Need help, Im a noob at this :(

greathelp

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Sep 9, 2011
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Alright so I want to change the graphics card on my computer and I need help and this place seems to be the best to go for help :D.
Ok, so I have these specs.

Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit
AMD athlon(tm) 64 x2 Dual Core Processor 6000+
3.00 GHz

I also have the NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE / nForce 430 graphics card. That is what i want to change!!

now i have 240w power supply and i read that thats not enough /:
i want a pretty decent graphics card since im going through this process of changing it. now on a scale of 1 to 10 how good of a graphics card can i get that will i be able to get without changing power supply?
& what about if i do change it?

Im thinking of running things in above medium detail. like bbc2 or other fps games.

& last thing. i opened up my computer to see if i could find the graphics card that i have now and i couldnt do it. most graphics cards have a DVI output & other outputs but all of my outputs are one piece (sound 3.55mm, monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.)
So would that effect anything?
I have an HP computer called Pavillion im not sure what type it is or the series. so someone please help im new at this, and im tired of lag in games D:
& it looks like this
hp-pavilion-desktop-computer.jpg

thanks for reading! :)
any help appreciated :D
 

COLGeek

Cybernaut
Moderator
You can't run any "gaming" GPU with a 275w PSU. So on your scale, you score a 0. You really need a quality (like Seasonic) PSU with at least 500w to get what you are looking for.

So, what is your total budget for a video card (GPU) and PSU? I am sure with that info, the good readers of Tom's can point you in the right direction.
 

greathelp

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Thanks for the replies guys.
So yes I would have to buy a new power supply but I want to know if I can even change the graphics card on my computer. I cant find where it is. I have a hp pavillion a6000ish Im guessing and the the inside looks nothing like what i see on youtube videos.
& If i had money to spend on a custom computer I wouldnt be here haha.
 

1tym

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that's because your graphics card is integrated into the motherboard.
 

Wamphryi

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Ironically it is often cheaper to build a custom computer.

The thing is that it is very difficult to know that the result of replacing the current PSU with a PSU such as we would run wont result in some hideous consequence. It may not fit in the case, the HP PSU may be wired differently which would result in anything from a burned out motherboard to a localised explosion. Assuming you got over that hurdle you would have to buy a GPU that was supported by your motherboard (for instance does it have a PCI E slot for a GPU?). The case would have to be capable of the cooling required to support the GPU in question. Even if you could get past those additional hurdles your system is inherently slow and will bottleneck your GPU anyway.