Card for a 250W PSU?

[Poltregeist]

I have had this old hunk of a PC (HP Pavilion Desktop ~09'-10') for years now and I REALLY cant stand how slow it is! I think that it would be too much of a hassle to buy a new CPU and mobo for a prebuilt. I dont have the money right now to build a new system, but have a decent $150-$200 to replace the GPU. Currently I have a (don't laugh) GT 220, which I bought a few years back just to have the shader 3 requirements to play Arma 2. Any suggestions on the highest grade card I can get with the power restriction? Also, getting a new PSU is also out of the question because I understand how to put a PC together, but I dont feel confident on taking apart my current one aside from the GPU, since you only need the PCI Express slot and some power cables 😛

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: Within a few weeks, hopefully.

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Just gaming and watching YouTube, basic internet surfing.

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: NVIDIA GT 220, Some default HP 250W.

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Intel Pentium E5300, dont know mobo, 8GB in 4x2GB sticks.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Newegg, or maybe Amazon.

PARTS PREFERENCES: Don't really care, whatever works and/or performs better.

OVERCLOCKING: No, probably not with the power restrictions, and SLI/Xfire is a definite no.

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: Above paragraph.

 

[Poltregeist]

The only issue I take with not replacing your current power supply is that normally manufactures HP, DELL, GATEWAY, I'm sure even Apple does this shenanigans they place cheap power supplies that are just enough to run what you have. I have a feeling the reliability is next to shot with the power supplies. When you think about it your CPU uses anywhere between 90-140 watts toss a graphic card in there you are really pushing things with a 650Ti. If you are going out and purchasing a graphics card you should be responsible for properly supplying enough wattage/amps running your power supply out on 100 percent usage is not a good way to run something happens to your psu and it can take out several critical parts of your computer you never EVVVVVER skimp on a power supply.

I understand this, but my CPU only draws 65W maximum. So that's 185W left for everything else, and what other hardware takes up significant power? The 650 Ti's max TDP is 110W, so thats 75W left.

 

[bigshootr8]

Right but you have other power draws optical drives, hard drives, power taken by heat. The issue is you get dumpster diving power supplies with these computers you buy in the store they aren't designed for you to power up dedicated graphic cards. Sure you can give it a go but dismissing the fact may prove to be a problem for you going forward. Like I said going cheap on a power supply or not buying one at all could take out more then the investment on the graphics card you are after.

 

[Poltregeist]

Right but you have other power draws optical drives, hard drives, power taken by heat. The issue is you get dumpster diving power supplies with these computers you buy in the store they aren't designed for you to power up dedicated graphic cards. Sure you can give it a go but dismissing the fact may prove to be a problem for you going forward. Like I said going cheap on a power supply or not buying one at all could take out more then the investment on the graphics card you are after.

True, I don't mind paying $50 for a PSU, its just the fact of installation that is putting me off. I am just unsure IF a non-HP power supply will even fit in the mounts, since its a top mounted PSU. I have heard companies like HP, Dell, and others make certain parts so that only theirs fit, making consumers come back to them if anything goes awry and charging premium price for the replacements.

 

[Poltregeist]

I have contacted HP support on the issue above, and they confirmed that the mounts are standard. So long as you don't plan on putting in a crazy wattage, extended length PSU you should be fine. I have decided on the Corsair CX500 for a PSU, and a NVIDIA GTX 650 Ti for a GPU. If anyone has suggestions in GPU for a similar price range (no 7850s plz, I can only find 1GB versions for that price), I am open for change.