Wanting better GPU for desktop.

[zChris]

Hi,

I'm looking to get a new graphics card for my computer. I have a Gateway SX2185-UB37.
Here are the specs, if needed: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sx-series-desktop-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive/1747348.p

I just bought a new monitor for it, along with adding an extra 4GB of RAM. Now I'm wanting to get a graphics card that doesn't cost too much, but outperforms the built-in AMD Radeon HD 8240.

I'm using this computer to play games like War Thunder and Civilization V. It can manage to get around 30-40 fps on War Thunder with min graphics and old video card support enabled.

The card needs to be low-profile and not require an auxiliary power input. I'm looking at getting the Radeon HD 6670: http://www.amazon.com/XFX-650MHz-PCI-Express-Graphics-HD667XCLF3/dp/B00AHV7NNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395000673&sr=8-2&keywords=Radeon+HD+6670
After reading the reviews, most people are able to run in on a 300w power supply. My computer only has a 220w.
PSU: http://www.ascendtech.us/lite-on-ps-5221-06-220-watt-power-supply_i_csplops52210622.aspx

Would this card work? Or is there a better option?

 

[clutchc]

You may be able to handle that card. It is only a 63W card TDP (5.25 amp @ +12V). But the HD 7750 is faster and actually uses less power, if you can still find one in low profile.
http://www.hwcompare.com/11733/radeon-hd-6670-oem-1gb-vs-radeon-hd-7750/

It would be the better choice. Thsi one comes with both regular and L-P brackets that are easily swapped.
http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Radeon-Express-Graphic-H775FN1G/dp/B008OGBG6Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395002986&sr=8-1&keywords=Radeon+HD+7750+low+profile
...it is slightly wider, so be sure you have the room.

 

[ingtar33]

mmmm... tricky.

what you need is a low profile AND single slot gpu. the best one out there is a HD 7750 from Sapphire (100357LP).

and yes, both the 6670 and 7750 will work with your 220W psu.

that said there are some low profile gtx750/750ti gpus in the pipe right now. unfortunately they all are dual slot cards so far. You could wait for one of those, and replace the gpu cooler with a single slot cooler... or hope they release one with a single slot cooler. Both cards would be almost x2/x3 the power of that 7750... and almost x5 the card of that 6670.

 

[zChris]

You may be able to handle that card. It is only a 63W card TDP (5.25 amp @ +12V). But the HD 7750 is faster and actually uses less power, if you can still find one in low profile.

My CPU is only an AMD E1-2500 @ 1.4GHz. Won't that limit the performance of the 7750?

I forgot to mention that the MoBo is mounted on the left side of the case, rather than the right. So most GPUs will have their fans facing up, which would only leave about an inch of breathing room.

 

[ingtar33]

You may be able to handle that card. It is only a 63W card TDP (5.25 amp @ +12V). But the HD 7750 is faster and actually uses less power, if you can still find one in low profile.

My CPU is only an AMD E1-2500 @ 1.4GHz. Won't that limit the performance of the 7750?

I forgot to mention that the MoBo is mounted on the left side of the case, rather than the right. So most GPUs will have their fans facing up, which would only leave about an inch of breathing room.

your cpu will be a limit. but that igpu you have is a bigger limit right now. bumping up to a legit 1080p gpu like a 7750 would be a huge step forward for the gaming ability of that computer. as to the rest... well down the road you might want to replace the motherboard/cpu. but that is outside the scope of your origional question.

and yeah. i looked up your case/computer before suggesting gpus for you. i know the mb is positioned upsidedown.

 

[zChris]

You may be able to handle that card. It is only a 63W card TDP (5.25 amp @ +12V). But the HD 7750 is faster and actually uses less power, if you can still find one in low profile.

My CPU is only an AMD E1-2500 @ 1.4GHz. Won't that limit the performance of the 7750?

I forgot to mention that the MoBo is mounted on the left side of the case, rather than the right. So most GPUs will have their fans facing up, which would only leave about an inch of breathing room.

your cpu will be a limit. but that igpu you have is a bigger limit right now. bumping up to a legit 1080p gpu like a 7750 would be a huge step forward for the gaming ability of that computer. as to the rest... well down the road you might want to replace the motherboard/cpu. but that is outside the scope of your origional question.

and yeah. i looked up your case/computer before suggesting gpus for you. i know the mb is positioned upsidedown.

