ASUS CG1330 GPU upgrade advice needed

[GPUNoobie]

GPUNoobie here, asking for a little advice regarding a video card upgrade for my ASUS Essentio CG1330.

As the forum name implies, I am woefully confused by all the GPU’s on the market, as the numbers confuse me. First off, here is the info for my current rig as listed in “More details about my computer”, stock when purchased (four?) years ago:


Manufacturer ASUSTeK Computer INC.
Model CG1330
System memory 8.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Processor cores 6

Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II X6 1045T Processor

Primary hard disk: 713GB Free (917GB Total)

Graphics:
Display adapter type ATI Radeon HD 5450
Total available graphics memory 4735 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 3711 MB
Display adapter driver version 12.104.0.0
Primary monitor resolution 1440x900
DirectX version DirectX 10

Power Supply: 450W (I think?)

I only run ONE monitor.


Over the past couple of years, this rig has performed well for games such as FO3:New Vegas and TES: Skyrim. Last year it performed marginally on FarCry3 and AC3. I just uploaded AC4: Black Flag a few days ago, and frankly it is running very poorly.
Here are the specs for AC4: Black Flag: http://assassinscreed.ubi.com/en-no/news/news_detail.aspx?c=tcm:75-119821&ct=tcm:6-231-32


Here is what I need:
1) An upgraded system that I won’t have to mess with again for a few years, so basically what is one of the BEST things I can get to upgrade the GPU? I do understand that I may need to upgrade the power supply, so I’d need info on that as well. Budget Max $600-$700.

2) I want to be sure that whatever I get WORKS. THIS THREAD http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/378099-33-asus-cg1330-upgrade
recommends a Radeon 7750 so as to not have to mess with the stock power supply. Also, I want to be sure that the connectors in the back fit properly for my monitor cable, etc.

3) Unless someone convinces me that this will be super-easy, I’m not really comfortable messin’ around with the internals of the computer. If I buy hardware, will someplace like BestBuy install it for a “reasonable” fee?


I went to BestBuy (U.S.A.) today, they have:
Nvidia GeForce GTX770 2GB PCI Express Directx11 compatible $330
Nvidia GeForce GTX760 2GB PCI Express (no direct x11???) $250
PNY XLR8 GeForce GTX650 2GB PCI Express Directx11 compatible $160



Any advice is GREATLY appreciated, thanks in advance for any input you can provide!!! - Noobie

 

[Quasty]

I would buy one from the radeon r7/r9 series (r7 260x is a good one), they are cheap, comparable with the 7850 or 7790 and you won't have to buy another psu (if it actually is 450 watts).

 

[GPUNoobie]

I would buy one from the radeon r7/r9 series (r7 260x is a good one), they are cheap, comparable with the 7850 or 7790 and you won't have to buy another psu (if it actually is 450 watts).

Any particular manufacturer? Searching "R7 260x" brings up GPU's (in stock on NewEgg) from Sapphire, Gigabyte, XFX, Club3D, Asus, and HIS.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=48&N=100007709&IsNodeId=1&IsPowerSearch=1&SrchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&OEMMark=N&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A446071&Tpk=r7%20260x



There are also several others on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=AMD%20r7%20260x



BTW Thanks for your response.

 

[jb6684]

Buy a Corsair HX650 or AX650 watt power supply.....

Get a GTX 770 (or GTX 780 if you want more FPS).....

Do you live in a city with a MicroCenter.com near by? They will install what every you buy from them....

 

[Quasty]

I would buy one from the radeon r7/r9 series (r7 260x is a good one), they are cheap, comparable with the 7850 or 7790 and you won't have to buy another psu (if it actually is 450 watts).

Any particular manufacturer? Searching "R7 260x" brings up GPU's (in stock on NewEgg) from Sapphire, Gigabyte, XFX, Club3D, Asus, and HIS.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=Property&Subcategory=48&N=100007709&IsNodeId=1&IsPowerSearch=1&SrchInDesc=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&OEMMark=N&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A446071&Tpk=r7%20260x



There are also several others on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=AMD%20r7%20260x



BTW Thanks for your response.

No, manufacturer doesn't matter. Just get one that has decent cooling if your room temp is high.

 

[GPUNoobie]

Buy a Corsair HX650 or AX650 watt power supply.....

Get a GTX 770 (or GTX 780 if you want more FPS).....

Do you live in a city with a MicroCenter.com near by? They will install what every you buy from them....

Several types of GTX 780's, I wouldn't know which to buy (or if it even matters).
http://www.amazon.com/s?rh=i%3Aaps&hidden-keywords=B00CTWP44E|B00CTY84KI|B00CU9GOCW|B00CUIVSNS|B00CUIVTCS|B00CW7VZNK|B00CWNXG5E|B00CWM95XC|B00CWNYIBU&ie=UTF8

Unfortunately, the closest MicroCenter.com is about 2-2.5 hours away. 🙁

 

[Quasty]

Buy a Corsair HX650 or AX650 watt power supply.....

