Looking for an upgrade

[Nemesysfx]

Basically i bought this prebuilt HP computer about 4 years ago
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01616194&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=3867529

and what i mainly do in it is programs for graphic design and gaming, im mainly looking for 1 part of the PC to upgrade at the moment that would improve it's gaming performance, I am aware that i might as well just build a new one or buy a new one but at the moment that kind of money is not at my disposal.

I am a new member to the site and im not really sure if this is the right forum section.

Just in case it matters, im mainly looking to play RTS games such as Starcraft 2 mainly

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Hi. The one part you're looking for to improve gaming performance is the graphics card and that motherboard has a PCI Express X16 slot. Depending on the card you choose to go with you may have to replace the 350W power supply unit and may have a clearance issue with the graphics card if it's too long.

 

[Nemesysfx]

Do you have any recommendations? Im not too knowledgeable with this tech stuff

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Before we can do that I have a couple of questions. What's your budget? Will you be willing to replace the PSU?

 

[Nemesysfx]

I'd say my limit would be 500-600$ and i would be winning to replace it

 

[Nemesysfx]

Then again i want to keep it much lower since i dont want to go buying a whole different rig with it

 

[johnsonjohnson]

I can tell you that you can build a nice (gaming) computer with that kind of money. If you can wait and save more, that might be a better idea. But if you insist on upgrading your current computer, you can have any graphics card you want for that amount of money. What's your monitor resolution?

 

[Nemesysfx]

I use dual monitors 1920x1080 HP monitor and a 1280x1024 HP monitor and i would like to keep it on upgrading if possible

 

[johnsonjohnson]

Don't worry I wouldn't recommend you spend $600 on a graphics cards. And since you mostly play StarCraft 2, we don't have to spend that much to get good performance.

 

[Nemesysfx]

Yea, if possible i would also like streaming capabilities which i can already do with low settings in 960x540 which is a really weird resolution to stream at

 

[johnsonjohnson]

I think you can go with either the GTX 650 Ti or HD 7850 1GB and a PSU. The length clearance might be another factor to choose which card to go with. A quick search on Newegg I found 2 potential candidates. The HD 7850 1GB costs about $30 more and might be too long (not sure) but it gives you better performance. I believe the HD 7850 1GB was $150 after rebate yesterday but it often go as low as that much.

EVGA SSC 01G-P4-3652-KR GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB ($130 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130839

XFX Core Edition FX-785A-ZNL4 Radeon HD 7850 1GB ($160 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150642

As for the power supply unit, a 430W PSU should be enough.

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W ($25 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

If you want one with more power in case you decide to upgrade your graphics card or use it in a new build in the future, this is a good one.

CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 500W ($40 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

 

[ikaz]

Also note you maybe able to use the PSU and video card in the new system you plan on buying.

 

[johnsonjohnson]

That's right. I forgot to mention that.

 

[Nemesysfx]

Best answer selected by Nemesysfx.

 

[Nemesysfx]

I think you can go with either the GTX 650 Ti or HD 7850 1GB and a PSU. The length clearance might be another factor to choose which card to go with. A quick search on Newegg I found 2 potential candidates. The HD 7850 1GB costs about $30 more and might be too long (not sure) but it gives you better performance. I believe the HD 7850 1GB was $150 after rebate yesterday but it often go as low as that much.

EVGA SSC 01G-P4-3652-KR GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB ($130 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130839

XFX Core Edition FX-785A-ZNL4 Radeon HD 7850 1GB ($160 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150642

As for the power supply unit, a 430W PSU should be enough.

CORSAIR Builder Series CX430 430W ($25 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

If you want one with more power in case you decide to upgrade your graphics card or use it in a new build in the future, this is a good one.

CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 500W ($40 after rebate)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139027

Thanks a ton for the help, so the 130$ will fit me and the 2nd one your not sure about?

 

[johnsonjohnson]

So the $130 GTX 650 Ti will fit length-wise but I'm not sure about the HD 7850. If you can open up the case and take measurements, you should be able to find out. Also I should've mentioned that both cards will take up 2 expansion slots (the thickness) so make sure there's an empty slot below. And you're welcome!

 

[johnsonjohnson]

From a picture I found it looks like a wireless card is occupying the slot below it (PCI Express X1 slot).

 

[johnsonjohnson]

If that is the case, you should be able to move it to an empty slot. Your motherboard has 3 PCI Express X1 slots. I think the lowest slot is empty (nearest to the end of the motherboard).

 

[Nemesysfx]

Should i expect an upgrade by getting the new card? I get 30-40 fps on low settings at the moment just by having that, grooveshark and skype open