Help Ugrading my old Gateway DX4860-UB32P psu and gpu

[Otaku Legend]

So I have a stock Gateway DX4860-UB32p. No Upgrades whatsoever.

I'm a noob at what computer things usually mean. Like what are these 6-pin things?

Specs:
64 bit
Intel Core i3 2120 @3.3ghz
Intel HD 2000
6 GB SDRR3
300w power supply

I've always been playing games at low settings most of the time.

What would I need to play Skyrim for example, at High?

And my HS Graduation is coming up so my parents will buy me something up to maybe $300 or maybe up to $350 if I'm lucky.

If you could, dumb it down for me. Thank you.

 

[Otaku Legend]

Anyone?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

It's hard to upgrade that because there is so much weakness.

A GPU, like a GTX750ti, will run in that machine, will use your existing PSU and CPU. http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=94334&vpn=02G%2DP4%2D3753%2DKR&manufacture=eVGA&promoid=1334

It will be a huge improvement, but will not get you 1080p high. What is the resolution of your monitor?

Replacing your motherboard will require a new copy of the OS, most likely. I'd be looking at a different plan, involving a new computer.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2625445/build-log-consolidated-middle-school-builds.html

 

[tiny voices]

My GF had basically the same prebuilt (but with an i5) and we upgraded it heavily.

I would just get a 750ti like listed above. That is the best and easiest option.

 

[Otaku Legend]

It's hard to upgrade that because there is so much weakness.

A GPU, like a GTX750ti, will run in that machine, will use your existing PSU and CPU. http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=94334&vpn=02G%2DP4%2D3753%2DKR&manufacture=eVGA&promoid=1334

It will be a huge improvement, but will not get you 1080p high. What is the resolution of your monitor?

Replacing your motherboard will require a new copy of the OS, most likely. I'd be looking at a different plan, involving a new computer.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2625445/build-log-consolidated-middle-school-builds.html

My monitor is a 1600x900

 

[tiny voices]

Then a gtx750ti will be perfect for you. Should get high settings in most all games.

http://www.evga.com/support/faq/afmviewfaq.aspx?faqid=59421 You WILL have to change some settings in the BIOS to get it to work. This site explains what to change. Not hard at all.

 

[Otaku Legend]

Then a gtx750ti will be perfect for you. Should get high settings in most all games.

http://www.evga.com/support/faq/afmviewfaq.aspx?faqid=59421 You WILL have to change some settings in the BIOS to get it to work. This site explains what to change. Not hard at all.

Thank you, but I just found a good one that requires little work. Here http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127836

 

[tiny voices]

That card still requires BIOS changes. ANY card requires BIOS changes. Brand doe snot matter. EVGA simply has a how-to guide. I had to do the BIOS changes on my GF's PC with a Gigabyte and then an ASUS card.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

AS Tiny Voices has said, with that monitor resolution, you will be able to get high. The particular GTX 750ti I suggested, does not need extra power, it draws it all from the pci-e slot it sits in. I would want to use such a card. If your PSU is older, the 'wear' on the capacitors will reduce its output, and I don't know how many Watts you will have on the 12V rails.

There are many GTX 750ti's by other manufacturers as well that will do too, not just that one, and you will be able to overclock some of them lightly to improve performance a little, if you want to.

Newegg has a couple of refurbished GTX 750ti;'s so you could save. My students builds have used the EVGA and MSI units and have performed very well.

 

[Otaku Legend]

That card still requires BIOS changes. ANY card requires BIOS changes. Brand doe snot matter. EVGA simply has a how-to guide. I had to do the BIOS changes on my GF's PC with a Gigabyte and then an ASUS card.

But I watched a video from AMD that showed no updating of the BIOS only the drivers themselves. Also there's another link for a BIOS tutorial from this site, and It's different.

 

[tiny voices]

AMD? Your computer has nothing AMD related in it.

I have upgraded a Gateway DX4870 (same motherboard as your PC) and it REQUIRED the secure boot to be changed in the BIOS to work with a dedicated GPU. You WILL have to change that setting. Trust me.

 

[Otaku Legend]

AMD? Your computer has nothing AMD related in it.

From the newegg forums, some guy linked me to the AMD because it's very similar to the Geforce instillation.

 

[tiny voices]

Installing any card is the same. The point is that you have to change that BIOS setting, no matter what. Yes you have to install some drivers for the GPU, of course. BUT, you have to change the BIOS settings, period.

 

[Otaku Legend]

Installing any card is the same. The point is that you have to change that BIOS setting, no matter what. Yes you have to install some drivers for the GPU, of course. BUT, you have to change the BIOS settings, period.

So In what order should I do these things?

 

[tiny voices]

You need to change the BIOS settings before you even install the GPU into the PC or you will get nothing but a black screen. After that, install the GPU and boot it up with the monitor connected to the GPU. Install the drivers and then you are good to go.

 

[Otaku Legend]

You need to change the BIOS settings before you even install the GPU into the PC or you will get nothing but a black screen. After that, install the GPU and boot it up with the monitor connected to the GPU. Install the drivers and then you are good to go.

SO should I use this site's tutorial which has BIOS for specific models, or should I use the link you gave me, which also seems easy?

 

[tiny voices]

Use the site I linked. It explains exactly how to do it for your PC.

 

[Otaku Legend]

I noticed it said Windows 8, but I have windows 7.

 

[tiny voices]

It should be the same. Regardless, I would just go and disable secureboot, because that is what really needs to be changed.

 

[DonkeyOatie]

Listen to Tiny Voices, he knows of which he speaks.

 

[SecurityBear]

I have the same pc and am wanting to upgrade psu and gpu. I am wanting nvidia only. Can anyone recommend the best combination given my current cpu/ mobo config. I am looking for as much gaming performance as I can achieve. I would also be willing to upgrade cpu as well but not sure what is compatible or still available for this mobo. Will be playing pc games and emulators. Thanks for any help.

 

[tiny voices]

With an i3 2120, I would not put more in it than say a gtx960 or so.