Upgrading a computer. On a strict budget and need help

[Jakub1]

So my cousin has asked me to upgrade his computer to better play games and to be better performance wise. I found out his computer is a hp pavilion p6677c. I then found out it doesnt not have a graphics card and that might be the biggest way to fix it. He wants me to find something to upgrade and has given me a $300 budget. So I found the gigabyte gtx 660 2 gb gpu(http://www.amazon.com/Gigabyte-PCI-Express-Displayport-Graphics-GV-N660OC-2GD/dp/B00942TK8I). Its listed at 190.00. However because of the computer he has, a psu upgrade will be required. Im thinking of getting a 500w psu but I am not sure if that will suffice. I also do not know any good psu for gaming and performance that are maybe under $60(Im trying to find the cheapest psu too because of the strict budget and he also wants a pair of headphones with the left over money from the upgrade. He would be willingly to add in an extra 40.00 for some headphones if thats the case.) So my question is, is the gpu a good upgrade(and will it fit) for the computer he has, even with the processor and the motherboard it has? And what psu should I consider? If possible, the upgrades should be aimed for gaming improvement.
-Thank you.

 

[zeph_yr]

Get a GTX 750. It will work with the power supply it already has and is cheaper than the 660.

If you want to go with the 660, I recommend this power supply. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817207013
For power supplies, definitely stick to common brands. Corsair, XFX/Seasonic, and Antec all my good power supplies. A bad power supply from an iffy company can die and take down the whole computer with it.

 

[Jakub1]

The 750 seems like a better fit for this computer but one thing is that it also requires a 400w psu and the computer he has currently has a 250w psu. I know that when operating or gaming on a computer and the psu is not enough it can cause random computer crashes and damage even. Obviously don't want that. So would it be best to settle on something lower end for the power supply? Perhaps the corsair series which I believe tend to focus on perfomance and doing the job rather than providing the necessary power for gaming? Its starting to become obvious that a power supply will be needed to.

 

[zeph_yr]

The 750 seems like a better fit for this computer but one thing is that it also requires a 400w psu and the computer he has currently has a 250w psu. I know that when operating or gaming on a computer and the psu is not enough it can cause random computer crashes and damage even. Obviously don't want that. So would it be best to settle on something lower end for the power supply? Perhaps the corsair series which I believe tend to focus on perfomance and doing the job rather than providing the necessary power for gaming? Its starting to become obvious that a power supply will be needed to.

It "requires 300w", but it will never use more than 75. But it's still going to cut it close on the power supply. I would probably upgrade it to a Corsair CX430 or 500. They're good quality and you can get one for $25 now.

 

[Jakub1]

A corsair cx series for 25? Last time they were around 60.00. Can I find them on newegg or Amazon for that low?

 

[Xibyth]

All the above are right get a 400w or more PSU and go for the gtx 750 or the ti without the acx cooling, that on will not fit in the case. Heres some links to some good deals on both.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438015

Both will cost just below $230 after shipping.

 

[Jakub1]

I found a perfect psu, its for $25 and it has 600w, its not modular but its a thermaltake brand http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153166. as for the gpu he wants the 660, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125443, but I am not sure if it will fit in the case, it probably shouldnt make a difference right?

 

[zeph_yr]

That is a "Tier 5" PSU meaning it's the lowest quality you can get. It might damage your computer if it dies one day. Get this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026 instead.

 

[Jakub1]

That one would work but it only has 1x6+2 pcie connectors and Im pretty sure the 660 requires 2x6 pcie connectors. Would it be worth the risk taking the first one (thermaltake) or would exploring better options will do?

 

[zeph_yr]

That one would work but it only has 1x6+2 pcie connectors and Im pretty sure the 660 requires 2x6 pcie connectors. Would it be worth the risk taking the first one (thermaltake) or would exploring better options will do?

I have an evga GTX 660 2gb and it only requires one 1x6 pcie connector. I wouldn't take the risk with the thermaltake one.

 

[Jakub1]

Hmmm thats interesting. Does it being windforce and Oc'ed have anything to do with another pcie connector? "Recommended minimum system PSU 450W with two 6-pin PCI-E power connectors" this is the description of the item from amazon. Unless I am understanding this wrong, it needs 2 pcie connectors

 

[zeph_yr]

The OC might require the extra power. Can you possibly just buy a non-oc model? It'd be cheaper and not make much of a difference anyway.

 

[Jakub1]

Its been about 2 weeks since the install and some problems arose but everything works now. The gtx 660 oc'ed one works just fine in the computer. better yet we managed to get a cheap Inland 400watt psu with 42amps, so crashing wont happen. Only thing is any other upgrade will require a better psu but my cousin is satisfied with everything and will not need to upgrade anything.