

Hello again corbek

PSU is a good brand but please wait until you have decided on a video card before making any purchase.

Your video card budget would allow for a better video card such as one of the following, GTX 480, GTX 570 or a GTX 660 see benchmarks @ http://www.videocard...h_end_gpus.html

Your CPU will be fine, I would however upgrade the Ram to 8GB if you still have only the stock 4GB that the computer was shipped with.

[corbek]

Why upgrade to 8 gigs? Aren't most programs only using 4 gigs right now?

The cpu will be fine? Really? That surprises me.

I will take a look at the GPU's which one do you personally recommend of them?

[phillpower2]

8GB of Ram is the sweet spot for your OS which is Windows 7 64-bit, it will also compliment your CPU and video card performance.

Your CPUs performance is not to be sniffed at;
AMD Athlon II X4 640 - 3.0 GHz 45nm SOI 2MB socket AM3 95W Processor

Personally I would choose the GTX 570 but the GTX 660 is a faster card which is often the most important factor that gamers look for.

[corbek]

why would you go with the GTX 570 if the 660 is faster? Does the 660 have some bugs or is the 570 a more durable card or something?

I honestly thought the CPU was smaller than that. I guess I had it mixed up with another computer I am working on for a friend. I am the only person in my group of friends that has any interest in this stuff, and they don't know anything about it. I am capable of finding the right stuff, I just like to know an expert's opinion. This is more of a hobby for me than anything.

thanks Phill

[phillpower2]

Hello corbek

My choice of card would be based on the intended use and for me as I am not a gamer the slower 320-bit GTX 570 would be more beneficial as the in depth video quality the card can provide is more important, the GTX 570 would meet your needs as will the GTX 660 but as I previously mentioned the GTX 660 has the additional speed that is often more important to gamers, do not be put off by the 192-bit element of the GTX 660 as the 2GB of memory the card has will help with the video quality.

You are welcome BTW

[corbek]

Thanks a lot. I always appreciate your's and Schaffers help on this stuff. I don't usually go through with a purchase before I get it approved by one of you. Thanks again, I hope I speak for everyone on here, we appreciate your hard work and dedication.

So now for the CPU, what should I go for if I choose the GTX 660? Is the one I had up above too much, or is there one that I could get for a better price and still be fine.

Edited by corbek, 13 November 2012 - 12:12 PM.

[phillpower2]

The 256-bit GTX 660Ti is on offer at amazon at the moment http://www.amazon.co.../?tag=pcpapi-20 (awesome)

[phillpower2]

Duplicate post.

Edited by phillpower2, 13 November 2012 - 01:59 PM.
Duplicate post removed.

[corbek]

Okay, it's been a while, but I am almost ready to order the parts. I am gonna get the 660, and upgrade to 8 gigs of RAM. However, what PSU should I get? I was thinking about this one:

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16817139026

I used the power supply calculator and it came up with about 418 watts, so shouldn't that be enough? or should I go for one with a little more wattage for a bigger barrier?

[phillpower2]

PSU calculators are only a guide and you will note that Newegg for example explain this;

NOTE:
The PSU Wattage we recommend only gives you a general idea on what to consider while selecting a power supply. PCI cards, External devices, USB and Firewire devices, Cooling fans and other components may need more power.

The GTX660Ti requires a PSU with a minimum output rating of 450W so to allow for some headroom a quality brand 500W should be the minimum used http://www.newegg.co...orce GTX 660 Ti

NB: Having read the feedback at amazon I would like to bring to your attention the fact that card that I provided the link to earlier is in fact 192-bit and not the advertised 256-bit, see the first review http://www.amazon.co.../?tag=pcpapi-20