briansackett :
Hey guys, So my problem is that my current gfx card is only running bf3 beta smoothly on the lowest settings. The psu is from dell, the 500 watt one. Not 100% on the name. Also when I check the gfx card I have it just tells me that it's ATI Radeon 4800 series, 90% sure it's 4850. Got this computer from dell almost 3 years ago. I just want to be able to run bf3 on high, preferably ultra settings. Have 6 gb of ram and an i7 920 @ 2.67 ghz on the xps 435mt mobo. I was thinking maybe the gtx 560? I'm looking to spend 250-300$ on an upgrade, I would appreciate any other suggestions. Thanks!
Here are the psu requirements for the nvidia cards:
GTX550ti needs 400w with 24a on the 12v rails plus one 6-pin PCI-E power lead.
GTX560 needs 450w with 24a on the 12v rails plus two 6-pin PCI-E power leads.
GTX560Ti needs 500w with 30a on the 12v rails plus two 6-pin PCI-E power leads.
GTX570 needs 550w with 38a on the 12v rails plus two 6-pin PCI-E power leads.
GTX580 needs 600w with 42a on the 12v rails plus one 6-pin and one 8-pin PCI-E power lead.
GTX590 needs 700w with 50a on the 12v rails plus two 8-pin PCI-E power leads or 4 6-pin power leads.
On the surface, your 500w psu should do the job.
On it will be a data plate which will tell you the amps on the +12v rails which is the important metric.
Do check that the physical dimensions of the card you pick will fit your case.
I would go ahead and try your 500w psu if it has been working well for you so far.