Solved Which graphics card can I upgrade to?

[Huwey]

Hi, would like to know, what are my options, with regards to low-end graphics card?

I currently have "Mobile Intel 4 series express chip" Integrated graphics, and a 305W PSU.

Just wanted a budget graphics card, for running emulators and light end gaming. Need exact model numbers as I really havent a clue what Im looking for. Looking to spend about £30 max, and probably get it second hand.

Thanks in advance

 

[Ivan the SoSo]

Not a lot of options, but see if you can get something like this locally Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R645D3-512I Radeon HD 6450 512MB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card

 

[Huwey]

Is there anythinh specific I need to watch out for, to make sure it is compatible with my system?

 

[Ivan the SoSo]

305 watts won't push much card....Also used usually means Ebay so be careful....A lot of people use it to dump bad cards...also watch out for sellers pushing "old" cards....for example a 5XXX series card from ATI/Radeon/AMD is a recent model (two generations back)...a 5XXX series Nivida is a old card about six generations back, and not fully Windows Seven compliant. So while looking, keep a tab open so you can Google up the release date....If something looks promising just post about it here....

 

[Joshatdot]

Anything you buy would be better than the Intel GMA 3100 series. Giving a recommendation is difficult not knowing exactly what your PSU is and what I can handle. But if it is a decent 305 watt PSU, I'd recommend the GeForce GT 430.

Newegg.com - MSI N430GT-MD1GD3/OC GeForce GT 430 (Fermi) 1GB DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

 

[Huwey]

Thanks for all the replies so far. Well here's my PSU: "CWT- PUFP305P PSU (305W)"
I know its low, but I just want a basic card, compatible with my machine, so I can play basic games with a bit more clarity. Please help. Thankyou

 

[Huwey]

Also my current graphics are integrated 256mb, so I would like something to go in the slot GPU slot. Sorry im not very technical, just want to play games better thats all. Thanks

 

[Joshatdot]

Your PSU has a combined +12v of 24A, and according to my calcs the total +12v draw on your system with the GT 430 would be 17A (205w). But .. taking into account various other things the PSU would be running, assuming you only have 1 SATA HDD & 1 SATA optical drive, 2 USB devices, (keyboard, mouse), 2 cooling fans .. the total wattage would be 251 watts.

This is pushing the 305w PSU near max .. ideally you should be running a 450w to 500w PSU.

 

[Huwey]

I know, its not ideal, but I basically want to just run REALLY low end games, like emulators and such. What would be the very best card, say about 512mb given my machine specs?

 

[Huwey]

I've been advised this one, elsewhere. Would this work?

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/-/3320/2587/-/20475914/Palit-Geforce-8400GS-Super-512MB-Graphics-Card/Product.html?ob=4&P36=WBJNL4&affid=hotukdeals&awc=buyat&_$ja=tsid:11516|prd:hotukdeals

 

[Joshatdot]

The size of video card MB is moot .. it's like saying "What would be the very best BMW, 2 door or 4 door?"

Best video card for you depends on your PSUs rating, and what you are willing to pay. I've researched and found that your PSU has a max of 24A on the +12v rails. Given the fact you do not seem to want to upgrade your PSU, the GeForce GT 430 would be very best, but pushing your PSU to near max.

If I were you I would get a Radeon HD 5450 or 6450 as they draw about 1/2 as much power, but still deliver decent performance.

edit

I've been advised this one, elsewhere. Would this work?

http://www.play.com/PC/PCs/-/3320/2587/-/20475914/Palit-Geforce-8400GS-Super-512MB-Graphics-Card/Product.html?ob=4&P36=WBJNL4&affid=hotukdeals&awc=buyat&_$ja=tsid:11516|prd:hotukdeals

Yes that will work .. but it's not that good of a card. It performs about half as good as the HD 5450/6450. I do not know of any online sellers in Europe/UK, but Google found some

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=h...=X&ei=fGolT6yCMo3SiAKkuJn5Bw&ved=0CKoCELsNKAE

Looks like http://www.overclockers.co.uk/ is the reputable place to shop .. or http://www.ebuyer.co.uk/ & http://www.svp.co.uk/

 

[Huwey]

Thank you so much for your help! I really really appreciate it!

So would it be the geforce or the Radeon HD 5450 that is going to be best for me?

 

[Joshatdot]

For your PSU, I'd get a HD 5450 or HD 6450.

 

[Huwey]

Thank you sooo much! Youve been very veryu helpful. So are there any specific versions of HD5450 i need to look out for, to make sure its compatible with my system, or will they all work the same/or there is only 1 type?

Do I just push it into the slot when I receive it, and I'm good to go?

 

[Huwey]

Which of these 2 is best?

MSI HD 5450 1GB 64bit DDR3 DVI HDMI VGA PCI-E Low.. | Ebuyer.com

Asus HD 5450 SILENT 512MB DDR2 DVI HDMI VGA Out PCI-E.. | Ebuyer.com

 

[Joshatdot]

All things being equal .. Asus has a little better rep than MSI.

 

[Huwey]

Ah okay. I think the MSI had more GB aswel, does that matter?

Can I briefly explain my need for the card for you? Basically, I want to use A playsation 1 emulator, to run the game "Final Fantasy 9" Not sure if you know what this is? And basically, it runs ok...but is just a little laggy/choppy in parts, so just wanted to speed things up a smidgeon, and thats all I really need it for you see.

 

[Joshatdot]

512MB vs 1GB in your situation, doesn't really matter .. and not much difference in PC gaming.

 

[Huwey]

Oh okay...I'll maybe go with the asus then. However Ive read that the GT430 is quicker, and also requires a lower minimum wattage of 300, wheres I saw the 5450 required a 400W+

 

[Huwey]

Someone has offered me this...8600GT. Is this any good? Or should I stick with the HD5450? Theyre about the same price, but HD5450 is NEW, the 8600GT is slightly used.