Upgrading from a GeForce GT 240

Imado

Honorable
Feb 23, 2012
15
0
10,510
I'm currently looking into upgrading my graphics card, what I am running now is a PNY Nvidia GeForce GT 240 (512MB). I would like to keep my budget to around $100, but I have been looking at a GeForce 550 Ti. This EVGA 550 Ti specifically: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130625

Here's the specs on my system:

Motherboard: ASUS P67 Sabertooth
CPU: Intel Core i5 2500k 3.30GHz
RAM: 8Gb VisionTek DDR3 1600MHz (2x4Gb)
PSU: Ultra 450W LSP

Now, everywhere I looks says the recommended PSU wattage is 400W for the 550 Ti. Since I don't intend on overclocking, should I be able to run that card? I know its a bit of a squeeze, but I'd like to hold off buying a new PSU until I'm ready to do an SLI configuration (which may not be that far down the road).
 
Solution
Going back to the begining. I don't think anybody ask what you are doing. Example Gaming lite or heavy. Photo's etc? That would help narrow it down because if you are not into gaming hard.

Then the 550's would work as they are working for me and what type of gaming I do. But if you are into heavy and hard core gaming then that is a different story.

If you want a good card that is not hard on the budget and be able to play most all the new games on high then I would suggest the HD 6870. I like Nvidia over AMD but AMD makes a better low end card and price.

The 6870 is a little bit more than the 6850 which I will link both of them to you and I will show how to compair both of them as well. And thank you for your under standing on what...
While I agree the 6790 is more powerful, I am limited on my PSU. If what I am finding is correct, a 6790 will require a 500W. As of this moment, I cant afford a new graphics card AND a high wattage PSU.

Why is the 550 Ti the absolute worst, if you don't mind me asking? It's just that the consensus of the reviews seem to agree that it's decent.
 
^^ and your are right. I have two 550 Ti's and they are in SLI and OC'd and what eveybody is telling you is true. I made one big mistake on these cards I hope you don't make the same. The 6790 the way to go and good luck to ya.
 
go a step ahead you can also use an hd 6850 it doesnt uses that much power and only needs 1 6pin pcie connector that you have already just dont overclock it to be safe or other will be hd 7770 which uses more less power then hd 6850 and gives same as the hd 6850 but just the matter is that its priced little bit high or the hd 6790 will be the better choice.:)
 
Thank you for the steer in the right direction. I will definitely get the 6790 now, knowing it will work with my PSU.

One last question, and this is mainly for future reference. For when I can afford a crossfire setup, what wattage should I be looking for in a new PSU?
 

If your worried about wattage get the 6850 they require a bit less power than a 6790 and any decent 500watt PSU will Crossfire them no problem but the noobs will say you need a 650watt min but they would be wrong being 6850 only takes 125watts max TDP
 

A good 550W or 600W PSU is god enough for crossfire.
For example the Corsair TX 650W PSU can handle even GTX 560Ti s in SLi.
 


agood psu of 550w or 600w or more better but the minimum will be 550w with 2x6 pin pcie connector and it will be of good brand such as xfx ,antec,corsair,seasonic etc.:)
 

500watts is enough
 

6850 takes one 6pin and it the better card so thats the one I am recommending.
 

Um cause 6850 is a very good mid range card and the 6770, 6790, and 550ti are to close in price to the 6850 to recommend any of them over the 6850 that's why I recommend the Radeon HD 6850.
 


OOPs OP said 100 that is more than 100 oops :non: