Looking to upgrade video card to fortnite capable

[sandlingallday]

I recently acquired a Compaq Presario with NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430. Being disabled, Im unable to simply buy a new PC. Can someone help identify what video card would best replace this in order to play fortnite, as *inexpensive* as possible. This is for my special needs son's birthday gift, and money IS an issue.. lol

Thanks

Update:
--------------------
Hopefully this is the info you need:

Compaq Presario CQ5320F
AMD Athlon II X2 240 Processor 2.80gz
RAM: 6GB
x64

Thanks to everyone who is attempting to help. I'm very grateful!!

------------------------------------------------------
Here's the fortnite specs:

Here are the Fortnite system requirements (minimum)
CPU: Core i3 2.4 Ghz
CPU SPEED: Info
RAM: 4 GB
OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
VIDEO CARD: Intel HD 4000
Fortnite Recommended Requirements
CPU: Core i5 2.8 Ghz
CPU SPEED: Info
RAM: 8 GB
OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
VIDEO CARD: Nvidia GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 equivalent DX11 GPU

 

[richiestang_78]

What are the complete specs of the computer? Model, CPU, RAM etc.

 

[ArchitSahu]

Hmm, a GT 1030 would be a good fit. Fortnite does not require too much to play it. Look for a GT 1030, or 2nd hand 1050's. They are going pretty cheap now because of the new GPU release.

 

[dontlistentome]

You can download a free program called Speccy and use it to get all the relevant information about this computer, if you don't have that information.

Fortnite is, for a new game, playable on a wide range of systems even if you need to run it at 720p. Without knowing your CPU and ram though it's hard to say for sure if this computer can handle it.

 

[sandlingallday]

I started searching for that info, writing what I found, and realized Google could provide it easier...

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01949110
--------------------
Hopefully this is the info you need:

Compaq Presario CQ5320F
AMD Athlon II X2 240 Processor 2.80gz
RAM: 6GB
x64

Thanks to everyone who is attempting to help. I'm very grateful!!


Here's the fortnite specs:

Here are the Fortnite system requirements (minimum)
CPU: Core i3 2.4 Ghz
CPU SPEED: Info
RAM: 4 GB
OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
VIDEO CARD: Intel HD 4000
Fortnite Recommended Requirements
CPU: Core i5 2.8 Ghz
CPU SPEED: Info
RAM: 8 GB
OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
VIDEO CARD: Nvidia GTX 660 or AMD Radeon HD 7870 equivalent DX11 GPU

 

[richiestang_78]

So I would get either a GT 1030 or for a little more the GTX 1050, however the power supply of the PC is very low and you are just at the minimum required for the 1050 at least. The 1030 should run just fine. Another thing is maybe look for an upgrade for the CPU as well, I think the Athlon II X4 640 is the best you could do in that system.

 

[khangnt2005]

I would recommend you a R9 280X,Cheap but More powerful than a GTX1050TI ,under 80$ for something that better than 1050ti,why not?

 

[richiestang_78]

A R9 280X will not run in your system, with your current power supply a 75 watt or less card is pretty much all you can handle.

 

[khangnt2005]

A R9 280X will not run in your system, with your current power supply a 75 watt or less card is pretty much all you can handle.

He should have upgrade his psu inorder to buy them

 

[sandlingallday]

The system has upgrade to Windows 10 and more RAM than the base model.
I don't want to have to upgrade anything else...at that point, buying a used system from offerup/fb mkt would make more sense.
It's my understanding that changing the Video card would fix the problem... I simply need to know what card would work within the constraints of the existing motherboard, that ideally isn't going to break my bank.
As it stands, it took 6 months to save up the $150 I have to spend...and he still needs a keyboard/mouse.

I'm unsure how to quote here... lol.
khangnt2005- are you saying in order to use the card you suggested, I need to upgrade something else?

 

[richiestang_78]

If your budget is only 150 then your only options are the GT1030 or maybe a RX 550. The 1030 will be anywhere between 70-100 depending on model and brand and the RX550 around 100. I think the 1030 performs alittle better in fortnite then the 550 does, it also uses less power.

The issue with buying a new PSU, which will be 30-50 USD for a decent one, is that with a pre-built it may not actually fit since many pre-builts use non standard sized power supplies, I tried to find out what PSU is in your system but was unable, so if you do want to go that route please look inside your computer and list what is said on the stick located on the power supply for us to help.

If you want a specific card to get then https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814932004&cm_re=gt_1030-_-14-932-004-_-Product would be a good choice, 89 dollars brand new, there are also some alittle more expensive and alittle less including refurbished but I like that this one has an actual fan to keep it cool vs just a heat sink.

