Graphics Card and Power Supply Predicament

[themrqwertymark]

Hello. So I recently got a new desktop, but it has integrated graphics and and low power supply (300watts). I enjoy gaming and have played most of my games successfully on good settings, but a couple of games I wish to increase the performance a little bit.

So my problem is what should I do for a new graphics card? Should I get a good card and a new PSU to match it or can I get a good card that will work well with my current PSU?

Here are my current PC specs:
-OS: Windows 8, 64 bit
-Processor: Intel Core i5-3340
-RAM: 8GB DDR3
-GPU: Intel HD Graphics (Integrated)

If you need any more info just let me know!
And P.S. I am not too tech savvy, but I am learning. So you may have to explain an answer on simpler terms.

EDIT: Here is a new card that I found that doesn't require high PSU. What do you think?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150655

 

[toyftw]

Hello. So I recently got a new desktop, but it has integrated graphics and and low power supply (300watts). I enjoy gaming and have played most of my games successfully on good settings, but a couple of games I wish to increase the performance a little bit.

So my problem is what should I do for a new graphics card? Should I get a good card and a new PSU to match it or can I get a good card that will work well with my current PSU?

Here are my current PC specs:
-OS: Windows 8, 64 bit
-Processor: Intel Core i5-3340
-RAM: 8GB DDR3
-GPU: Intel HD Graphics (Integrated)

If you need any more info just let me know!
And P.S. I am not too tech savvy, but I am learning. So you may have to explain an answer on simpler terms.

EDIT: Here is a new card that I found that doesn't require high PSU. What do you think?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150655

Hi - a couple things. Try to get more info on the PSU, such as the specs which should be printed on a sticker affixed to the side of the PSU. This will determine if you can run a card such as an hd7750 without upgrading the PSU.

2nd - The dimensions of the case, along with the motherboard brand/model. The case dimensions will determine
if a new GPU and/or PSU will fit. The mothboard info is to determine if there's a compatible slot
available to upgrade the GPU.

Also, the 5450 is not much of an upgrade of your integrated graphics, you should aim a little higher unless that's your max budget.

 

[themrqwertymark]

I opened it up and this is what it says inside:

TOTAL 300W MAX
+12Va peak current can be 18A but endurance time less than 1 sec.
+12Vb peak current can be 11A but endurance time less than 1 sec.

INPUT
100-127V~/9A
200-240V~/4.5A
50-60Hz

OUTPUT
+3.3V --- /10A TOTAL
+5V --- /13A 90W

+12Va--- /17A TOTAL
+12Vb--- /9A 216W

-12V --- /0.3A
+5Vaux- /2A

Hope that is enough info!

Edit: Just a sec on the dimensions and Motherboard
Edit2: I am having a little trouble finding the motherboard model. The dimensions are 17in long x 13in tall x 7in wide.

 

[toyftw]

I opened it up and this is what it says inside:

TOTAL 300W MAX
+12Va peak current can be 18A but endurance time less than 1 sec.
+12Vb peak current can be 11A but endurance time less than 1 sec.

INPUT
100-127V~/9A
200-240V~/4.5A
50-60Hz

OUTPUT
+3.3V --- /10A TOTAL
+5V --- /13A 90W

+12Va--- /17A TOTAL
+12Vb--- /9A 216W

-12V --- /0.3A
+5Vaux- /2A

Hope that is enough info!

Edit: Just a sec on the dimensions and Motherboard

OK - The 1st situation is solved, your PSU has a combined +12v rail amps of 18(216w tot/12), so you
could run a GPU such as an hd7750 without upgrading your PSU, as a sys with that GPU requires at least
16 +12v amps.

 

[toyftw]

I opened it up and this is what it says inside:

TOTAL 300W MAX
+12Va peak current can be 18A but endurance time less than 1 sec.
+12Vb peak current can be 11A but endurance time less than 1 sec.

INPUT
100-127V~/9A
200-240V~/4.5A
50-60Hz

OUTPUT
+3.3V --- /10A TOTAL
+5V --- /13A 90W

+12Va--- /17A TOTAL
+12Vb--- /9A 216W

-12V --- /0.3A
+5Vaux- /2A

Hope that is enough info!

Edit: Just a sec on the dimensions and Motherboard
Edit2: I am having a little trouble finding the motherboard model. The dimensions are 17in long x 13in tall x 7in wide.

OK - You can visually check & see if there's an open pciex16 slot, but would still like mobo info.
Looks like the case is big enough to fit a low/mid range GPU. But, need to know if there's a home(slot)
for one.

If you have a system manual or sys info, it will prob list if graphics is upgradeable, almost always they are.
But, would hate to have you purch a gpu & find out you can't install it.

 

[themrqwertymark]

Alright cool, thanks for the help! I also found this,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131461

would it work with my PSU then? It is an hd7750 and it is in my price range. Honestly i don't really want to spend more than around $100 so if you have any suggestions for me I would be greatly appreciative!

 

[toyftw]

Alright cool, thanks for the help! I also found this,

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131461

would it work with my PSU then? It is an hd7750 and it is in my price range. Honestly i don't really want to spend more than around $100 so if you have any suggestions for me I would be greatly appreciative!

That's the sub $100 card to get. Have you confirmed you have a slot for it on the motherboard?

 

[themrqwertymark]

I have not confirmed that. I don't know how to determine the motherboard model. =[ This number was written directly onto my motherboard: MIB75R/MH_SG is that the model? Sorry, I just don't know enough about computers to know what I'm looking for.

EDIT: And my computer is made by Dell, if that is what you mean by brand.

 

[themrqwertymark]

If it helps, there are 3 smaller slots (about 1 inch) and 1 long one (about 3 inches) on my motherboard. There are also 4 openings that open up to the back panel that are placed in relation to these slots.

 

[toyftw]

If it helps, there are 3 smaller slots (about 1 inch) and 1 long one (about 3 inches) on my motherboard. There are also 4 openings that open up to the back panel that are placed in relation to these slots.

Hi again - Yes, the longer slot (if it is unoccupied) is a pcie slot for a graphics card.
So, you are able to run that 7750 with your current setup.

 

[toyftw]

I have not confirmed that. I don't know how to determine the motherboard model. =[ This number was written directly onto my motherboard: MIB75R/MH_SG is that the model? Sorry, I just don't know enough about computers to know what I'm looking for.

EDIT: And my computer is made by Dell, if that is what you mean by brand.

What's the Dell model # (the computer), altho it looks like you are good to go as is.

 

[themrqwertymark]

Hey I just wanted to say thanks a ton for all of the help! I looked up some more info on the internet pertaining to my computer model and confirmed that I can install the hd7750 into my system. It was also thanks to your help and direction that I knew what to look for. Thanks again, you rock! My model is a Dell Inspiron 660 btw (I probably could've saved you some headaches with that information, sorry).

 

[toyftw]

Hey I just wanted to say thanks a ton for all of the help! I looked up some more info on the internet pertaining to my computer model and confirmed that I can install the hd7750 into my system. It was also thanks to your help and direction that I knew what to look for. Thanks again, you rock! My model is a Dell Inspiron 660 btw (I probably could've saved you some headaches with that information, sorry).

Hi - Glad I helped! Too often, a few advise to upgrade the PSU as a matter of course. Many of us however, do
try to determine if you really need to.

You will notice a big difference with a dedicated graphics card over integrated.

LOL - I should have asked for the computer model # initially.