GPU/PSU recommendations (Using the sticky template)

[HardwareAddicted]

I'll just start off by saying, yes, I've been off the forum for a few years now.
Glad to be back.
This is the PC I bought for my friend, lacking a decent GPU/PSU.

I. Processor/CPU:

AMD Athlon II X4 650
Operating speed: Up to 3.2 GHz
Number of cores: 4
Socket: AM3
Bus speed: 4000 MHz HT3

II. Current Graphics Card:

Integrated graphics using ATI Radeon 4200

III. Display Resolution:

Standard gaming MAX, 1080x?

IV. Power Supply Unit Specification (Brand, Wattage, Ampage, Age). If possible, please provide a link to a website containing the power supply specifications:

Not enough, need one to power the new GPU
$50-$75, 600-900W???

V. Case Specifications(N/A, Model, Length, Low Profile, Cooling, HTPC, Water, Silent):

Basic HP shell (see link above for the whole unit specs/pics.

Purchase Details:

I. Budget? Please be sure to include currency (If not USD), retailer preferences & specify whether rebates are a viable option.

$150-$200
Balanced GPU with the CPU, best bang for my buck.
Newegg, or used card from a trusty forum

II. Any particular preferences (Manufacturer[nV or AMD], Brand[XFX, Sapphire, EVGA, etc], Cooling Solutions)?

None, but maybe consider the board is an AMD chipset, so AMD/ATI ?

III. Do you plan to have any Multi-GPU solutions such as Crossfire or SLI?

No

IV. Have you previously looked at a product(s) which you feel would fit your needs?

Radeon 69xx?
I don't want to have the CPU idling, or unerpower the GPU either.
I'm looking for a good match, and balance.

V. What are your needs for this GPU? Which games(If any)do you intend to play? If you have this information at hand, what are the desired detail levels?

Crysis 2, BF3, that should get me in the right direction.

VI. Do you plan on overclocking the card you intend to purchase?

No, as I don't want to support it long distance from my buddy, if it crashes.

Additional Notes:

We have not purchased an LCD yet. But HDMI would be great!

 

[notty22]

I would put a 6870 and a on sale low end corsair psu like this one.
430 watts http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139026
about 40 bucks
Saphire 6870
160.00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102948

Here's why you need a new PSU, that HP comes with a 250 watt oem (cheap)

 

[HardwareAddicted]

Thx Notty22, that could work.
But I was hoping for a 6970, and maybe a 500+W PSU.
That shouldn't be too much for the quad CPU, eh?

 

[MrK6]

Thx Notty22, that could work.
But I was hoping for a 6970, and maybe a 500+W PSU.
That shouldn't be too much for the quad CPU, eh?

I think notty22 gave you the best bang-for-your-buck option within your budget. Your next step up would be a GTX 560 Ti 1GB, but with a decent PSU that would push you over your budget.

 

[Stuka87]

I think a 6970 would be a bit overkill for your CPU. A 6870 should be just right. And you can get a higher power PSU if you want, but why? It wont make your system any faster. The above PSU is plenty for you.

If you really want to go and get a bunch of higher end stuff, I would suggest starting from scratch and building a new system.

 

[HardwareAddicted]

Hi again guys ....

I think you're right, and thanks again for your info.
Newegg has a combo right now, so this may be right on target.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.868211

 

[MrK6]

Looks like a good deal. Make sure you apply all the promotions/coupons and send in the rebates, there's a heck of a lot.