Graphics card recommendations for Pavilion p6512uk, please!

[Mrs_C]

Hello!  I think it's time to upgrade my existing graphics card, but I'm a bit clueless when it comes to these things.  I have an HP Pavilion p6512uk with the standard ATI Radeon HD 5450 installed.

I'm not a huge power gamer and not concerned about maxing everything, I just want a good performance.  Cost is also an issue, and I'd like to spend under £150 (closer to £100 would be better!)  But the old card seems to be getting worn out playing Skyrim and I need something with more power.  I was thinking of a GeForce GTX 550 ti.  Does anyone have experience with this card, or could recommend something along those lines? 

Also, I figured I'd have to upgrade the power supply from the 300w I currently have.  Would 450w be suitable, or should I go for 500?

A noob thanks you!    

[spacechild]

Hello there Mrs. C: from this side of the pond unless the blokes at HP, AMD & Nvidia cured the one problem with moving from a PC with AMD/ATI cards to Nvidia is that if you originally had the former installed & you craved Nvidia

the computer would go on cyber strike & cause you problems likewise if you had an Nvidia machine you couldn't run an AMD/ATI card.

if they have then it couldn't hurt to go with the GeForce GTX 550Ti it's about at the middle of the pack as far as hi performance models the only limit is your PSU Go with the best 500 watter you can afford such as a Corsair

because to quote the lyrics of an old R & B song from the '60's by Don Covey "It's better to have & not need than need & not have" in both your video card & especially the PSU.

besides the 5450 is more a movie theatre computer card than a gaming one that's why I went for the 5570

hope this helps & enlightens you

Cheerio mate!

                                                                                                    spacechild

[Mrs_C]

Thank you!  Didn't know about the cross-card glitch, one reason why it's good to ask!    Thinking about a Radeon HD 6850 now, with either a Corsair or Seasonic psu.

[spacechild]

Hello again Mrs.C!: That would be a safe choice but here's a 2nd tip; look over the specs especially in the required wattage because you might be able to go to the 6870 because in both lines the higher the 2nd & 3rd number the more performance you'll get out of it especially with the 500 watt PSU

good luck

                                                                                   spacechild

[Big_Dave]

Hi,

Review this posted document for background information.

The Corsair CX500 and the Radeon 6850 are excellent choices.

These HP 'how-to" articles should be helpful.

[Mrs_C]

Thanks for that!  The 6850 it is.