Upgrading the graphics card of my HP G5225uk [ Edited ]

[Gowmaster]

speficications:

AMD Atlon(tm) II x4 635 processor (4CPUs), 2.9GHZ 

3072 Ram - 3GB

Nvidia Gforce 6150SE Nforce 430

Windows 7 home premium 64-bit

Sata HDD 500 GB

I have never installed a graphics card in a computer but I do knowhow to do it since i've been stuying computing for about 4 years.

still i would like to know if my system requirements were good enough for high grahics displaying, basically i would like to play the latest pc games by blizzard and so far my graphics card can't handle the graphics that well. I would also like a list of recommended graphics card that any of you could recommend me for gaming, since im an Nvidia fan if it were so, it would be much better.

thanks in advance for all the help and answers.

a link in case more specifications are needed: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02582387&cc=uk&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_UK...

[JiriT]

If you want something better without need of replacing Power Supply (PSU) you should go for something like nVidia GF530 or 540 with power consumption up to 75W max (Your unit is structured with 300W PSU). This is the power which PCIe slot can handle. If you want something even more powerful like nVidia 460 or 560 you have to replace PSU for 500W or more. Make sure PSU has additional 6pin PCIE connector required for extra power to this kind of cards. Also consider lenght of the card to fit into your chassis. I would not go for the very top cards which need high airflow throughout the chassis. You could face problems with system cooling.

The instruction for replacement can be found here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01700855&tmp_task=useCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=u...

You can use this link helping in the choice:

http://www.nvidia.com.mx/content/HelpMeChoose/fx2/HelpMeChoose.asp?lang=en-us

[Gowmaster]

thanks for answering, and i found your post really helpful, i was about to buy a card that might need me to upgrade my power supply, still i would like to ask you if  the       Sapphire ati radeon 4350 or 4650        would be something my computer can handle?

[AOG]

Just keep in mind buying high end video card let you end up opening your case side panel, coz its generating heat inside the case, and hp cases are not designed for such thing

I recommend you to go with HD Radeon because they have slim designs for their video card

your pc can handel any card support PCIe x16 even the ATI 6000 series

If you want keep using your current power supply, you will be limited

most video card require at least 400w min PS

What is your budget, so we can start from here??

[Gowmaster]

ok, scratch all that i said before, lets say i have a £100 max to spend on the graphics card, since i dont want to change my power supply, i know my choices are limited, still i want one of the ATI 4xxx series from 4350+ above, that is if my computer can handle any higher than the 4350, if it can please tell me any info will be appreciated.

thanks in advance for the answers.

[pcah9]

Ideal for your pc is:-ATI/RADEON HD5450.

Cheap ......suitable......and it will do an excellent job for you.

[AOG]

Ok

Keep in mind your mobo support and handle any video has PCIe x16 V2.0 or V2.1

with the 100 euro = around 143 $ 

you can change your PS and video card

I don't know where you gonna buy your stuff, but I am gonna use newegg online retail store for example

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150545&cm_re=hd_6670-_-14-150-545-_-Product...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026&Tpk=cx430

both for 145 $ - 25 mail in rebate =120 $

so you are buying good PS with good video card higher than your expectation

Another option lower than this is the HD 4670 , which has really good reviews

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161315

you will save more money

With all 100 euro you want to spend on VC, you will get very good card but not without upgrading a PS. That is why I did the balance for you

I recommend you upgrade your PS coz you are looking for games and if you buy lower than this you will regret later, most game bro require good video card

Just think a bout it 

good luck

[Gowmaster]

if you can confirm me that i dont need to change my psu to use this graphics card then i will soooo much appreciate it.

AOG, thanks for the answer, but atm i can't afford to buy any moret than the graphics card.

[Big_Dave · Accepted solution]

Gomaster,

ATI recommends a minimum of a 400 watt power supply for the Radeon HD 4xxx series video cards. 

I have recommended video cards that take about the same peak power with a 300 watt power supply but then the video card manufacturer only recommended a minimum of a 300 watt power supply.

Look at the NVIDIA GT 430.  It's a faster card compared to the Radeon 4650.  The NVIDIA GT 430 is rated for a 300 watt power supply.

It's interesting that the Radeon 4650 and the NVIDIA 430 take about the same peak power yet ATI recommends a 400 watt power supply verses the a 300 watt power supply for the NVIDIA card.

[Gowmaster]

thanks, i checked a few reviews from that card and it seems it will do excellent for my pc.