Upgrade Video Card for 300W System?

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jtkrist

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Do any of you have suggestions for upgrading the video card in my system? The power supply only gives 300W. I'm running W7-64, 6GB RAM, AMD-Athlon 64 X2 5600+, NVida GeForce 7300GS.

With TS2010, I'm only getting about 5 fps.

Been looking at GeForce 210 or Geforce 430. Other suggestions?

A new system isn't an option this year.

Thanks,

Jim in Annapolis, MD
 
Start here:

www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,2782-7.html

look for process 40 nm I'd probably think in terms of ATI on the low power side and the cheaper cards but check their power requirements not just the 750 watt power supply recommended. Also see if you can find out how much your current card draws that will give you a guide.

Switching from nVidia to ATI may have some problems with traces of old drivers not being cleaned out. I'd reinstall the operating system but some others have had success with software cleaners.

Cheerio John
 
You would also want to look at how many AMPs your 300Watt PSU has on the +12V rail. I belive you could get away with something like GT220 or GT240. But this is assuming the wattage taken from the rest of your pc.

Im not quite sure about the GT 430 but im pretty sure a GT220, GT 230 & GT240 can work. But I would really recomened upgrade the PSU aswell. To about 450W. Then you could really be sure that the video will work. Again, pay attention to the amount of AMPs on the +12V Rail.

See how much AMPs the three cards I mentioned is enough for your PSU and that the wattage can handle it. Remember, Your CPU and rest of compents are already taking some wattage.

Research as much as you can and see if it works out for you, your wallet and your PC.
 
Why not change the PSU? You can get something like 700 watts not too expensively especially if you do a price search or go on Ebay.
 
For my new build PC I got a CoolerMaster 700 Watt modular PSU. You pay a bit more but the modular idea is useful - you only use as many cables as you need.
 
My number 2 PC is the same spec, apart from the graphics card which is a GTX240, and a 650 watt power supply, needed for the 6 hard drives in it!, it should run on a 300 watt power supply though according to the specs, I have the Zoltek 1GB DDR5 version.

Don't expect killer frame rates with a 240, they are however very usable.

A higher rated power supply is really advisable though.
 
johnwhelan said:
Start here:

www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,2782-7.html

look for process 40 nm I'd probably think in terms of ATI on the low power side and the cheaper cards but check their power requirements not just the 750 watt power supply recommended. Also see if you can find out how much your current card draws that will give you a guide.

Switching from nVidia to ATI may have some problems with traces of old drivers not being cleaned out. I'd reinstall the operating system but some others have had success with software cleaners.

Cheerio John
Click to expand...

There's a free programme called KillDisk. Apparently it's used by the American military so it has a good pedigree! You can use it to "Wipe" formerly used areas of the drive or "Kill" the drive (entirely clean it).
 
Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Is there an easy way to determine how many watts are being drawn in my system? Is there an easy way to determine the available Amps on my 12V line?

I'm not a hardware guy, so I'm not brave enough to getting out a multimeter and probing on the motherboard. I do software; my mistakes can be corrected by the delete button. Hardware mistakes cost money.

I know that PSUs aren't that expensive, but if I can save a few $$ that would be nice.

Jim
 
jtkrist said:
Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Is there an easy way to determine how many watts are being drawn in my system? Is there an easy way to determine the available Amps on my 12V line?

I'm not a hardware guy, so I'm not brave enough to getting out a multimeter and probing on the motherboard. I do software; my mistakes can be corrected by the delete button. Hardware mistakes cost money.

I know that PSUs aren't that expensive, but if I can save a few $$ that would be nice.

Jim
Click to expand...

ASUS (the manufacturers of my Mobo) have a Power Calculator on their site where you put in the specs of your machine and it calculates the PSU it requires.
 
jtkrist said:
Thanks to all for the suggestions.

Is there an easy way to determine how many watts are being drawn in my system? Is there an easy way to determine the available Amps on my 12V line?

I'm not a hardware guy, so I'm not brave enough to getting out a multimeter and probing on the motherboard. I do software; my mistakes can be corrected by the delete button. Hardware mistakes cost money.

I know that PSUs aren't that expensive, but if I can save a few $$ that would be nice.

Jim
Click to expand...

Cheap PSU are optimistic about their outputs. More expensive ones are more conservative. What's printed on the psu may not be correct.

One way is to look up your existing card its probably pre 40 nm so will require more power per whatever then see if you canfind something that sneaks in about the same power level.

Cheerio John
 
First my system is a Gateway with a AMD phenom x4, 64x, with 4gig of ram, with a ATI Radeon 3200 video which I believe is built on the mother board. I believe I have a empty PCLe 16 slot, and would like to up grade to a better video card, thinking of a GeForce 9500 GT, 9800 GT, or Geforce 430 GT which I have seen on sell. I can not afford to high a price, what would you suggest? Do I have to use a ATI Radeon card with this computer?
 
Signalman65 said:
First my system is a Gateway with a AMD phenom x4, 64x, with 4gig of ram, with a ATI Radeon 3200 video which I believe is built on the mother board. I believe I have a empty PCLe 16 slot, and would like to up grade to a better video card, thinking of a GeForce 9500 GT, 9800 GT, or Geforce 430 GT which I have seen on sell. I can not afford to high a price, what would you suggest? Do I have to use a ATI Radeon card with this computer?
Click to expand...

If you switch brand then you may end up with traces of the old drivers hanging around which can cause performance problems. Either reinstall the operating system or some people have had success with software cleaners.

Start by looking here

www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,2782.html

Personally I'd stay with AMD but its your call. Be careful about the power supply. newegg.com and look for the most positive reviews.

Cheerio John
 
johnwhelan said:
If you switch brand then you may end up with traces of the old drivers hanging around which can cause performance problems. Either reinstall the operating system or some people have had success with software cleaners.

Start by looking here

www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-radeon-hd-6870-radeon-hd-6850,2782.html

Personally I'd stay with AMD but its your call. Be careful about the power supply. newegg.com and look for the most positive reviews.

Cheerio John
Click to expand...
Have nothing againest ATI, was looking at price, will check theirs. I want a card that will handle Trainz better, but not just for games. Something that will work well with TV, movies, Drawing, and games.
 
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