Upgrading Prebuilt Gateway PC

[FazeBlake]

Hey guys, I got a prebuilt computer that works just fine for most things but I would like to upgrade it so that I can play games and do some light 3D work. My big issue is that the 3D software I'm working with(Blender) doesn't support AMD cards, so I need to buy an NVIDIA card.

I figure I'm also going to need to upgrade my power supply(fairly sure this one is only 300watts), but I'm not sure if I need to upgrade anything else. I'm kind of new to upgrading so not sure how to find out if something is compatible with this thing.
Anyway, here are the specs and a CPU-Z screenshot with my specs in case I forgot to mention something:

(Gateway DX4860)
Intel I5-3450 3.1GHz, 16GB DDR3 Memory, 2TB SATA HDD, AMD HD7350 1GB Graphics, DVD-R/RW , Card Reader, 7.1CH HD Audio, GLAN, Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

http://iforce.co.nz/i/pi0rjqrg.snu.png

Basically, I'm looking into getting a new graphics card(not-AMD) and a new power supply but I'm not sure how to find out what's compatible with my computer and whatnot. My budget is around $500 or so total.

 

[kristafis]

Hello! Well if your motherboard is supporting an ivy-bridge processor I'm certain you can run a PCIe 2.0/3.0 card no problem. As for a PSU you want something that can handle your GPU and the rest of your computer. What kind of games do you want to play? I would suggest a GTX 660ti for a more budget friendly GPU. That card requires a minimum of a 450w PSU but I believe you should never go to weak on a PSU. I would shoot for a 650 to make sure you are getting a good amount of power.

This is on sale and is factory OC: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130837

 

[avjguy2362]

There is no reason why you can't upgrade to a very good NVidia card so long as you replace it with an appropriate sized PS. The rest of the system is very good. IF you got a Corsair CS or TX ( I prefer HX or AX if you don't mind spending a bit more ) 500 to 600watt PS and a 660 or higher Nvidia card you would have a very healthy system. Don't forget to completely remove the AMD graphics driver and it's install manager, before you install NVidia's Driver. You may have to consider upgrading your airflow in your case and it couldn't hurt to get a 30ish dollar CPU cooler like Cooler Masters ever popular Hyper 212 EVO.

 

[FazeBlake]

Thanks for the answers guys! I was planning on playing something like Deus Ex: Human Revolution and Alan Wake(which absolutely murdered my poor, borderline absolute AMD card). I'm not too worried about being able to run things on the highest setting, but being able to go medium/high without too much lag for current-gen games would be very nice.

Is there anything I should be worried about PSU compatibility-wise or should I just make sure it fits my case?

Thanks again for the answers guys, you've been very helpful.

 

[kristafis]

Will it fit your case? Most likely, especially with a 650w PSU it should. You will also have a lot of extra cords laying around your case unless you get a modular PSU (its not required or needed but useful and more professional looking) Other things you would want to look at is to make sure it has a 12v rail which most modern ones do, you might also wanna look at its certification. Gold/platinum/bronze, gold being the best. Like avjguy said, if you get a corsair PSU (I also have a corsair) it will be guaranteed to have what you need.

 

[avjguy2362]

In most cases the 750 watt and smaller PS's are pretty standard length, so unless your current one is undersized and there is no more room, you should be fine. Just word about power supplies. Larger higher quality PS's use less power at the wall than mediocre PS's that are barely big enough. It may seem counter-intuitive, but a 1200 watt gold PS will use less power at the wall than a 80+ 550 watt if both are putting out 500 watts. I got a Corsair AX 750, for about $150 ( they range from $140 to $170 ) and it puts out significantly less heat than my 6 year old Thermaltake 600watt it replaced. The power at my Cyberpower 1350 watt UPS shows a 30 watt decrease in power consumption! It will pay for the difference in cost of a cheaper PS in about a year in electricity costs! Check out the reviews on the Corsair AX750 and you may consider getting it even if it is too big!