Pavilion m8170.uk-a "Media Center" PC: Suitable Graphics Card Upgrade

[ChrisP]

What would be a compatible upgrade from the installed NVIDIA GeForce 8500 GT?  Whilst I obviously want an improved performance, I don’t want to install something that would require extra power or would be noisier.

[old_geekster]

What is the wattage of your power supply unit (PSU)?  It isn't shown in the specs.  You can find it by opening the case and reading the tag on it.  The wattage is the limiting factor for upgrading the PSU.  The term "would be noisier" is very difficult to determine.  There are many factors, besides the video card, that determine how much noise is generated.  Many PSU fans make more noise than the fan on the video card.  

[ChrisP]

The "Max Output Power" is shown as 300w.

PS I don't know if it has any relevance but of course because it's a "Media Center" PC, the new card should be compatible with UK digital TV.

Thanks for your help "old geekster"...I've clicked the Kudos thing :-)

[old_geekster]

Chris, I have looked for a card that would be faster and no more noisy than your 8500 GT and I can't find one.  The 300W PSU is, as I said, the limiting factor.  The only way to upgrade with enough performance increase to make it worthwhile is to upgrade your PSU.  I know that is not what you wanted to hear, but I am afraid that it is true.

[ChrisP]

Assuming I install a higher wattage PSU (say 450 or 500W) - does the graphics card bus type matter?

The motherboard details are: "Motherboard (system board) Berkeley-GL8E - Includes PCI slots, 1 PCI-Express x16" 

I've noticed that the 8500 GT is shown as PCI-e, whereas the newer more powerful cards now use PCI-e 2.0 or PCI-e 2.0x16; (excuse my ignorance about buses..) is this relevant or of any importance to compatibility in an upgrade?

Cheers,

Chris.

Message Edited by ChrisP on 23-10-2009 02:56 AM

Message Edited by ChrisP on 23-10-2009 12:20 PM

Message Edited by ChrisP on 23-10-2009 12:24 PM

Message Edited by ChrisP on 23-10-2009 12:26 PM

[ChrisP]

Does anybody else have an opinion on this topic?

Message Edited by ChrisP on 26-10-2009 07:23 AM