Anything I need to know before upgrading GPU?

Status
Not open for further replies.

orangeluva56

Distinguished
Dec 15, 2011
27
0
18,530
So I built my current computer a year ago and now I think it is about time for an upgrade. The GPU seems to be the bottleneck for most games so I'm going to upgrade that. I've never done this before and I REALLY don't want to mess anything up. So my question is, what should I do to prepare my computer for the upgrade? Sorry if this is a very noob question but this computer cost a lot and I really don't want to break anything.


Here is my current GPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161384

Here is the new one I want to get: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202006&nm_mc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r&cm_mmc=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r-_-Video+Cards-_-Sapphire+Tech-_-14202006


Also, I do have a Corsair 650 watt power supply with 2 PCIe connectors so I think I'm good on that.

One more thing, my case is the Antec 300 and it is pretty small but I measured and I think that I can barely fit the card in. If anyone has tried and failed let me know.


Thanks.
 

orangeluva56

Distinguished
Dec 15, 2011
27
0
18,530


Yeah I was worrying about my ports too, except for a kind of different reason. I have the Intel P8Z68-V motherboard and the sata ports will be in the way of the new card. Here is a pic of what I mean.

1g3ig1.jpg



Taken on my Iphone so it is kind of messed up. You can see my current GPU near the bottom left which is about 9 inches. If you look near the center of the pic you can see a white Sata port. Now if I get the 7950, which is 11.42" then that Sata port will be either covered or it might block the card completely. I think it is low enough to fit the card but I'm not sure. And also, the biggest card that the Antec 300 can take (from the website) is 11" but I measured and I think it can fit a bit more than that. Anybody with an Antec 300 have a 11"+ video card?
 

orangeluva56

Distinguished
Dec 15, 2011
27
0
18,530



Alright thats reassuring. I think I might go with a smaller card because I don't think the Antec 300 can fit an 11.42" card. Anyone have any suggestions for a video card in the price range of $300 that is less than 11"?
 

orangeluva56

Distinguished
Dec 15, 2011
27
0
18,530



Yeah actually I just saw a picture of the Sapphire 7950 in an Antec 300 and it fits just barely. What I'm still confused on is installing it. Is it as easy as shutting of the computer, taking out the old GPU and inserting the new on and then booting back up again?
 

Antec states for the Three Hundred:

Maximum video card size: 11"/279mm (Note: some video cards may block access to the adjacent hard drive bay)
 

orangeluva56

Distinguished
Dec 15, 2011
27
0
18,530



Yeah I think I will go with Sunius' suggestion and get the 660 Ti. Wow, that was a lot of help from you guys. Thanks a lot!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.