 

[khangnt2005]

The system has upgrade to Windows 10 and more RAM than the base model.
I don't want to have to upgrade anything else...at that point, buying a used system from offerup/fb mkt would make more sense.
It's my understanding that changing the Video card would fix the problem... I simply need to know what card would work within the constraints of the existing motherboard, that ideally isn't going to break my bank.
As it stands, it took 6 months to save up the $150 I have to spend...and he still needs a keyboard/mouse.

I'm unsure how to quote here... lol.
khangnt2005- are you saying in order to use the card you suggested, I need to upgrade something else?

You need another PSU. I Suggest you the FSP HYN 550w,it is the good one. To run R9 280X you need a better Power Supply.
{Note: the R9 280X can play PUBG(PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUND) AT MAX SETTINGS IN 1920x1080 AND STABLE AT 40~50FPS AND WAY MORE CHEAPER BUT MORE POWERFUL THAN THE GTX1050Ti

 

[ArchitSahu]

The system has upgrade to Windows 10 and more RAM than the base model.
I don't want to have to upgrade anything else...at that point, buying a used system from offerup/fb mkt would make more sense.
It's my understanding that changing the Video card would fix the problem... I simply need to know what card would work within the constraints of the existing motherboard, that ideally isn't going to break my bank.
As it stands, it took 6 months to save up the $150 I have to spend...and he still needs a keyboard/mouse.

I'm unsure how to quote here... lol.
khangnt2005- are you saying in order to use the card you suggested, I need to upgrade something else?

You need another PSU. I Suggest you the FSP HYN 550w,it is the good one. To run R9 280X you need a better Power Supply.
{Note: the R9 280X can play PUBG(PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUND) AT MAX SETTINGS IN 1920x1080 AND STABLE AT 40~50FPS AND WAY MORE CHEAPER BUT MORE POWERFUL THAN THE GTX1050Ti

If you read carefully, he says he has a very tight budget. A PSU upgrade would be beneficial, yes, but spending his budget on the PSU and then a GPU that is quite old is a waste of money and over the budget.

Calm the caps and look at the situation from other points. Do not force yours down others throats.


@OP:
Like richiestang said, 1030 or 1050. 1050Ti should be the ultimate goal. But as you need Kb and Mouse, look for a 1030 or 550 and get the kb/mouse.

 

[khangnt2005]

The system has upgrade to Windows 10 and more RAM than the base model.
I don't want to have to upgrade anything else...at that point, buying a used system from offerup/fb mkt would make more sense.
It's my understanding that changing the Video card would fix the problem... I simply need to know what card would work within the constraints of the existing motherboard, that ideally isn't going to break my bank.
As it stands, it took 6 months to save up the $150 I have to spend...and he still needs a keyboard/mouse.

I'm unsure how to quote here... lol.
khangnt2005- are you saying in order to use the card you suggested, I need to upgrade something else?

You need another PSU. I Suggest you the FSP HYN 550w,it is the good one. To run R9 280X you need a better Power Supply.
{Note: the R9 280X can play PUBG(PLAYERUNKNOWN'S BATTLEGROUND) AT MAX SETTINGS IN 1920x1080 AND STABLE AT 40~50FPS AND WAY MORE CHEAPER BUT MORE POWERFUL THAN THE GTX1050Ti

If you read carefully, he says he has a very tight budget. A PSU upgrade would be beneficial, yes, but spending his budget on the PSU and then a GPU that is quite old is a waste of money and over the budget.

Calm the caps and look at the situation from other points. Do not force yours down others throats.


@OP:
Like richiestang said, 1030 or 1050. 1050Ti should be the ultimate goal. But as you need Kb and Mouse, look for a 1030 or 550 and get the kb/mouse.

R9 280x and FSP HYN 500w cosT under 100$

 

[khangnt2005]

How old is he?

 

[richiestang_78]

I dont know why you keep pushing the R9 280x, he has a Athlon II X2, a nearly 10 year old dual core processor, which will bottleneck most cards. Your suggestion is good but it doesnt into account that his pre-built may not support a atx psu and that he upgrades the CPU in order to actually get the full power of it.

 

[khangnt2005]

I dont know why you keep pushing the R9 280x, he has a Athlon II X2, a nearly 10 year old dual core processor, which will bottleneck most cards. Your suggestion is good but it doesnt into account that his pre-built may not support a atx psu and that he upgrades the CPU in order to actually get the full power of it.

Well,i've seen someone used a E8400 with a R9 280x,so i think it ok with this one

 

[sandlingallday]

Ok... first, I'm a mom, lol.
The laptop will be for my special needs son's 13th birthday. It will run his homeschooling (mostly YOUTUBE stuff) and fortnite, which he is excited about. I ideally need as close to 60fps as possible...

That said, I currently have exactly $150. Tax shipping included.

The psu, according to mfr specs is 250w (online). If you tell me where to look (or how to get inside) ill look.
There is nothing on the back.

