Want To Upgrade Graphic Card on P6140F

[CosmoV]

Any recommendations for  a graphic card upgrade for a newly purchased P6140F?  I Want to take full advantage of DVI input on my  HP 2009M 20' Monitor

Any suggestions on a more robust video card which would allow me to output in DVI to my monitor? Unfortunately, the factory stock graphic card does not have a digital out & will only output to VGA.

I watch movies all the time, and really want to be able to do so in HD.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I understand that a more powerful card may also require me to upgrade the power supply. Is this difficult to do if I have only limited experience changing hardware (I've upgraded RAM, installed hard drives)

Thanks in advance for any and all help/suggestions.

[old_geekster]

CosmoV, the limiting factor will be your power supply unit (PSU), as you suggest.  It is only 300W.  Few of the mid to high-end cards require less than a 400W PSU.  It is difficult to suggest a particular card, but I recommend XFX, EVGA and BFG.  These are very fine card manufacturers.  Also, check to assure that the card you choose  will fit in the space provided.  Many of the newer cards are extremely large; 9"+.  The two online e-tailers that I use are Newegg and ZipZoomFly.

Upgrading the PSU is not too difficult.  The best thing to do is take a picture of the inside of your case with everything in place.  This will show where the leads from the PSU are connected.  Fortunately, most new PSU's come with the leads well marked.  You simply have to find the same connector on the motherboard.

Here is a link to the "Motherboard Specifications" page for your computer:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01324212&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3975008〈=en

Near the bottom of the page are the layout and photos of your motherboard.  When enlarged, it is fairly easy to read the lables on the connectors.

[CosmoV]

Geekster,

Many thanks for your prompt response. Very helpful, and yet, I'm still having trouble determining the appropriate card/power supply to get per my computer's connection capablities.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150359

Would I be able to use this combo card/power supply with my machine?

I had to ask to be walked through this, but your additional guidance would be beyond helpful.

I'm looking to spend under 200 for the PSU and card. I want to be able to output to the DVI-D connection on my HP 2009m monitor.

Thanks again in advance.

[old_geekster]

CosmoV, it is my pleasure.  I am not familiar with "hec Cougar" PSU's.  I would highly recommend this PSU, however:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341001

If you go to OCZ Technology's website, you can compare the measurements of your current PSU with it.  Here is a link:

http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/power_management/ocz_gamexstream_power_supply-nvidia_sli_ready...

Now, for the video card.  The XFX 4890 is a great card, but I would suggest that you try the XFX 4870.  It will save you some money and give you great performance.  I have been using one of them for the past several months.  I have the XFX 4870 XXX 1GB.  The "Catalyst" software that comes with these cards allows you to adjust many of the settings, such as, fan speed, clock speed, etc.  Here is a link to XFX'es website:

http://www.xfxforce.com/en-us/products/graphiccards/HD%204000series.aspx

You can use these comparisons to decide which card you want to buy.  As I said in my previous post, pay particular attention to the size of the card.  It would be best if you take measurements of the space provided in your case.  The XFX 4870 is 9.5" long and has a double profile.

Let me know if you have further questions.