Graphics card for Fallout 4

[blaaaaaa]

Hi everyone =)
I'm completely new to the world of gaming on a computer.
Feel free to give me your two cents or advice please.
If I'm posting in the wrong category/section please correct me.
Thank you for your time!

I recently bought a used computer that has the following specs:

MSI AMD 7770 Graphics Card 1ghz 1gb memory
Ripjaws x 8gb memory at 800mhz? ( according to cpu-z memory section )
asus a55bm-e motherboard
amd x4 3.8ghz quad core cpu

I realize all the hardware is very old. I bought it solely because I didn't have enough money to buy a decent gaming machine.

I can run fallout 4 between 30 to 18 fps.
I was looking at a site here - http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2015-the-best-pc-hardware-for-fallout-4-4023
According to the site, a geforce gtx 750 ti will run the game okay.

My question is this -- is it possible to add a geforce gtx 750 ti to my computer? Do you have a different suggestion? Building/buying a completely new computer isn't possible for me at this time.

Also, I'm running at 1080p resolution on medium settings(autoset by fallout4)

 

[Xx_GhostWolf_xX]

It would be best if you had a budget, it's a lot easier to work around and recommend GPUs. i.e. what do you have to spend on a graphics card? 100? 200? 500? 1000? etc.

Ripjaws x 8gb memory at 800mhz? ( according to cpu-z memory section )

That is because DDRx (Double Data Rate) is showing half the speed it's rated at and is completely normal, you have to double that number to get the speed of your RAM, so, 800MHz X2 = 1600MHz effective.

 

[1N07]

Something you should know as a PC gamer: Always tinker with the settings of the game yourself.
There are a lot of settings and some of them might seem confusing, but you can google them and find out what they mean and do.
You can probably squeeze out a lot more performance out of your PC that way.
There are also lot's of mods made for people with low-end systems for Fallout 4, try these:
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/129/?
http://www.nexusmods.com/fallout4/mods/1822/?

If you don't know how to install them read carefully through the descriptions and feel free to ask for help in the comments.

As to a better GPU:
GTX750 is better than 7770, but I would not recommend going from a low-end GPU to a slightly less low-end GPU It's better to save your money and get something closer to a GTX960 or so...
If you want to get a better GPU I would recommend taking a look at this
Basically anything under something like 250$ should be about fine for that CPU. If you want something better than that you'll have to get a better CPU as well.

And yeah, what GhostWolf said is right:

That is because DDRx (Double Data Rate) is showing half the speed it's rated at and is completely normal, you have to double that number to get the speed of your RAM, so, 800MHz X2 = 1600MHz effective.

 

[blaaaaaa]

Thank you for your response!
I would say I could spend maybe $150 tops for a new graphics card.
My budget would be around $200-250 total. I think I need a new cpu and gpu?
I'm not sure if that's enough so let me know.

 

[Xx_GhostWolf_xX]

What wattage is your Power Supply rated at? that's also something important for us to know for the power limits/requirements.

 

[blaaaaaa]

Thanks 1N07 for the links.
I will check both of them out for tweaking performance for fallout.

Thank you Xx_GhostWolf_xX for the detailed info on memory.
I have a corsair cx 430w power supply.
I plan on playing fallout 4 for a very long time so I am content with something a little more powerful than the current gpu I have.
Nvida gtx 950 looks appealing though not sure if that would work in my system due to amd processor and the motherboard.

 

[Negativelead]

Thank you for your response!
I would say I could spend maybe $150 tops for a new graphics card.
My budget would be around $200-250 total. I think I need a new cpu and gpu?
I'm not sure if that's enough so let me know.

I'm going to give you bad news here.

I have a FX 8350 with a R9 280x. That's a 150$ CPU with a 330$ card. And I still experience screen tear in the Common Wealth (during day time bloom anyway.) So according to everyone on here I need to go intel (like you)

So you'll need: A new MOBO 120$
New GPU 300$
New CPU i5 at least ( 230$)

I'm being pedantic. This is what you need and you should be alright.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202043&cm_re=r9_290-_-14-202-043-_-Product
Be aware though that I have read the reference cooler on the card can be a little loud.

 

[abbadon_34]

Simple answer, yes.

You can remove your current video card and replace it with either you mentioned. No compatibility problems, just remember to uninstall your current AMD drivers when installing the new Nvidia drivers.

As mentioned for fallout and gaming in general, always tweak the settings. Fallout 4 specifically has a alot of "extras" enabled on by default. You can easily squeeze another 10fps and hardly notice the difference.

A modest card for your current hardware is quite reasonable. Anything more will be limited by your current cpu. New cpu needs new motherboard needs new memory, and then you see the real benefits of an expensive cpu.

 

[blaaaaaa]

Thanks for your input Negativelead.
Everyone is probably going to facepalm when I say this but I'd rather spend $400 on a gaming console than spend $650 on a gaming computer.
To me, its more important to save money while being able to run fallout 4 and other simple games than get the latest, greatest hardware.
I do consider myself ignorant when it comes to pc gaming due to my inexperience so feel free to correct me 😉
I did have a ps4 but I'm trying to switch to gaming on a computer. I like the idea of using steam and being able to upgrade parts later when needed.

Thanks abbadon_34.
I'm hoping it will be possible for me to just upgrade the gpu to get fallout 4 running a little smoother.
I don't game a whole lot and I suspect myself beating the game, replaying, repeating, and eventually playing something else lol

 

[blaaaaaa]

I figure at this point I have two options:

1.) Buy a videocard from the mentioned link - http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html in the $150-200 price range.
2.) Buy a new gpu(intel) + new motherboard + intel cpu + power supply. Basically build a completely new computer =(

The second option won't be possible since I do not have the budget to do this now. I could go this route next year but not now.
I guess that wraps up all my questions so I would like to thank everyone for the suggestions!
Much appreciated!