The 7750 sounds like the best option, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much on this computer. I'm really just looking for a card to get me by until I can afford to build my own pc.

Thanks for being thorough before answering.

I'll go with this 7750 if I feel like spending over $100: http://www.amazon.com/VisionTek-Products-Express-Graphics-900549/dp/B008RLHFQ6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1395019672&sr=8-3&keywords=Radeon+HD+7750+low+profile
I would probably have to remove the optical drive to fit it in the case. It doesn't get much attention, though. So no big deal.

If I decide to go the cheap route..which of these two options would perform better?
This: http://www.amazon.com/XFX-650MHz-PCI-Express-Graphics-HD667XCLF3/dp/B00AHV7NNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395018571&sr=8-2&keywords=Radeon+HD+6670+low+profile
Or this: http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Express-Profile-Graphics-H667FN1G/dp/B0062HIQLU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395018571&sr=8-1&keywords=Radeon+HD+6670+low+profile

I know the first 6670 will fit in my case. Not so sure about the second..it would be a tight fit if it did. I eyeballed it, and it looks like there's about an inch of room from the x16 slot to the top of the case. Thank you, Gateway..

 

[clutchc]

Get whichever one you think will fit with the least hassle. But remember, the older HD 6670 needs more power than the newer HD 7750... and is weaker to boot. Even if that little processor is too weak to make the most of the HD 7750, it will still be better than the HD 6670 for gaming. And it will run cooler in that little case.
Here's a new Sapphire HD 7750 1GB DDR5 that will fit your case @ $100: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sapphire-AMD-Radeon-HD-7750-1GB-GDDR5-DVI-HDMI-Low-Profile-PCI-E-128b-Video-Card-/190749169522

 

[zChris]

Get whichever one you think will fit with the least hassle. But remember, the older HD 6670 needs more power than the newer HD 7750... and is weaker to boot. Even if that little processor is too weak to make the most of the HD 7750, it will still be better than the HD 6670 for gaming. And it will run cooler in that little case.
Here's a new Sapphire HD 7750 1GB DDR5 that will fit your case @ $100: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sapphire-AMD-Radeon-HD-7750-1GB-GDDR5-DVI-HDMI-Low-Profile-PCI-E-128b-Video-Card-/190749169522

Good find. That one would be perfect. Unfortunately, the seller doesn't have any available.
I'll keep my eyes open. I'm sure one will turn up eventually.

Thank you clutchc and ingtar for your help. I appreciate it!

Have a good one,

-Chris

 

[clutchc]

Used: http://www.ebay.com/itm/VisionTek-900549-Radeon-HD-7750-1GB-GDDR5-PCI-Express-3-0-x16-HDCP-Ready-Video-C-/161249259196?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item258b346ebc ...but you'd have to check whether or not it comes with the L-P bracket.

 

[austin498]

Hi,

I'm looking to get a new graphics card for my computer. I have a Gateway SX2185-UB37.
Here are the specs, if needed: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/sx-series-desktop-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive/1747348.p

I just bought a new monitor for it, along with adding an extra 4GB of RAM. Now I'm wanting to get a graphics card that doesn't cost too much, but outperforms the built-in AMD Radeon HD 8240.

I'm using this computer to play games like War Thunder and Civilization V. It can manage to get around 30-40 fps on War Thunder with min graphics and old video card support enabled.

The card needs to be low-profile and not require an auxiliary power input. I'm looking at getting the Radeon HD 6670: http://www.amazon.com/XFX-650MHz-PCI-Express-Graphics-HD667XCLF3/dp/B00AHV7NNE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1395000673&sr=8-2&keywords=Radeon+HD+6670
After reading the reviews, most people are able to run in on a 300w power supply. My computer only has a 220w.
PSU: http://www.ascendtech.us/lite-on-ps-5221-06-220-watt-power-supply_i_csplops52210622.aspx

Would this card work? Or is there a better option?

i have the same pc but the newer model with the radeon HD 770 graphics and amd e1-1200 proc and only get 4-5 frames on war thunder, how are you getting better frames then me?