I don't mind upgrading something else if it helps, as long as it falls within budget... lol Im wishing one of you were nearby... I bet you could find out everything in 2 mins flat. Ummm..Seattle anyone??? Lol

I greatly appreciate your assistance (and passion from some!!)

 

[khangnt2005]

Ok... first, I'm a mom, lol.
The laptop will be for my special needs son's 13th birthday. It will run his homeschooling (mostly YOUTUBE stuff) and fortnite, which he is excited about. I ideally need as close to 60fps as possible...

That said, I currently have exactly $150. Tax shipping included.

The psu, according to mfr specs is 250w (online). If you tell me where to look (or how to get inside) ill look.
There is nothing on the back.

I don't mind upgrading something else if it helps, as long as it falls within budget... lol Im wishing one of you were nearby... I bet you could find out everything in 2 mins flat. Ummm..Seattle anyone??? Lol

I greatly appreciate your assistance (and passion from some!!)

Just buy another PSU 550w FSP HYN 550w under 50$ then you can buy the R9 280x or radeon HD7950 and fortnite wI'll be playable at epic settings 60fps

 

[sandlingallday]

So when I search that up, a ton of stuff pops up, and they all look the same to me... I know NOTHING about the differences...

PAY 550w FSP HYN 550w provides WAY too many options.
Any chance you could narrow it down? Like a link to the item, so I can see what I'm looking for?

 

[ArchitSahu]

So when I search that up, a ton of stuff pops up, and they all look the same to me... I know NOTHING about the differences...

PAY 550w FSP HYN 550w provides WAY too many options.
Any chance you could narrow it down? Like a link to the item, so I can see what I'm looking for?

It is up to you. You can buy the new PSU and GPU along with KB and Mouse or just buy a GT 1030/1050 etc. With the new PSU, you will have to swap out the PSU from inside the case.

Here are some parts within your budget:

PSU/Keyboard and Mouse/GPU:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GT 1030 DDR4 2GB Video Card ($77.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair - CX (2017) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($45.00 @ Amazon)
Keyboard: Thermaltake - Commander Bundle Wired Gaming Keyboard w/Optical Mouse ($26.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $149.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-25 21:46 EDT-0400

GT 1030 DDR4, a 450W PSU from Corsair and a Keyboard Mouse Bundle all under $150 with shipping included.

OR

$150 for GPU and PSU (no KB/Mouse):
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: MSI - GeForce GTX 1050 2GB AERO ITX Video Card ($119.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM (2015) 450W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($32.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $152.97
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-25 21:48 EDT-0400


$2 over but better GPU.

I really understand your plight. However, the PSU inside your PC has a high chance of struggling. It is better if you swap it out.

I would love to help you out physically with the PC. Unfortunately, I am based on the other side of the world (Singapore). Do not worry, all prices are in USD.

 

[dontlistentome]

I would not worry about upgrading the power supply. I'd simply choose a card that doesn't demand so much power.

1. A GT 1030. Pros: small, sips power, can run Fortnite at 720P. Possible downside: there might be bios compatibility issues, though I doubt it.
2. GT 730 with DDR5 memory. Pros: small, sips power, compatible with no issues, costs less than 1030. Downside: not as powerful as the 1030.
3, GTX 750 Ti. Pros: Possibly costs less used, can run Fortnite as well as 1030, no compatibility issues. Downside: uses more power than either 1030 or 730.

Your CPU is a dual core, so that will be the limiting factor in any case. To reduce this issue, try to encourage your son to play in games with fewer people. The more players. the more demand it puts on the CPU and you don't have extra power to spare there. Start with all settings at 720p resolution. If it seems okay, increase view distance about 20% at a time until you reach the point where it hurts performance, then back off a bit until performance is okay again.

edit: DDR5 videocards ONLY! Do not spend money on a DDR3 or DDR4 card if playing Fortnite is the goal.

 

[sandlingallday]

So a 1030 ddr5 video card would work? I've tried reading and understanding this stuff, but honestly, my brain has an aversion to computer specs.

 

[sandlingallday]

Oh... also.. when I search on the part picked, tons pop up...
Is one better than the other?
Wil they all fit/ work well?

https://pcpartpicker.com/search/?cc=us&q=Video+card+1030+gddr5

 

[ArchitSahu]

So a 1030 ddr5 video card would work? I've tried reading and understanding this stuff, but honestly, my brain has an aversion to computer specs.

Yes. Most 1030's can run off the power from the motherboard. Any 1030 DDR5 would be a good fit.

Here, take this:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Gigabyte - GeForce GT 1030 2GB Low Profile Video Card ($92.50 @ Amazon)
Total: $92.50
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2018-08-26 06:54 EDT-0400

A GT 1030 GDDR5 for less than $100.