In need of a new graphics card

[ThePizzaMan]

hm..... if you can't open it... there isn't really much you can do to upgrade it

 

[SirWeegee]

Well shit...should I go ahead and try or do you guys think it's worth it?

 

[Heroxoot]

Ya, open it. Opening a pc does not void the warrenty. It probably needs a dusting anyways.

 

[Polarballs]

Greetings and Salutations!
The power of the internet has brought me to this thread! I just bought this exact same computer for my wife to use as a cheap desktop which she also wants to play WOW on and was hoping to find vid card recommendations. I can confirm that it is only a 300 watt psu, and it's a mid-tower design.

For SirWeegee - Are you sure that the warranty will be voided by opening the case? Is there some kind of strip you would have to break to take the side panel off? I bought one of these at Sam's Club and it doesn't have any type of 'breaking this seal will void warranty' strips on it. Also, I took some pictures of the inside I will attach so you can see what you're dealing with before opening if you so choose.

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/632/computer01.jpg
http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/5148/computer002.jpg

To put a vid card in, you need to unscrew the 2 screws that hold the side panel on to the left side of the computer. Then unscrew the 1 screw at the bottom on the back that holds the slot covers down. Pull the top slot cover out, thats where the plug-ins on the back of the vid card will stick out so you can plug your monitor cable in. Then you just have to snap the card into the slot and cover it all back up! That white plastic piece at the end of the video card slot should snap into place over the card.
I would definitely have your parents sign off before doing this, and you could always take it to a professional who will do it for you. For a price of course.

For everyone else - I see some good recommendations on cards already for SirWeegee, I just wanted to ask which of these (if any) you would recommend for playing world of warcraft while still not taxing a 300w PSU.