[SOLVED] New to PC, what kind of Graphics cards are viable to me with my current setup?

[pc_newbie117]

Hi all, I've recently got into PC from console and I was wondering what kind of Graphics cards would be viable for my current pre-built, non gaming PC. I've currently been looking at the GTX 1050 as it seems that it doesn't require a terribly strong PSU.

Current Specs:

OS: Windows 10, 64 bit.
CPU: Intel Core i5 4460 @3.20 GHz
RAM: 8 GB Single Channel DDR3 @798MHz
Motherboard: Acer Aspire TC-605 (LGA1150)
Graphics: S200 HQL (1600x900), Intel HD 4600 Integrated Graphics
Storage: 1863 GB Western Digital
PSU: LiteON Model No: PS-6301-08A, Total Output at 25 C: 300W, Total Output at 50 C: 270W

 

[kanewolf]

That 300W power supply will be your limiting factor. You need to stay with a graphics card that doesn't require supplemental power. An NVIDIA 1030 would be good. Also changing your RAM from a single 8GB DIMM to a matched set of two DIMMs (2x4GB or 2x8GB) would help your CPU performance.

 

[WildCard999]

Depends on your budget, you definitely need a better PSU for a good GPU but considering the CPU & your gaming at 1600x900 I'd probably go with the RX 570.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: Gigabyte - Radeon RX 570 4 GB Gaming 4G Video Card ($149.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair - CXM 550 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $189.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2019-01-19 17:40 EST-0500

This is of course assuming this GPU & PSU will fit into your current case.

 

[pc_newbie117]

Thanks guys. I have the standard Acer 605 case which has a height of 380.5 mm, width of 175 mm and depth 413 mm, so I'll have to stay small and low profile for now.

 

[WildCard999]

Thanks guys. I have the standard Acer 605 case which has a height of 380.5 mm, width of 175 mm and depth 413 mm, so I'll have to stay small and low profile for now.

At 1600x900 the GT 1030 is still a decent choice and would be massively better then the iGPU on 4460. I snagged the EVGA 1030 passive version for my dad's system (X4 850/8gb RAM @900P) and the gaming performance improved big time. Went from Low settings on WoWs running at like 40 FPS to High settings @60 FPS.