Do I need to upgrade processor/motherboard?

[cuddlefish]

To begin im not very knowledgable with computers etc... With the release of diablo 3 coming ive decided its time to buy my very first graphics card... After hours of research ive decided I like the 7850.

Now after all this research i started thinking are the other parts of my computer capable of handling this card or would I just be wasting my money.

All specs can be found here

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&docname=c01905330#N156

This is my processor
Processor
AMD Athlon II X4 620
Figure 2: AMD Athlon II logo

Operating speed: Up to 2.6 GHz
Number of cores: 4
Socket: AM3
Bus speed: 4000 MHz HT3




Can you guys tell me if this computer will be able to take advantage of this gpu or if i need to upgrade components or downgrade the gpu?

Ive never done anything like this... Now if i change out the motherboard and processor or just the processor is that going to mean a wipe of my HDD?

What processor could I upgrade to and will it be modern or still outdated?

 

[cuddlefish]

Where do i go to see the length of the cards? Cant find it on newegg?

Would i still be able to use a 32 inch tv as a monitor with the 7770 instead?

 

[dannoddd]

The size of the monitor isn't what matters, the resolution is. So the TV is either 1280x720 or 1920x1080. A 7770 should still be ok.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Gigabyte/HD_7770_OC/26.html

The length of the card should be in the description on the Newegg product page. It's under dimensions near the bottom.

 

[cuddlefish]

on most of these they dont list the dimensions how silly is that

 

[WR2]

A 8" model - currently out of stock @ NewEgg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131464
PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB Video Card - it has the PCI-e 6pin at the rear facing inside the case - not up top and pointing at the case side panel.
http://circuitremix.com/?q=content/powercolor-radeon-hd-7850-2gb-video-card

 

[WR2]

Knowing how long the PowerColor Radeon HD 7850 2GB is helps ID the length of some other cards.

HIS H785F2G2M Radeon HD 7850 2GB - about 8.5" with rear facing 6pin PCI-e connector. Also with $20 rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161406

 

[WR2]

XFX DoubleD (9.5" and top mounted PCI-e connectors) over HIS 7850.

 

[cuddlefish]

So I should probably avoid the xfx because of length and position of the connectors.

HIS is 8.5'' long with power connector at the end towards the front of the case.

Powercooler is 8'' with the connector at the front end of the case.


Are there any others similar to these last two as far as length and position of the connector that I should consider?

Which one of these is going to cool better? Which one is the better brand? Better customer service as far as rma?

Which would you pick? The powercooler is out of stock right now but I could wait a few days. Or if there are other options let me know.

thanks for all the help guys it is greatly appreciated.

 

[WR2]

I would pick the HIS for it's better price and it's reputation.

 

[cuddlefish]

Now only other question is do I buy now or wait until the 670 drops on may 10th to see if the price drops?

 

[dannoddd]

It probably won't affect the pricing on the lower end cards, if you're looking at a 78-79 series card, you might not hurt waiting a little.

Last time I read we were looking at 7770s and then somewhere we stepped up to a 7870. ha ha.