Graphics card and psu upgrade soon

[doctortommy]

I made a post earlier asking about what card/power supply I should get but I'm making another thread now because it's been a while and I'm a lot closer to actually deciding.

I want an ati 4890, because it isn't too expensive like the higher end gtx models, and is still a very powerful card. Aion online comes out on the 22nd, and I want to upgrade my graphics card around that time so I can get very high frame rates with all the anti aliasing I can get without a frame of lag. I hear the 5xxx series is coming out soon though, and I don't really want to wait because I want my new graphics card to come around the time I start playing aion. I need to pick the best card around a 190-240 price range that has good cooling because I don't trust my computer's cooling whatsoever.

I have a hp computer, and because it's power supply is very weak, I need to replace it in order to get a 4890. I'm not sure where to start with these, and I'm assuming my computer has a standard power supply that shouldn't be too hard to replace. I haven't ever modified my computer before but I've done a bit of reading (I was considering building one a bit ago but decided to buy one in the end).

I know that my computer case probably has horrible cooling, so I was wondering what would be the best way to keep my new graphics card from melting the day I get it =p.
Also, I'm not sure whether a new 4890 would fit in my case. I guess I could take a picture of the inside for you guys if it helps in any way.

Here are my computer specs from the hp website:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01570956&lc=en&dlc=&cc=us&lang=&product=3815139
Motherboard specs:
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01324212&lc=en&dlc=&cc=us&lang=&product=3815139

also, I game at 1920x1200.

 

[doctortommy]

Heh, I'm already having second thoughts on this now that I've posted it.

I think I'm going to look into the 5870s and their specs/power usage and I might end up upgrading my power supply for now and whenever I can get my hands on one of the new cards, I'll just buy it and pop it in. I think i can survive a few weeks in aion on my hd3650....

Either way I'm looking for advice here.
I will not end up buying these new cards if they cost upwards of $400, but if I can get one for around $300+ max, I may just wait.

 

[obsidian86]

i do believe your board will bottleneck a hd5k

 

[doctortommy]

i do believe your board will bottle neck a hd5k

Maybe I could wait for the price drop and get something like a 4870x2 for a really good deal?

 

[doctortommy]

Ok, lets say that I got this card after the prices drop from the 5870 being released:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121308

One of the reviewers who seemed to have a hp computer pretty similar to mine in case size said that it fit in his case fine, and the card has good reviews.

What power supply unit would I need to compliment this card to make sure it runs fine, and how can I be sure that it has the right connectors for all the other crap in my computer?

 

[leonski]

i have just bought the hd 4870 and the psu i was suggested to go with it was the corsair 450 watt (modular),i am new to pc's in general and with the advice of the techie's at scan,evrything seem's to work well so far?

 

[geofelt]

Ok, lets say that I got this card after the prices drop from the 5870 being released:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121308

One of the reviewers who seemed to have a hp computer pretty similar to mine in case size said that it fit in his case fine, and the card has good reviews.

What power supply unit would I need to compliment this card to make sure it runs fine, and how can I be sure that it has the right connectors for all the other crap in my computer?

Research very carefully to be certain that the card will fit in your micro ATX case. The card you linked to requires a 6 pin connector AND a 8 pin connector, It does not seem to be a standard unit. I can't think of a 450 watt psu that has those two connectors, and I would be reluctant to use adapters. The cooling looks to be good at cooling the GPU, but there is lots of leakage into the case, and a small poorly ventilated case will be a problem.

I think you will be well served to wait and look for one of the new 5850 units. The 40nm technology will run cooler, and require less power. The price will be in your budget. Look for a unit with a cooler that sends ALL the hot air out the back of the case.

Have patience, and do your research. Find out EXACTLY how big the cards are, and then measure the room in your case. You might want to check out the option of adding or replacing case fans with higher output models.
Any quality PSU will have enough other connectors for your needs. Corsair, Seasonic, PC P&C, and Antec are good units for starters.

 

[doctortommy]

Research very carefully to be certain that the card will fit in your micro ATX case. The card you linked to requires a 6 pin connector AND a 8 pin connector, It does not seem to be a standard unit. I can't think of a 450 watt psu that has those two connectors, and I would be reluctant to use adapters. The cooling looks to be good at cooling the GPU, but there is lots of leakage into the case, and a small poorly ventilated case will be a problem.

I think you will be well served to wait and look for one of the new 5850 units. The 40nm technology will run cooler, and require less power. The price will be in your budget. Look for a unit with a cooler that sends ALL the hot air out the back of the case.

Have patience, and do your research. Find out EXACTLY how big the cards are, and then measure the room in your case. You might want to check out the option of adding or replacing case fans with higher output models.
Any quality PSU will have enough other connectors for your needs. Corsair, Seasonic, PC P&C, and Antec are good units for starters.

I was just reading the specifications on newegg, and it says for power connectors, it uses 2 x 6 Pin. Or am I mistaken?

Also, what cheap things can I do to improve the cooling in my case? Eh, instead of asking here, I should probably start doing research on all of this and report back with what I find later.

 

[geofelt]

I was just reading the specifications on newegg, and it says for power connectors, it uses 2 x 6 Pin. Or am I mistaken?

Also, what cheap things can I do to improve the cooling in my case? Eh, instead of asking here, I should probably start doing research on all of this and report back with what I find later.

Looking at a photo of the connectors on the card, I see a 6 pin and an 8 pin:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ShowImage.aspx?CurImage=14-121-308-S05&ISList=14-121-308-S01%2c14-121-308-S02%2c14-121-308-S04%2c14-121-308-S03%2c14-121-308-S05%2c14-121-308-S06&S7ImageFlag=1&Item=N82E16814121308&Depa=0&WaterMark=1&Description=ASUS%20EAH4890%2fHTDI%2f1GD5%20Radeon%20HD%204890%201GB%20256-bit%20GDDR5%20PCI%20Express%202.0%20x16%20HDCP%20Ready%20CrossFire%20Supported%20Video%20Card

For better cooling, you can substitute higher rpm fans, at the cost of more noise. Post a photo of the case, and perhaps we can generate some better ideas. You always have the option pf spending $50 for a good cooling case like the Antec 200 or 300:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811129070

 

[doctortommy]

I plan on buinding a shiny new rig when I go off to college, so I don't care to replace every part in my computer for the time being =p. I'll get some pictures posted though of the outside and inside.