Cheap update ~$40 to update stock HP p6230y GPU w/o 300w PSU update.

[Coldkilla]

My friend has a HP p6230y desktop. He wants to play Dawn of War 2 but is unable to due to low GPU specs causing slow framerates. I offered to fix this issue because it looks only like a GPU issue. The problem? I'd like to get him a sub $50 GPU that doesn't require him upgrading his stock 300w PSU.

His specs: http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/hp-pavilion-p6230y/4507-3118_7-33777302.html

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 810 / 2.6 GHz
RAM: 8GB
GPU: ATI Radeon HD 4200 Shared video memory (UMA)
PSU: 300w.
OS: Windows 7
One Free PCI Express x16 slot.

Dawn of War 2 Requirements:
CPU: P4 3.2 GHz (single core) or any Dual Core processor
RAM: 1 GB RAM (XP), 1.5 GB RAM (Vista)
GPU: A 128MB Video Card (Shader Model 3) - Nvidia GeForce 6600 GT / ATI X1600, or equivalent
OS: Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista SP1

Can any of yall recommend a GPU in the $40-50 range that would do well to suit this issue? Thanks! 🙂

 

[VirtualLarry]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130579

If you need low-profile (slimline case), then this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121397

 

[aaksheytalwar]

Assuming it is a crappy or crappy sorts 300w PSU which is already >1-2+ years old, it won't cut it even for a 4850 IMO.

 

[Ken g6]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130579

If you need low-profile (slimline case), then this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121397

I actually got the first one of those. It should work for slimline as well. But I got nVIDIA for Distributed Computing purposes. If you want a more powerful card, and don't need slimline, try this 6670 for $45AR.

 

[JohnnyChuttz]

I think the used market will be your best bang-for-your-buck.

Off the top of my head: HD4650 < HD4670 < GT240 < HD5570 < HD5670 < HD6670 in order of performance; all will run on your PSU

I have an HD 4670 in my HTPC, on a 250w power supply and I play Fallout New Vegas on High@1440x900, regularly.

Check the F/S forum here(and anywhere else you might be a member) and Craigslist

 

[mfenn]

I actually got the first one of those. It should work for slimline as well. But I got nVIDIA for Distributed Computing purposes. If you want a more powerful card, and don't need slimline, try this 6670 for $45AR.

Nvidia card is definitely low-profile capable, but does it come with a bracket?

I guess it's a moot point though because looking at the pictures of the P6230y, it uses standard height cards.