M7640n needing new graphics card.

ff6shadow

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Dec 19, 2009
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I have this computer: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/product?lc=en&dlc=&cc=us&lang=&product=3245032& Need to get away from this integrated 6150 LE card.

I want to upgrade the graphics card, but don't want to spend too much money. I was looking for some suggestions. All hardware at the moment is factory besides the RAM. I was looking at this video card : http://www.nvidia.com/object/product_geforce_9400gt_us.html

Said it is usable with 300 power supply minimum. Am I pushing the limits using it? Can this PC handle this video card?

If it can't handle this one. Can it handle this one? http://www.nvidia.com/object/geforce_8400_tech_specs.html

It says it needs 71 watts, but I don't know exactly how much this computer uses out of the 300 watts.

Any suggestions on saving money/finding best card for this machine with current power supply? I am willing to buy a new power supply but if I do I want a decent video card to match.
 

deadlockedworld

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Hi ff6shadow,

Coming here was an excellent decision on your part. Both of the cards you listed are older models--and not a great deal for the price you would pay. You could, however, run either of them just fine.

First, scan this article--it is a great purchasing tool that is up to date.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-310-5970,2491.html

Second, let us know a couple more things:

1. exactly what kind of performance you want out of this card? Do you just want to run vista/windows 7 with a beautiful display and play videos, or are you looking to play the latest in video games?

2. What is your price range for this purchase. (EDIT: For the entire upgrade I mean)

3. Are you still running XP? How big of a monitor/what resolution are you running your screen?

Assuming you dont tell me anything game-changing...

The best card in the 9400GT price range would be the ATI 4650 (~$40 US) It would work fine on your current power supply and offer better performance than a 9400GT. On it you would be able to run most games, but not always on high visual settings or with fast framerates.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%20106792627%201067944046&name=Radeon%20HD%204650

If you wanted to spend a little more the 4670 offers more performance at around ($60 US)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%20106792627%201067944045&name=Radeon%20HD%204670

If you only want a basic video-playing or dual monitor supporting card the ATI 4350 could handle this--and only cost $20-30 US.


Notes:

*Nividia has similarly powered cards to these--but none of them are cost competitive at this market segment.
*None of the cards mentioned require more than a 300w PSU--anything above about $80-90 US probably would.
*My final advice is that you buy through newegg.ca/newegg.com because you will get vastly better prices on newer merchandise. (The Gforce 8 series you are looking at in a store is circa 2006 technology.)
 

ff6shadow

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1. I want the best possible video card I can get without having to buy a new power supply. I'd rather have a lesser card than spend 50-100 more to get a new power supply.


2. Around 80-100 USD

3. Not running XP. Windows 7 now. Resolution is 1280 x 1024 atm. I will probably buy a new monitor soon though as that's next on the list as long as I don't have to buy a power supply. So the best resolution I can get. Thinking around a 18-22 inch.

And thank you for the fast response.

I checked over the link you sent me, I would be willing to buy the Geforce 9600 GT Video Card or the GeForce 9600 GSO Video as long as I don't have to upgrade power supply :)
 

deadlockedworld

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Cool.

Option 1: Based on your response I think the best possible card you could run on a 300w psu would be a new nvidia GT 240 ($89). The price for performance ratio on this card isnt great--but all of its competitors require a 6-pin connector. Overall it comes out around a 9600gt, but doesnt require the connector.

Recent article that compares it to the other cards you mentioned:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gt-240,2475.html

If you wanted to save money--the 4670 shown in the article above is available around $45-55. While its not as powerful--it really does have a great bang for the buck and its still a lot better than your initial card ideas.


Option 2:

New PSU: Corsair 400w $39 after mail in rebate. I have this PSU--its awesome. The brand is very high quality, so this 400w has more amperage than generic 500w power supplies. This PSU could run any card up to the 5770 on the "best cards for the money" list. It has a 3 year warranty and is highly energy efficient--it blows cool air out of my case and makes almost no noise. There are other benefits from a high quality PSU too--like some limited protection from voltage spikes and etc. Its really nice to feel confident that the power supply wont fail and damage other components in the computer.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008&Tpk=corsair%20400cx

Idea: $39 PSU and $74 9800GT =$113 with free shipping and no taxes from newegg. (after rebates)

I favor this option mostly because I cant stand the idea of paying more for the GT 240 when its less powerful than this cheaper card. The 9800GT is similar in performance to the 8800GT that you see in the above graphic card review.
 

ff6shadow

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Thanks for the information and showing me these options!

Do you have links to the $74 9800GT with rebate, and the 240 gt for $89? I believe I will definitely go with one of these options.
 

deadlockedworld

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Yea--

GT 240s
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%20106793264%201067950263&name=GeForce%20GT%20240

Out of this list I would be inclined to go with the ASUS brand thats 79 after MIR--but there is typically very little difference between brands in graphic cards. You should probably rely mostly on their warranty policies and etc.

9800s list:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048%20106792522%201067942536&name=GeForce%209800%20GT