Get a GTX 770 (or GTX 780 if you want more FPS).....

Do you live in a city with a MicroCenter.com near by? They will install what every you buy from them....

Several types of GTX 780's, I wouldn't know which to buy (or if it even matters).
http://www.amazon.com/s?rh=i%3Aaps&hidden-keywords=B00CTWP44E|B00CTY84KI|B00CU9GOCW|B00CUIVSNS|B00CUIVTCS|B00CW7VZNK|B00CWNXG5E|B00CWM95XC|B00CWNYIBU&ie=UTF8

Unfortunately, the closest MicroCenter.com is about 2-2.5 hours away. 🙁

It doesn't matter, just choose one from a brand you like, or has good cooling.

 

[jb6684]

I that ASUS case (with limited air flow...) I'd get a "stock" cooler style as they exhaust most of their heat out the Back of the case...

http://www.amazon.com/ASUS-GTX780-3GD5-Graphics-Cards/dp/B00CWNXG5E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1389792633&sr=8-2

Pick a good brand, ASUS, EVGA, .... etc in case you need their customer service.

NOTE: there are a few SKU's from each, at different speeds, just pick the one with the price you like minor variations in speed won't make alot of difference in FPS.

 

[GPUNoobie]

Buy a Corsair HX650 or AX650 watt power supply.....

Get a GTX 770 (or GTX 780 if you want more FPS).....

Do you live in a city with a MicroCenter.com near by? They will install what every you buy from them....

Several types of GTX 780's, I wouldn't know which to buy (or if it even matters).
http://www.amazon.com/s?rh=i%3Aaps&hidden-keywords=B00CTWP44E|B00CTY84KI|B00CU9GOCW|B00CUIVSNS|B00CUIVTCS|B00CW7VZNK|B00CWNXG5E|B00CWM95XC|B00CWNYIBU&ie=UTF8

Unfortunately, the closest MicroCenter.com is about 2-2.5 hours away. 🙁

It doesn't matter, just choose one from a brand you like, or has good cooling.

First of all, you have both been very helpful, thank you.


OK, last question...

I'm picking up a NVIDIA - GeForce GTX 770 2GB today from Best Buy:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/nvidia-geforce-gtx-770-2gb-gddr5-pci-express-3-0-graphics-card/1826004.p?id=1219065626957&skuId=1826004#tab=reviews

They have a Thermaltake Smart M850w in stock that I know will fit my case (6.3x5.9x3.4), but I'm not sure I should go with this brand since so many folks seem to recommend Corsair.

BestBuy said they will install the PSU even if I buy it elsewhere, so...

Should I go with the Corsair HX650?
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Professional-HX650-Modular-Supply/dp/B0090I9VX0/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1389812125&sr=1-5&keywords=corsair+ax650

-OR-

Go for a little extra power for not much more $? Corsair AX750
http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Professional-Modular-Platinum-AX760/dp/B00A0HZMEM/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1389812582&sr=1-2&keywords=corsair+ax750

Both are the same dimensions (6.3x5.9x3.4) and should fit in my case, thanks! - Noobie

 

[jb6684]

Go with the Corsair (Thermal Take isn't as good a supply....)

The Corsair 650 watt is plenty. If you want to save a bit of money look at Corsair TX series also (5 year warranty and not 7 year like the HX/AX series..... Plenty good supply thou...)

 

[GPUNoobie]

Go with the Corsair (Thermal Take isn't as good a supply....)

The Corsair 650 watt is plenty. If you want to save a bit of money look at Corsair TX series also (5 year warranty and not 7 year like the HX/AX series..... Plenty good supply thou...)

For $30 extra bucks is it worth it to get the Corsair AX750 just so I don't have to worry about upgrading a PSU again, or is that overkill? 😵

I'm not so worried about saving a few bucks, I'm worried about having to ugrade again sooner than later.

 

[jb6684]

The 650watt will support Any SINGLE card.....

To support DUAL cards, you need 850watts (for highend cards like GTX770 and above...).

So, the 750watt doesn't gain you anything....

 

[GPUNoobie]

The 650watt will support Any SINGLE card.....

To support DUAL cards, you need 850watts (for highend cards like GTX770 and above...).

So, the 750watt doesn't gain you anything....

Exactly what I needed to know, thanks SO MUCH to you and Quasty!!!

 

[GPUNoobie]

I'm sure many on the board mayalready know this, but I just now found two fantastic comparison sites...

http://gpuboss.com/ TONS of comparitave info for PROS/CONS of each

http://www.hwcompare.com/ Straight-forward numbers and bar graphs