Nvidia geforce 8500 gt upgrade or replacement

[frozentundra123456]

I was looking around and a lot of nvidia GT640 and 650 cards seem to require a 6 pin connector. Dont get one of these, as your PSU undoubtedly does not have the proper connector and would be too weak in any case. I am tending now to think you should go with something like the GT610 or GT630.

 

[jonlacey]

What if I upgrade the psu?

 

[Ancalagon44]

Well, you could, but what would be the point?

If you want to play recent games, then buy a more powerful GPU. If you want to buy a more powerful GPU, then you need a more powerful PSU.

If you don't care too much about the latest games, then buy a cheaper GPU, and then you won't need to upgrade your PSU.

 

[jonlacey]

True. Wouldnt mind upgrading the psu though. 250watts is a bit low but wouldnt mind a 300 or 350.

 

[Ancalagon44]

What would you use it for?

 

[jonlacey]

Just in case my kids want to play games when they get a bit older. 5 year old is already into games on ps3.

 

[Ancalagon44]

Fair enough. In that case, an upgraded PSU is probably worth investing in, since you can use the PSU in a new computer. Or in the existing computer with new internals. They have a relatively long component life.

I suggest reading reviews on them. I would buy no less than a 500W PSU, and from a recognized brand such as CoolerMaster, Corsair, Antec, or something similar. They are more expensive, but they last for years and are necessary if you want to ever buy more power hungry components.

Modular PSUs can make cable management a little easier, because you can detach cables that you don't need.

 

[frozentundra123456]

Let's not forget that the CPU is a phenom not even Phenom 2. No matter what the video card, it is going to be pretty marginal for gaming. The op is kind of changing the bar now since he initially said no gaming. If one does want the possibility for light gaming, a HD7750 or nvidia GT750 whichever is cheaper, will be more than enough for that CPU.

 

[Ancalagon44]

I would buy a cheapo graphics card and a decent PSU.

If, or when, your kid gets more into games, you can upgrade the rest of the PC with a more powerful CPU, new motherboard, RAM etc. Even with your current CPU and a new cheap GPU, you will be able to play plenty of old games. If your kid never gets into PC gaming, then you have not wasted money on GPU power that you don't really need.

I mean, maybe they would want a PS4 instead?