Graphics Card and PSU for gaming?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
C

Chromatic1

Junior Member
Nov 1, 2011
8
0
0
So I have been wondering how to increase the performance of my games such as higher quality with still a very high or high FPS rate and no lag.

What would increase this? A video/graphics card and PSU?

I have 8 gigs of ram which I deem is enough for it.

Any recommendations?
 
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
What PSU do you have now? It may handle a pretty good card as it is.

Otherwise I'd get a good brand like Corsair or soimething. Generally 650watts is a good starting point. You might not necessarily need 850 - 1200watt units, but the option is out there.

As for video card it depends what games you're playing and at what resolution.
 
N

NTAC

Senior member
May 21, 2003
391
1
0
Chromatic1 said:
So I have been wondering how to increase the performance of my games such as higher quality with still a very high or high FPS rate and no lag.

What would increase this? A video/graphics card and PSU?

I have 8 gigs of ram which I deem is enough for it.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

You want to post your system specs to get the best help. Processor? Monitor Resolution, your current PSU as already mentioned, your Mobo, etc..etc..
 
C

Chromatic1

Junior Member
Nov 1, 2011
8
0
0
I'm unsure of how to find out what PSU I have.

Playing Starcraft 2, looking for a higher level than what I run on now, which is low. At high I get a really low frame rate.

Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) II X4 945 Processor 3.00 GHz
 
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
Is there any sticker on the side of the PSU that you can see some info on like wattage ratings and how many amps the 12v rail can handle? Should be on the actual PSU somewhere. If you can take a picture we could help you determine if you need a new psu or not.
 
C

Chromatic1

Junior Member
Nov 1, 2011
8
0
0
Eh does this mean I have to get INTO my computer right now?

Could I possibly find my PC on the internet and link it?
 
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
300w, you definitely need to upgrade that if you are thinking of adding a powerful GPU.

I'd go with the following. This is assuming you don't have a proprietary PSU like Dell installs. You have no choice other than to contact Dell to upgrade it.

Corsair CX500 (500watt PSU)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139027


From there the GPU is up to you. The Nvidia GTX 560 or AMD HD 6870 are both good cards under $200. If you want to spend a little more the GTX 560Ti and HD 6950 are both good choices.

What is your budget anyway? It would help us recommend a card based on your desired price point.
 
lehtv

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
Yes, it'd be helpful if you linked to your PC.

Not even knowing the actual model of that PSU, a 300W PSU would be inadequate for any good gaming graphics card... you need a new one.

What monitor resolution do you use?

$100's and $200's basically include all low-midrange to mid-high graphics cards. Need to narrow it down a bit
 
Last edited:
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
600watts gives you some breathing room if you want to upgrade later to an even faster card. Corsair makes great PSUs too. It's a good choice.

Under $200 I'd look at the HD6870 $159 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102948

or the GTX 560 $159 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162084


In the $200-$300 price range you have these which add higher performance

HD 6950 $245 after rebate (comes with free copy of Dirt 3 and the dual BIOS switch unlocks the card's shader count to match an HD6970)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102945

GTX 560 Ti $199 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814162074


The best deals are in the $200-300 range IMO. The GTX 560 ti is a very stout card for $200, and unlocking the HD6950 to 6970 level shaders and a little overclock and you have $300-$400 level performance for significantly less. If you are not comfortable overclocking they will both serve you well depending on the games you play (you did mention Starcraft 2 which isn't super GPU intensive) and the resolution of your monitor.


edit: Looking at your link it seems the motherboard DOES use a standard ATX power configuration which is good news for you. You can buy any ATX PSu and it will work so the Corsair you linked from Newegg would work just fine. Any of the cards I linked for you would be significantly faster than what comes stock. Also, you don't have to buy from Newegg, I just use that as a reference. Amazon sells the same components and sometimes at a lower price (amazon offers free super saver shipping on many items as well to save some cash up front). There are cheaper cards you can get as well, look at the HD6850 and GTX460 for example. Personally I'd spend a little more than what the HD6850 or GTX460 would cost and get a little bit more longevity out of it.
 
Last edited:
cmdrdredd

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
126
You'll be happy with that setup for sure. 1680x1050 is the sweet spot for the GTX 560Ti IMO.
 
lehtv

lehtv

Elite Member
Dec 8, 2010
11,897
74
91
Get this PSU instead: Neo Eco 620C

+ 100W stronger +12V output
+ Seasonic-built
+ $10 cheaper after rebate
- no power cord, use your existing cord

At 1680x1050, I'd recommend getting a Sapphire 6870 instead for $40 less, it's plenty for that resolution. It'll still be a huge upgrade over your current card; compare 560 ti vs 6870.

Or XFX 6870 from us.ncix.com for $155 AR (free shipping). Transferable lifetime warranty; even if you don't use the card for more than a few years, this is a great second-hand selling point.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom