[Jay T.]

Well, I figured I should attempt to upgrade my computer a bit sometime later on. I need to try and get a video card, since that's the only major part I'm missing. I was going to get it when I bought all my computer parts, but when the prices in Hard Drives skyrocketed, and I really wanted a 1TB Drive, I had to take it out (and unfortunately, I can't remember which one was it now). I can't say on how much I want to spend. I would definitely say less than $200, or maybe even less than $150 if possible. I just would like something that was good and capable of playing higher quality games (kind of like Sonic Generations, but maybe more) and even those 3D engine/hacks you guys are producing.

My computer specs:
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-Bit
CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition
Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB)
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-M68MT-S2P AM3 NVIDIA GeForce 7025/nForce 630a chipset Micro ATX AMD Motherboard
CD/DVD Drive: ASUS 24X DVD Burner
Power Supply: Antec EarthWatts EA-500D Green 500W
Hard Drive: SAMSUNG Spinpoint F3R HE103SJ 1TB 7200 RPM
Case: NZXT Apollo Black SECC Steel Chassis ATX Mid Tower Computer Case

I'm sure most of that isn't important here, but whatever. I dunno when I'll buy the part, but better to ask now than wait later, right? Lastly, out of curiosity, but including or excluding the graphics card, how strong do you guys think my computer is, exactly? I just would like an opinion, cause I may or may not attempt to get better parts in the future depending on where I stand at the moment. Just wondering.

[Covarr]

GTX 560 ($180)
Radeon HD6850 ($140)

Source

Of these two, I'd recommend putting up the extra forty bucks for the GTX 560, because it'll be longer before it becomes outdated, and because I have had issues with AMD drivers in the past (might just be on my end, though), but if you really wanna stick below $150 then the second card probably is your best bet.

[Jay T.]

I think I might have a problem...

I brought this up with a friend of mine and it looks like I might not be able to get the video card just yet. Apparently the Power Supply I got along with the GTX might not cut it. From what I was told, the minimum is 500W, but to be safe than sorry, I would need to get a stronger PSU. Probably one of 600W. He also mentioned that it would probably be a good idea to get a bigger case too. I might not need too, but it all depends on how big the graphics card is considering how much space they take, and how much room. I think I can fit it though, considering that my Mid-Tower can handle carrying a Nvidia 8800 GTX, which is I think is close to a foot long I believe, and the GTX 560 is about close to 10 inches. But, I guess it would better to be sure, huh?

If anyone can confirm this or whatever, that would be nice. If any of this is the case, then I may have to hold out on upgrading my computer for a while. I'm kind of already got money planned for other things, so I dunno when I'll upgrade it.

Thanks for the suggestions, Covarr. I'll definitely keep those two in mind.

This post has been edited by Jay T.: 24 May 2012 - 09:33 AM

[Dario FF]

Jay T., on 24 May 2012 - 09:28 AM, said:

I think I might have a problem...

I brought this up with a friend of mine and it looks like I might not be able to get the video card just yet. Apparently the Power Supply I got along with the GTX might not cut it. From what I was told, the minimum is 500W, but to be safe than sorry, I would need to get a stronger PSU. Probably one of 600W. He also mentioned that it would probably be a good idea to get a bigger case too. I might not need too, but it all depends on how big the graphics card is considering how much space they take, and how much room. I think I can fit it though, considering that my Mid-Tower can handle carrying a Nvidia 8800 GTX, which is I think is close to a foot long I believe, and the GTX 560 is about close to 10 inches. But, I guess it would better to be sure, huh?

If anyone can confirm this or whatever, that would be nice. If any of this is the case, then I may have to hold out on upgrading my computer for a while. I'm kind of already got money planned for other things, so I dunno when I'll upgrade it.

Thanks for the suggestions, Covarr. I'll definitely keep those two in mind.

500W with a PSU like that is more than enough IMO. Just check here PSU calculator, it depends more on what other components you have. I typed in your stuff and got around 406W. Not that it's perfectly accurate, but it's a good enough guide.

This post has been edited by Dario FF: 24 May 2012 - 09:39 AM

[AamirM]

I have the same power supply as you and a GTX560Ti and it runs fine overclocked.

[Overlord]

Dario FF, on 24 May 2012 - 09:34 AM, said:

Jay T., on 24 May 2012 - 09:28 AM, said:

I think I might have a problem...

I brought this up with a friend of mine and it looks like I might not be able to get the video card just yet. Apparently the Power Supply I got along with the GTX might not cut it. From what I was told, the minimum is 500W, but to be safe than sorry, I would need to get a stronger PSU. Probably one of 600W. He also mentioned that it would probably be a good idea to get a bigger case too. I might not need too, but it all depends on how big the graphics card is considering how much space they take, and how much room. I think I can fit it though, considering that my Mid-Tower can handle carrying a Nvidia 8800 GTX, which is I think is close to a foot long I believe, and the GTX 560 is about close to 10 inches. But, I guess it would better to be sure, huh?

If anyone can confirm this or whatever, that would be nice. If any of this is the case, then I may have to hold out on upgrading my computer for a while. I'm kind of already got money planned for other things, so I dunno when I'll upgrade it.

Thanks for the suggestions, Covarr. I'll definitely keep those two in mind.

500W with a PSU like that is more than enough IMO. Just check here PSU calculator, it depends more on what other components you have. I typed in your stuff and got around 406W. Not that it's perfectly accurate, but it's a good enough guide.

Always get a bigger capacity PSU than you will actually need. Helps tons down the road. The 500 should be fine, though.

[Dario FF]

Overlord, on 24 May 2012 - 01:58 PM, said:

Always get a bigger capacity PSU than you will actually need. Helps tons down the road. The 500 should be fine, though.

Of course, the actual difference here is he doesn't need to buy anything and will be completely safe. The calculator is a good enough guide to know more when to upgrade rather than what to buy. Yeah, it serves the complete opposite purpose of what it says it does.

This post has been edited by Dario FF: 24 May 2012 - 02:13 PM

[Jay T.]

Ah. Well that's good to know. Thanks guys. I'll probably let my friend know too about this.
I might consider upgrading my computer a bit more every once in a while, so if I do anything else 'sides the video card in the future, something tells me I'm definitely going to need a bigger power supply (and maybe a bigger case too). We'll see what happens.

[Skaarg]

I have two GTX 560s, and they run great. If you can find a sale on a GTX 560 Ti, and you'll squeeze an extra 5-10FPS in most games. If not the GTX 560 is still a great mid-range card.

[Felik]

I say go with GTX 560 Ti. I bought a PC with it a year ago and it still manages to run newest games at max settings with no slowdowns.
And it also is very quiet.

[Aerosol]

Felik, on 25 May 2012 - 03:54 AM, said:

I say go with GTX 560 Ti. I bought a PC with it a year ago and it still manages to run newest games at max settings with no slowdowns.
And it also is very quiet.

Well that would depend on who manufactured it, wouldn't it?

[Covarr]

AerosolSP, on 25 May 2012 - 05:50 AM, said:

Felik, on 25 May 2012 - 03:54 AM, said:

I say go with GTX 560 Ti. I bought a PC with it a year ago and it still manages to run newest games at max settings with no slowdowns.
And it also is very quiet.

Well that would depend on who manufactured it, wouldn't it?

For the most part. NVIDIA only makes the chipset. The primary source of noise in a graphics card is the fan, which can vary by manufacturer. Though it is worth mentioning that cards which run cooler are typically going to run quieter as well, and that DOES depend on the chipset.

This post has been edited by Covarr: 25 May 2012 - 12:40 PM

[Techokami]

Personally I do things a bit... differently. This is the card I'm currently using. Yes, it's a lower-end card, but I do like how little power it uses and how silent it is. And, it can handle Sonic Generations at 1080p. I know because I've done it!

[HeartAttack]

Jay T:

While the wattage of your current power supply might suffice in most cases, the dual 12v rails in your power supply is the main concern to me with regards to your situation. The wattage should be ok for a card in the $150 price range, but the power split across multiple rails might leave the card without the power it actually needs, causing shut downs when the card is under stress. My take on it is this: you are pretty much going to need a new power supply if you do plan on doing higher-end gaming. Be absolutely sure to get a power supply with a solid single 12v rail if you want to start gaming with higher end cards. The reason is because high end video cards might want to utilize higher amps than what individual, separate rails can offer. A single rail of, say, 12v and 100 amps will be able to offer guaranteed power to the video card at all times because all of the amperage is there on the one rail, available at any time when components in the system need it. If you have multiple rails (which you do), then what's essentially happening is you're dividing up the available amperage across rails which means less available amps per connection.

I recently had to get a new power supply when I got a new video card and experienced the situation first hand. Though my power supply was rated 700watts, the computer would automatically shut down as soon as the system tried to stress the video card, due to the split 12v rails. I ended up having to replace it with another 700watt power supply - but this time with a single 12v rail - and it worked like a charm.

EDIT: I've customized a power supply search on Newegg (500-600w, single 12v rail, PCI-Express connectors). Lots of options, prices as low as $19.99 (although obviously I don't recommend going that cheap). Newegg's in-house brand "Rosewill" makes pretty solid power supplies, as does OCZ:

http://www.newegg.co...h=1&srchInDesc=

This post has been edited by HeartAttack: 25 May 2012 - 07:03 PM

[Azu]

I have 560GTX with this PSU; Corsair TX 650. It was like 70 or so when I got though.

This post has been edited by Azu: 30 May 2012 - 07:24 AM