Anyone suggest a graphics card?

[MichaelMarr]

Hi guys,

I am currently looking for a new graphics card for my PC, I recently bought Diablo III, and I cannot play the game due to my graphics card not being supported. I can play a few other games but they are usually on very low/low detail I'm not looking for something insanely expensive just something that will allow me to play the latest games with good FPS and detail quality.

Here are the specs of my PC now:

HP Pavillion: S5306UK ---> Here

Processor: Pentium(R) Dual-Core CPU E5300@ 2.60GHz 2.60GHz

RAM: 3.00GB

HDD: 583 GB

OS: Windows 7 Home Premium x64

Currently my graphics cards is the Intel express chipset G41 --> Here

If theres anything else I've missed out let me know and I'll find out, thanks

 

[paulpicks21]

Hello Michael,

There are 2 main issues regarding upgrading to a new graphics card for you.

1. You have a slimline case so you would need to look for low profile graphics cards.

2. Your PSU, it's only 220 watts. Even the really low end graphics cards such as the Nvidia G210 require at least a 300 watt PSU.

The next question you might ask is can you just change the PSU as well, and again this will be an issue due to the fact you have a slimline case.

In short it won't be easy for you to upgrade your graphics, but it certainly is possible with a bit of effort.


Paul.

 

[MichaelMarr]

Hi Paul,

Thanks for the reply,

That's a shame to hear, never knew about those complications but thanks for pointing them out to me.

I am willing to spend additionally for a new PSU if required so it is something I am interested in pursuing if the end result does end up with me having a better graphics card.

I don't mind spending a little extra as I didn't really have a budget in mind I just hope this isn't excessive.

 

[paulpicks21]

That's ok.

The main issue with replacing the PSU is the size. 99% of PSU's are a standard width, you will need to find a smaller one that will fit your case and also be at least 300 Watts. This will not be an easy task. I believe a few people have managed to find some but you will need to do some research on it first.

Paul.

 

[Dude]

MichaelMarr, look here HP SlimLine

 

[TwoCables]

Here are two that I think I can safely recommend:

1. 300W SeaSonic SS-300M1U
2. 350W SeaSonic SS-350M1U

The 300W unit has a total +12V capacity of 300W which means that it has the same +12V capacity of some peak-rated PSUs in the 400 range. So this means that if a PSU recommendation for a video card is 400W, then this 300W PSU is enough.

The 350W unit has a total +12V capacity if 348W which is more than many 450W peak-rated PSUs, but less than many 500W peak-rated PSUs. So if a PSU recommendation for a video card is 450W, then this 350W PSU is enough.

My only concern is that I don't see any PCI-E power cables in the product photos, so if the video card requires one then I don't know how you'd power it. You might be able to use Molex to PCI-E adapters, but I'm also not seeing enough molex connectors in the product photos. So you need to find the most powerful video card that does not require a PCI-E power cable.

 

[Dude]

Take a look at this one too

Athena

 

[TwoCables]

I've never seen any PSU expert trust any PSU made by Athena.

 

[Dude]

I've never seen any PSU expert trust any PSU made by Athena.

I wasn't aware of that, I went off this guys feedback

 

[TwoCables]

Wow. Its +12V capacity is 312W which is less than the 350W SeaSonic unit (it has 348W), yet it has 2 x 6-pin PCI-E connectors while the SeaSonic doesn't have any at all.

 

[AddRAM]

That`s a shame, it`s a good looking case, but maybe you should get a full sized atx case before you start upgrading that one.

You should be able to move the MB over with no problems, you may just have to modify the front panel power connectors.

Just a suggestion.

 

[Faladu]

OP, latest games with GOOD FPS and detail quailty?

A completely new system is my recommendation, rather than throwing away good $ on old hardware that WILL fail on you, sooner rather than later.

The good news is, if you build or have someone help you build one from scratch, now, you don't have to spend a ton for a decent gaming rig, to run Diablo III, your current rig will not, without spending a lot, that would be better spent replacing it entirely. (case|PSU|mobo|CPU+heatsink/fan|video card|RAM|)

The number of times I have had to replace my PC in 21.25 years of PC gaming, is quite quite sickening.... I feel ya pain!

 

[kbrady1979]

Some good information here..........although to recommend a modern PSU without a PCI Express connector is a bit odd. Here is what I found: I had an HP similar to yours.....not quite as narrow.....but a Mini-ATX form factor and I slapped a new PSU and graphics card in it. Everything was great for awhile, but the case wasn't designed to handle the heat from a dedicated graphics card and I soon ran into trouble. I later upgraded my case but kept everything else and it was lovely. That said.......if you decide to get new parts, don't cheap out or cut corners. Get parts that you can reuse if you decide to build a PC in the future. In your situation, I would get a new case, PSU and graphics card.........you'll thank yourself for it in the end.

 

[TwoCables]

Not every video card requires a PCI-E connector.

 

[kbrady1979]

It's a waste of money because it has virtually no scalability, and I'd never recommend a graphics card that didn't require auxiliary power for someone wanting to play games.

 

[TwoCables]

It's a waste of money because it has virtually no scalability, and I'd never recommend a graphics card that didn't require auxiliary power for someone wanting to play games.

It's not like I would, but sometimes you have to. Besides, he would need a better CPU because it will bottleneck a decent modern video card. Not only that, but he only has 3 GB of memory.

 

[kbrady1979]

Yeah, I've had to recommend or install a passively cooled card that didn't require auxiliary power in a few special circumstances myself....sometimes that's the only option. But it's never been for any type of gaming, which is what the OP wants. I also know there is a form factor issue with the PSU for his PC, that's one of the reasons I recommended getting a new case......I think he'll have fewer issues and will ultimately be happier with it.

 

[Solarstarshines]

I've never seen any PSU expert trust any PSU made by Athena.

I wasn't aware of that, I went off this guys feedback

View attachment 267753

95% of the reviews said it was a fail PSU and would do random shutdowns maybe a handful said it actually worked to me that means S**** PSU sorry but reviews don't lie

 

[Dude]

I've never seen any PSU expert trust any PSU made by Athena.

I wasn't aware of that, I went off this guys feedback

View attachment 267753

95% of the reviews said it was a fail PSU and would do random shutdowns maybe a handful said it actually worked to me that means S**** PSU sorry but reviews don't lie

I promise to never recommend that psu again!!

 

[TwoCables]

I've never seen any PSU expert trust any PSU made by Athena.

I wasn't aware of that, I went off this guys feedback

View attachment 267753

95% of the reviews said it was a fail PSU and would do random shutdowns maybe a handful said it actually worked to me that means S**** PSU sorry but reviews don't lie

I'm not surprised because there isn't a PSU I know of made by Athena that's any good.