Looking to upgrade graphics card for the first time.

[MokiSteps5]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as possible.

BUDGET RANGE: Ideally around $250, but I can wait and get more if necessary.

USAGE: Play CS:GO with at least 60FPS max settings 1920x1080 resolution at all times.

System specs:
graphics card: Radeon HD 7450
power supply: Internal 300W (100V-240V)
CPU: AMD Six-Core FX-6120 Processor
Case size: Mid-size ATX
Memory: 10GB

This is the desktop exactly: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03359045

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Amazon

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

 

[sz0ty0l4]

the best available card around 300$ is still the gtx 970. it's a great deal for anyone who want to get a cool, silent, powerfull gaming gpu for 1080p.
however you will need to upgrade your PSU. a 600watt model will do fine even for overclocking.

 

[MokiSteps5]

the best available card around 300$ is still the gtx 970. it's a great deal for anyone who want to get a cool, silent, powerfull gaming gpu for 1080p.
however you will need to upgrade your PSU. a 600watt model will do fine even for overclocking.

Would $300 be the minimum I have to spend on graphics card to ensure max settings? I'd like to spend as low as possible to get max settings.

 

[rcald2000]

I agree; the GTX 970 is a damn fine card. I've pasted a PSU recommendation link below. Let us know if you have any questions about PSU brands. Technically we could help you select a card for your 300 watt PSU, but you'll be severely limited in options if you choose to stick with the 300 watt unit.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

 

[MokiSteps5]

I agree; the GTX 970 is a damn fine card. I've pasted a PSU recommendation link below. Let us know if you have any questions about PSU brands. Technically we could help you select a card for your 300 watt PSU, but you'll be severely limited in options if you choose to stick with the 300 watt unit.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

For buying a new power supply, will I have to get them from certain brands or can I just choose a random one with enough watts?

 

[rcald2000]

No, definitely a reputable brand. I personally love EVGA, but some people swear by Seasonic. My goto recommendation is the EVGA 850 G2. 850 is the wattage I recommend as the minimum, so that the user has an option to upgrade to SLI or CF (two Nvidia or AMD cards). However, if your computer only has one PCIe X16 slot on the motherboard, then the 750 watt model is more than adequate; it's $20 less than the 850 watt model.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%204814%208000&IsNodeId=1&Description=evga%20g2&name=Power%20Supplies&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=30&isdeptsrh=1

 

[MokiSteps5]

No, definitely a reputable brand. I personally love EVGA, but some people swear by Seasonic. My goto recommendation is the EVGA 850 G2. 850 is the wattage I recommend as the minimum, so that the user has an option to upgrade to SLI or CF (two Nvidia or AMD cards). However, if your computer only has one PCIe X16 slot on the motherboard, then the 750 watt model is more than adequate; it's $20 less than the 850 watt model.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007657%204814%208000&IsNodeId=1&Description=evga%20g2&name=Power%20Supplies&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=30&isdeptsrh=1

Alright, thank you for the information. Should I be worried about whether the power supply will be compatible with computer? If so, is there anyway for me to check if they're compatible or not?

 

[rcald2000]

I'm can't be sure, however I actually did upgrade the power supply on my HP computer 5-7 years ago. I upgraded from 300 watts to a 580 watt Hiper power supply; I don't think they make that brand of PSU anymore. Anyway, the only issue that I had was that the modular connections wouldn't clear the 5 1/4" bay's drive (dvd-rom). I had to purchase a new dvd-rom that was shorter in length by either a 1/2 or 1 inch. So long story short, the length of the power supply was an issue. Technically if I had been fine with my original dvd-rom sticking out of the case by an inch, it wouldn't have been a issue of functionality; just aesthetics.

 

[rcald2000]

I took a picture of my old hiper PSU, so that I could show you the modular connections that kept my dvd-rom drive from pushing all the way into it's 5 1/4" bay. However, I'm actually not sure how to upload photos to this forum. If someone can tell me where the option is, I'll be happy to upload it from my Dropbox.

 

[maxalge]

I took a picture of my old hiper PSU, so that I could show you the modular connections that kept my dvd-rom drive from pushing all the way into it's 5 1/4" bay. However, I'm actually not sure how to upload photos to this forum. If someone can tell me where the option is, I'll be happy to upload it from my Dropbox.

first you upload the picture to a website, like imgur.

Then you post the link they give you.

 

[maxalge]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as possible.

BUDGET RANGE: Ideally around $250, but I can wait and get more if necessary.

USAGE: Play CS:GO with at least 60FPS max settings 1920x1080 resolution at all times.

System specs:
graphics card: Radeon HD 7450
power supply: Internal 300W (100V-240V)
CPU: AMD Six-Core FX-6120 Processor
Case size: Mid-size ATX
Memory: 10GB

This is the desktop exactly: http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c03359045

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: Amazon

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1920x1080

I suggest getting a good 500w power supply (for future upgrades ) + a gtx 750 ti.


Tier 1 or 2 model, in 500w or better:


http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html

If budget is a concern a 450w can do it as well.


The problem is going to be your cpu, as it is probably the worse amd cpu for the task.

You should still get 60 fps though.