Need upgrade advice for my hp pf6610f

[calvin0416]

Hi, I just bought the hp pf6610f and I'm looking to add a graphic card and since the computer comes with a 250W PSU I'm prolly gonna need one too.

I didn't realize today's PC game requires so much GPU power until I tried to play some of today's RPG games. I'm currently playing the Witcher on lowest setting and are hoping to play Dragon Age.

Thanks very much for any information you can provide.

AMD Athlon II 635 Quad-Core Processor (2.9 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 4000MHz System Bus)
4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM memory (2x2GB)
750GB (7200 RPM) Serial ATA hard drive; Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
ATI Radeon HD 4200 integrated graphics

 

[toyota]

yeah you are going to need a new psu for sure with any decent gpu upgrade. HP must really be cutting corners because they were normally using 300 watt psus in systems with quad cores or fast dual cores.

the 4200 is a turd for modern games and even something like a nearly 4 year old low end 8600gt is 3 times faster.

what res do you want to play your games at?

 

[calvin0416]

Not sure, I have a 24in Dell monitor. I'm playing at 1024*768 but I'd love to play at higher resolution. You know, see what you guys are seeing.

I did a little research and had an eye on GTX 460 for a little under 200 bucks.
Just wondering if there's something out there that are more optimum for price/performance.

I spent 330 for the computera month ago and it looks like I'll need to spend almost as much to buy a PSU and GPU.

I've never upgrade a PSU before only RAM, GPU etc. Wonder if the motherboard works with all PSU.

 

[catnapper]

You mean a P6610f HP, right?

If you do (seems likely) I can tell you that an Antec EA380W (green) fits and works fine, along with an XFX HD 5770 single slot. I haven't really pushed the system. Played some DA:O (not a lot yet) and POTBS.

My Resolution is 1920 x 1080 and so far no problem, but if you get an HD 5770 I'd recommend some other driver than the 10.5, maybe 10.4 or the latest (10.11 I think?).

If I had a chance to do it again I would have preferred the Antec EA430W. The deal on the EA380 was just too good to pass up, but I doubt I can go higher than a 5770 now.

 

[calvin0416]

for your psu and gpu?

 

[s44]

this (overkill, but the price is right) and a 1gb GTX460

The Antec price goes up tomorrow -- after that, the Neo ECO 520C is more than enough for you.

 

[calvin0416]

this (overkill, but the price is right) and a 1gb GTX460

The Antec price goes up tomorrow -- after that, the Neo ECO 520C is more than enough for you.

Great, I just ordered that PSU. Looks great and I liked that it has 80+ cert. Great price too if I ever get the rebate.

Which GTX460 would you recommend?

This? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130570

Btw, I opened my HP computer and the motherboard looks flimsy and small.
PCI expansion: 1 PCI Express x16 (available); 3 PCI Express x1 (three available); 1 MiniCard (occupied)

Is what's the ATI equivalent to the GTX 460? I've had better experience with ATI than NVIDIA in the past.

 

[catnapper]

It was $25 AR (if I ever get it) for the PSU and $115 AR (if I ever get it) for the card. "Black November" deals.

A little note, since you seem to be ordering an Antec PSU (600W? Sounds great!) I suspect you will also have to bend the case chassis a little bit where it butts up against the power cord socket on the PSU. Not a big deal.

Post back and let me know how well that 460 fits, and how well it works.

Edit: It's my understanding PCIE X16 slots and cards remain compatible regardless of vintage, it's just a matter of bandwidth, which barely matters for our cards. Anyway, my 5770 works.
Edit: Got the XFX Rebate. I pretty much like XFX, seem to be good company. Still waiting on Antec.

 

[calvin0416]

It was $25 AR (if I ever get it) for the PSU and $115 AR (if I ever get it) for the card. "Black November" deals.

A little note, since you seem to be ordering an Antec PSU (600W? Sounds great!) I suspect you will also have to bend the case chassis a little bit where it butts up against the power cord socket on the PSU. Not a big deal.

Post back and let me know how well that 460 fits, and how well it works.

Edit: It's my understanding PCIE X16 slots and cards remain compatible regardless of vintage, it's just a matter of bandwidth, which barely matters for our cards. Anyway, my 5770 works.

Ugh.. I hate bending stuff. I've not done PSU upgrade ever. Hopefully it's not that bad.
I might not get 460 and get an ATI equivalent if it's better. Checking out your 5770..

Yeah I read that the 460 is a huge card. I haven't a clue what all these gpu number means. Hopefully it'll all work out.

 

[catnapper]

One more reply and then I'll shut up for another year.

Don't worry about bending that little tab on the back of the case to allow the PSU to fit. It's harmless, unless you are struck by some sort of spasm (heh). You may not even have to do it, it's a really different PSU you are buying.

The GTX 460 in any of its flavors is faster than the 5770. I only picked the 5770 for three reasons:

1) it's power efficient, which will not be anything you have to worry about.

2) the GTX 460 does strike me as large, double slot, and harder to install in our cramped case. I didn't want the hassle. Maybe someone who owns one can give some feedback.

3) the 5770 allowed me to stay with the same brand drivers that came with the machine. I hate driver issues.

The power issue is probably the only legitimate reason I had. I will say the 5770 gives a good bit of performance for the price I payed.

 

[Shmee]

also, consider a 5870 on sale if you can afford it. can be had for around 200 at some places.

 

[toyota]

also, consider a 5870 on sale if you can afford it. can be had for around 200 at some places.

not a good idea for a small oem HP case.

 

[Face2Face]

Just go with the GTX 460 1gb is a great card and a worthy successor to the once almighty 8800 GT.

It looks like you should have enough room -- http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01859455.pdf

 

[calvin0416]

Thanks for all the advice, I've decided on the 460 since right now it looks like the best card for the price. Just have to find which one. There are so many out there with different price.