Hp elite m9520f, upgrading graphics card

[boondockst]

I recently bought Starcraft 2 and i can't run it on anything else but low graphics on this computer. I thought it wouldn't be a problem but apparently it is.

The specs are:

Intel (R) Core (TM)2 Quad CPU Q8300 @ 2.50GHz

RAM: 8GB

PCI Express x16 - Plug-in card

Graphics Processor / Vendor NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GS

Video Memory 768 MB GDDR2 SDRAM

Digital Video Standard High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI),
Digital Visual Interface (DVI)

Copied and pasted the last bit, the computer has all factory parts with it currently.

Was also wondering how much a graphics card would cost, as i'd like to get one that can easily play newer games. thanks

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

Boondockst, welcome to the forum.

If you upgrade the video card to one that will play most of the newer games, a power supply unit (PSU) upgrade in necessary, also.

Here is a video card that should fit your needs.  The card is 8.5" in length.  Therefore, it should fit into the space provided.  I like the XFX, ATI cards.  ATI provides software to allow you to adjust the fan speed and overclock the card.  The software is called Catalyst Control Center.  This card requires a minimum of 450W to run properly.  I like XFX, BFG, EVGA, Sapphire and PNY in that order.

I like OCZ and Corsair PSU's.  These two manufacturers are very good.  Their products will provide clean, stable power for your system.  I always suggest measuring the existing PSU and comparing the measurements to the one that you choose.  The PSU is the backbone of the computer.  This is not a place to try to cut costs.

Please let us know if this solves your problem or not.

[berserk]

Can you put two graphic cards using Crossfire????In the m9520f. Can you post links of the stuff i will need and please explain the process. If it is even possible.

[old_geekster]

@ Berserk,

No, the motherboard must be Crossfire ready.  This means that it must have two PCI Express x16 slots that can be connected by a link.

In the future, it would be better if you start your own thread.  We don't always check old threads that have been solved.