 

[1N07]

Thanks 1N07 for the links.
I will check both of them out for tweaking performance for fallout.

Thank you Xx_GhostWolf_xX for the detailed info on memory.
I have a corsair cx 430w power supply.
I plan on playing fallout 4 for a very long time so I am content with something a little more powerful than the current gpu I have.
Nvida gtx 950 looks appealing though not sure if that would work in my system due to amd processor and the motherboard.

GTX950 should work just fine. I don't know if it's worth it though...
It's usually best to get something much more powerful. In the long run it's less money spent.

The numbers Negativelead gave are pretty good. That is about how much you should spend to get a relatively good PC (though you can find a passable Motherboard for less than that). If you can't afford it, I would just keep saving until you can and making do with what you have in the mean time.

I think if you should first tinker with the in-game settings.
I haven't played it myself, but I would start by manually turning all the settings to as low as they go and seeing what kind of performance you get. If it's good, then start turning some things up a bit.
(Oh and pretty important: turn down the draw distance)

After that install the mods I told you about.

 

[blaaaaaa]

Ok will do. I'll post the improved results after trying all the methods mentioned in the tweaking links.

 

[Negativelead]

Thanks for your input Negativelead.
Everyone is probably going to facepalm when I say this but I'd rather spend $400 on a gaming console than spend $650 on a gaming computer.

Now your talking smart. This is really the way to go if your a casual gamer or a kid on a budget. They optimize the game for the system so you don't have to worry about screen tear or lag. You wont have to spend hours searching forums, or pounding your cranium for a conclusive decision.

In the end us PC Gamers spend 100$ (sometimes 1000$) of extra dollars for slight enhances to graphical flavor. Ya, I spent 300$ extra dollars to see Nick Valentines coat blowing in a revealing breeze of his robotic testicles. SO WHAT! And I also engaged in countless hours of forum arguments with Intel fan boys on the way to a whiff of his synthetic sack. Yep.

With the Xbox one the lines are beginning to blur between PC and Console gaming anyway. With consoles you can rent, share, and trade in your games for store credit. It really is a gaming experience that is far less stressful. But as with all things in life, once the PC learning curve has sunk in it is more rewarding. Good Luck in your decision.

 

[Negativelead]

Ok will do. I'll post the improved results after trying all the methods mentioned in the tweaking links.

Turn God rays off. I've been told this is a graphic option that is exclusive to Nvida anyway.

 

[1N07]

Thanks for your input Negativelead.
Everyone is probably going to facepalm when I say this but I'd rather spend $400 on a gaming console than spend $650 on a gaming computer.

Now your talking smart. This is really the way to go if your a casual gamer or a kid on a budget. They optimize the game for the system so you don't have to worry about screen tear or lag. You wont have to spend hours searching forums, or pounding your cranium for a conclusive decision.

In the end us PC Gamers spend 100$ (sometimes 1000$) of extra dollars for slight enhances to graphical flavor. Ya, I spent 300$ extra dollars to see Nick Valentines coat blowing in a revealing breeze of his robotic testicles. SO WHAT! And I also engaged in countless hours of forum arguments with Intel fan boys on the way to a whiff of his synthetic sack. Yep.

With the Xbox one the lines are beginning to blur between PC and Console gaming anyway. With consoles you can rent, share, and trade in your games for store credit. It really is a gaming experience that is far less stressful. But as with all things in life, once the PC learning curve has sunk in it is more rewarding. Good Luck in your decision.

Except there really is a sweet spot for spending money on a PC. The fact is you get more performance per dollar if you go a bit more expensive. After like a GTX970 and a compatible CPU, performance per dollar ratio starts going slightly down again.

It's kinda like if you were buying peanuts and you got 500g for 15$ even though you could get 1Kg for 20$.
Overly simplified of course 😀

 

[blaaaaaa]

So my reply is late yes. I got the F4 texture optimization mod and it really hasn't helped at all unfortunately.
I got the Nexus Mod manager installed with .12 Split 4 base files(4 in total).
Checked fps with Fraps and no improvement. The good thing is the game is playable even to me when it hits 21 fps.
I failed to add earlier that I set settings as low as possible on everything to achieve 3+ measly fps..
I'm going to assume after activating the mod in this application something was not done right by me.
Either way again thanks for the suggestions.

I do agree that owning a gaming pc is better overall although the price point is less attractive than consoles. I'd still rather take the option of being able to customize what I want on a pc than having no control on a console.

 

[1N07]

So my reply is late yes. I got the F4 texture optimization mod and it really hasn't helped at all unfortunately.
I got the Nexus Mod manager installed with .12 Split 4 base files(4 in total).
Checked fps with Fraps and no improvement. The good thing is the game is playable even to me when it hits 21 fps.
I failed to add earlier that I set settings as low as possible on everything to achieve 3+ measly fps..
I'm going to assume after activating the mod in this application something was not done right by me.
Either way again thanks for the suggestions.

I do agree that owning a gaming pc is better overall although the price point is less attractive than consoles. I'd still rather take the option of being able to customize what I want on a pc than having no control on a console.

21 FPS? That hurts my little gaming heart, sorry dude.
Yeah, the modding thing is something you need a little know how for, in some cases...
Did you read the instructions carefully in the mod pages?

You could try this one
If you do, I would recommend first uninstalling the 2 earlier mods.
Oh and you don't install that one with the mod installer, you manually download it from the site and then run the EXE.
From the EXE make sure the program finds Fallout4 and then click the "ini" part. From there you can change the settings.

Oh and just to give you some hope, I saw these comments there:

I suppose you could try medium settings then? If you do I would recommend still turning at least AA and SSAO off.