Gfx card, psu and my motherboard. (all known info inside)

[itwasme356]

Hey guys, I've gotten a computer for christmas, its alright but I dont know anything about computers any more and I want to know exactly what type of graphics card i can buy for it, it's an Acer aspire m3970.

I'm going to cover a few general areas but i want to stick to the graphics card area of the motherboard, ram probably wont be an issue for me to upgrade.

I've downloaded a program called hwinfo64 and made a log
http://www.mediafire.com/?mmrnty079e9g1yv
this is the file it exported


PCIE4


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slot Designation: PCIE4
Slot Type: Unknown
Slot Usage: Empty
Slot Data Bus Width: 16x / x16
Slot Length: Long


PCIE3


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slot Designation: PCIE3
Slot Type: PCI Express x2
Slot Usage: Empty
Slot Data Bus Width: 1x / x1
Slot Length: Short


PCIE2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slot Designation: PCIE2
Slot Type: PCI Express x2
Slot Usage: Empty
Slot Data Bus Width: 1x / x1
Slot Length: Short


PCIE1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Slot Designation: PCIE1
Slot Type: PCI Express x2
Slot Usage: In use
Slot Data Bus Width: 1x / x1
Slot Length: Short


This is the Info it gave me on the pci-e slots upon opening said file.
So it's a pci-e x16 2.0 slot if I'm understanding correctly?

I wanted to plug the old graphics card from my other older computer into this one but got scared when i was unable to find the black 6 pin connector (I think?) that goes from my PSU directly into the graphics card, the last time i attempted to plug it without on an much older computer the graphics card made a very loud beep, probably signifying some sort of danger having it plugged in.

I believe the actual video card itself is a 9800 GT or 9600 GT (single row not the 2 row bulky thing) but im uncertain of the vendor. http://www.ixbt.com/video3/images/ref/gf9600gt-scan-front.jpg is what it looked like when i took off the fan to dust it one day.

Anyways, If I do require that cord, does acer generally use propriety hardware and power supplies (I.e. only acer branded stuff otherwise it will break). What are my options? What would be the best way of upgrading this so that it can play at least wow similar on par grahpical games (i.e. im not looking to play bf3 on this but it would be nice if I could!)

From one nerd to another, thanks in advance.

 

[nikorr]

Hi there,

Your Power Supply is 300 W (active PFC, 80 PLUS®-certified, more than 82% efficiency)

It looks like u don't play games on PC, If u will post your HW specs, we will be able to help u. Old graphic card too.

And this program will help u to get it. @ http://www.filehippo.com/download_speccy/

 

[nikorr]

This one may be just right, remember that u have a "weak" 300W PSU, so u cannot get really high performing card and this one is great for non gamer.

There is no need to get better one.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125378

 

[asnorton44]

Think he just wants to know if his old 9600GT/9800GT will work.

 

[nikorr]

Thanx asnorton44, I misunderstand some of it : )

 

[nikorr]

But, still with 300Watts PSU it might be on the edge ...

What is your CPU itwasme356?

 

[itwasme356]

But, still with 300Watts PSU it might be on the edge ...

What is your CPU itwasme356?

CPU Brand Name: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2120 CPU @ 3.30GHz

everything about the computer ( i believe) is in the attached file, first link at the top of post!

 

[totalknowledge]

You should probably upgrade your PSU if you want to use that video card. Check this list for a recommended psu.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/322966-28-list-recommended-psus

Anything from the ~450W to ~550W range should be good for what you need.

 

[nikorr]

Yes, it should run OK. With i7 CPU, it would be on the edge : ) i3 is fine.

i3 = 65
GPU = 100
System around 40

 

[asnorton44]

CORSAIR Builder Series 430W is $45-$10 rebate=$35 on Newegg
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=N82E16817139026

 

[itwasme356]

You should probably upgrade your PSU if you want to use that video card. Check this list for a recommended psu.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/322966-28-list-recommended-psus

Anything from the ~450W to ~550W range should be good for what you need.

ok great!

So do you know if acer uses propriatery powersupplies?
I would hate to buy a new powersupply only to zap everything, i know how to install all of this stuff, just need to know if its possible first.

 

[vrumor]

ok great!

So do you know if acer uses propriatery powersupplies?
I would hate to buy a new powersupply only to zap everything, i know how to install all of this stuff, just need to know if its possible first.

If you know how to install all this stuff, you should know how to take off the side and see what kind of power supply you have in your PC.

 

[itwasme356]

I've just always remember horror stories about dell pc and people trying to upgrade their powersupplies only to blast everything, so i've had that mentality regarding them ever since, the only hard ware i really trust is the stuff i buy on my own. actually, the side of my pc case IS currently open, so if you told me what information to post i would be more than happy to do so...

 

[nikorr]

ok great!

So do you know if acer uses propriatery powersupplies?
I would hate to buy a new powersupply only to zap everything, i know how to install all of this stuff, just need to know if its possible first.

It is regular size ATX PSU.
300W FSP Group ATX Switching Power Supply FSP300-60EP

 

[nikorr]

This one would do fine for u.

Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply
was: $[strike]69.99[/strike] $39.99+FREE SHIPPING

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

It is a Limited time Shell Shocker® deal, so it means they can remove the prices quickly.