ACER M3201 PC - GRAPHICS CARD UPGRADE/ PSU

[kietla92]

Hey People I currently Have this computer
http://www.pcworld.co.uk/martprd/store/pcw_page.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1922828378.1249087380@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccddadehllhegeecflgceggdhhmdgmh.0&page=Product&fm=null&sm=null&tm=null&sku=140749&category_oid=

Its an Acer Aspire M3201
AMD PHENOM x4 9150e
2GB DDR2 RAM
300Watt Power Supply
Integrated ATI HD 3200
MotherBoard is Acer RS780HVF

Anyways I have currently been spending a lot more time on my PC than i am usually since i have some free time. So far i don't play that much hardcore games apart from Gears of war time to time and World of warcraft. WOW= I get 30fps at 1280x720 [wide], GOW= 20-25FPS at 1024x

My case is not so big however I'm wondering what is the best card available for me to purchase which performs well with my system Specifications. My Budget for a card is around £40-£50 Or less depends on if i need to upgrade my PSU. I'm Very limited to options as I've noticed however any options on the right hardware?

 

[dirtmountain]

This card is a very good option that won't require you to replace your power supply.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-184-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1274

If that's too far over budget, then try a HD4650... the 4650 512MB would be fine, but it's currently out of stock at this site.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-138-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1274

 

[teja92]

A palit 9600 super 512MB tc 1GB-= The card i have is a 9600GSO 512MB 128-Bit DDR3 which is a low profile card and doesnt even require an external power connector. Find one .It is best for your PSU.

 

[kietla92]

Thank you, you guys for helping me i really appreciate it so either of these cards will run on my system thanks ! You make the world a better place !

 

[kietla92]

This card is a very good option that won't require you to replace your power supply.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-184-SP&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1274

If that's too far over budget, then try a HD4650... the 4650 512MB would be fine, but it's currently out of stock at this site.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-138-XF&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1274

Thank you for the useful information and website links, i think i may have a problem if not ? I have just realised i have a 250watt Power Supply? Would You recommend me to upgrade to say like a 300 or 350watt?

 

[dirtmountain]

A 250w may not be enough to run the HD4670, but it is adequate for the HD4650. If you want to use a more powerful graphic card then you'll have to upgrade your power supply. A good choice for the upgrade would be this Corsair 400w
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-017-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1084

Do not get a cheap no name power supply, a quality power supply is always a good idea. This would drive you way over your budget though.

 

[kietla92]

A 250w may not be enough to run the HD4670, but it is adequate for the HD4650. If you want to use a more powerful graphic card then you'll have to upgrade your power supply. A good choice for the upgrade would be this Corsair 400w
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-017-CS&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=1084

Do not get a cheap no name power supply, a quality power supply is always a good idea. This would drive you way over your budget though.

Thank you for helping me again, I appreciate it do you have any idea whether this will fit in my case and have all the available connectors to run on my PC ? I will provide pictures and more information for you if required thank you!

 

[dirtmountain]

The Corsair 400w is a standard ATX power supply and measures 5.9" wide, 3.4" high, 5.5 " long (150mm wide, 86mm high, 140mm long) and it should fit. Measure your old power supply to make sure. It will have all the connectors you need for your system.

 

[kietla92]

The Corsair 400w is a standard ATX power supply and measures 5.9" wide, 3.4" high, 5.5 " long (150mm wide, 86mm high, 140mm long) and it should fit. Measure your old power supply to make sure. It will have all the connectors you need for your system.

Thank you Very Much i managed to find this product for £38.00 Which is okay i guess Looks like im going to have to wait a while before purchasing my graphics card then lol.

Oh and lastly thank you for the help i will be purchasing this product tomorrow thank you

 

[dirtmountain]

With that power supply you will have a larger pick of graphic cards to choose from. The HD4670 is still a good choice, but also a 9600GT, 9800GT, HD4770 and some others. Just repost when you're ready to buy.

 

[kietla92]

With that power supply you will have a larger pick of graphic cards to choose from. The HD4670 is still a good choice, but also a 9600GT, 9800GT, HD4770 and some others. Just repost when you're ready to buy.

No problems, I'm really thinking of just purchasing the Graphics card to test it out, since my CPU is a 65nm chip? Does that make any difference when it comes to having a 250watt PSU? My budget is being widely stretched thanks anyway.

 

[dirtmountain]

This is a very interesting article that is well worth reading. It does detailed power consumption tests using special hardware developed by the author. Your present computer could be compared to the "office computer" and if you add a HD4650 or HD4670 you numbers would be close to what the "home PC" would be. Add about 30 watts for the HD4670 over the HD4650).

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/system-wattage.html

 

[kietla92]

This is a very interesting article that is well worth reading. It does detailed power consumption tests using special hardware developed by the author. Your present computer could be compared to the "office computer" and if you add a HD4650 or HD4670 you numbers would be close to what the "home PC" would be. Add about 30 watts for the HD4670 over the HD4650).

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/system-wattage.html

Thank you for Researching articles ! I have checked the article and checked both office and home pc, the home pc with the 4670 needs about 167watts in the hardest operation mode which is pleasant information .

The office pc added with a 4670 wattages will be 150watts if im correct, well lol the real question is will it be advisable for me to go ahead with purchasing this card then? My 250watts Current PSU will leave me around 60+watts reserve of wattage. I'm Really trying to avoid purchasing a PSU, but if it comes down to it I will save up.

 

[kietla92]

This is a very interesting article that is well worth reading. It does detailed power consumption tests using special hardware developed by the author. Your present computer could be compared to the "office computer" and if you add a HD4650 or HD4670 you numbers would be close to what the "home PC" would be. Add about 30 watts for the HD4670 over the HD4650).

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/coolers/display/system-wattage.html

I have also searched up some articles myself and came across some information on the card at maxed load http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/HIS/HD_4670_IceQ_Turbo/24.html, Peak power consumption being at 150w mark at the highesst