I am wondering what I can do to upgrade my Gateway FX6850-51. New processor? New graphics card? It is i7 2400/8ddr3/G-Force GT

ddeaves

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May 30, 2016
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Advice please
I am wondering what I can do to upgrade my Gateway FX6850-51. New processor? New graphics card? It is i7 2400/8ddr3/G-Force GT
 
Solution
The only weak part of your computer would be the graphics card. The GT 440 is super weak, crippled even, and 5 generations behind at that. Yes power supply will be a limiting factor, but even then you could definitely get a GTX 950 with a stock PSU, and you would be fine, even a GTX 960 would probally work using molex to 6 pin adapter, as long as ur power supply is like 300 watts which im sure it is, it would probally work, but i would definitely suggest upgrading your power supply with something like a 430 watt corsair psu, paired with a gtx 950 or gtx 960 if you are on a tight budget, or get something like a 600 watt or 700 watt power supply, and a GTX 970 or 980. or even the GTX 1070 which is the newest card (379) or a GTX 1080 (...

ddeaves

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May 30, 2016
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clutchc

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It all depends on what you want to upgrade it for. Gaming? Just the gfx card needs to be upgraded. The processor is fine. If you insist on upgrading the processor, it will depend on 1) the motherboard Gateway used, 2) what the upgrade path is for that board, and 3) if you have a late enough BIOS.

You are at the top of the food chain for the Intel Sandy Bridge processors. The 1155 socket accepts the next gen Ivy Bridge processors, but it will need a BIOS update to recognize one. Contacting Gateway would be a good way to find out. Upgrading CPUs on proprietary boards is always an iffy proposition.

If you have the stock PSU, it is probably around a 300W, right?
 

intimthebrave

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May 10, 2016
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The only weak part of your computer would be the graphics card. The GT 440 is super weak, crippled even, and 5 generations behind at that. Yes power supply will be a limiting factor, but even then you could definitely get a GTX 950 with a stock PSU, and you would be fine, even a GTX 960 would probally work using molex to 6 pin adapter, as long as ur power supply is like 300 watts which im sure it is, it would probally work, but i would definitely suggest upgrading your power supply with something like a 430 watt corsair psu, paired with a gtx 950 or gtx 960 if you are on a tight budget, or get something like a 600 watt or 700 watt power supply, and a GTX 970 or 980. or even the GTX 1070 which is the newest card (379) or a GTX 1080 ( 699) depending on price...
 
Solution

intimthebrave

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May 10, 2016
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I would definitely NOT Replace the processor, that 2nd gen i7 beats an FX-8 core for gaming, with higher single core performance(important for gaming) and it is a quad core with hyperthreading! Just get a GTX 950/960(960 depending on psu, look at the requirements) and run with it, or upgrade your power supply and get a GTX 960 970 980 980 ti / GTX 1070 1080
 

ddeaves

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May 30, 2016
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Sorry to keep bothering you, but I am concerned about ordering this: EVGA 120-G1-0750-XR 80 PLUS GOLD 750 W 10 yr Warranty Fully Modular NVIDIA SLI Ready and Crossfire Support Continuous Power Supply.
and this: EVGA GeForce GTX 960 04G-P4-3967-KR 4GB SSC GAMING w/ACX 2.0+, Whisper Silent Cooling w/ Free Installed Backplate Graphics Card
and putting them into the Gateway FX6850-51. Will they fit into it? Will I need any adapters or extra pieces?, I am doing this myself and just don't want to order and find they don't fit or comply. I don't care about any warranties of course. I know how to replace things, I just am hoping someone knows for sure what my FX can hold. Thank you for your time.

 

clutchc

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The gfx card will fit fine. Your case has more than enough room. There should be no issue with compatibility, either.
The PSU is one of the better units and should be an excellent addition to your system... but way more wattage than needed for the GTX 960.