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GPU recommendation please

SMed

SMed

SMed

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Joined
6 Nov 2011
Posts
1,427
Location
Bucks
Hi there. I'm requesting a GPU recommendation for a friend. I'm currently building my first rig, but know nothing about GPUs (I'm going integrated for now).

He has an HP Pavilion PC with the following specs:

CPU: i3 550 3.2GHz
Mobo details: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c02014355&lc=en&cc=uk&dlc=en&product=5059387#N33
Memory: 4GB (probably 2x2GB but I don't know)
Graphics: Integrated H57
PSU: 220W OEM

I think that's all the relevant hardware details. It's a new buy, so I doubt he'll be looking to do any major upgrades any time soon. The idea is to play new games, like MW3. Apparently cost isn't really an issue right now, just a good GPU that isn't going to get ridiculously bottlenecked I would imagine.

If there are any other details needed, let me know and I'll find out. Thanks.
 
i think even a 6850/70 would be bottle necked by that cpu but i cant tell you for sure....

also a new psu will be definatley needed as some cards can draw 220w power sometimes. and as for pre-built HP/dell machines etc.... it all depends on if the power supply is standard ATX or if a system specific shape etc...

if they are really wanting to play the likes of MW3 at a good quality then i would suggested starting a fresh build with a 2500k
 
Looks like the case may only support half-height pci slots as well judging by the size of it.

My advice is don't upgrade, these computers are not designed with any kind of upgrade in mind at all. Power supply is no-where near good enough and may not be ATX size due to the case. Also motherboard may not even support high end graphics cards, I've known a few people to find that replacement graphics cards don't work in these kind of computers.
 
Ok, thanks guys. Yeah, it's not looking good.

So we can rule out high-end MW3 stuff. Is there literally anything he could do with his existing system GPU wise?
 
Definitely doesn't look like it. Doing a Google for that model number and PSU upgrade shows the PSU is 3.35x6.88x2.56 (inches) so not standard ATX size. They list a 400W as the maximum but it doesn't have any PCI-E connectors and is almost £40 on it's own.

Also, as someone else pointed out, it looks like that case takes half height slots as the whole thing is narrower than a full size PCI slot (105mm vs 107mm).

You might find a card that will fit in the case and won't blow the PSU up, but it will probably be around the 6570 level, and it's not going to run many games in any pleasing graphics settings.

My advice, either sell the PC and build a proper one (i.e. with standard parts' sizes), or put the money towards an Xbox/PS3 instead.
 
SMed said:
Thanks. This one doesn't need any extra power so it should work with his existing anaemic PSU? But will it fit?
Click to expand...

No, it won't fit. The dimensions for that card show it's 107mm high, the link to the HP in your opening post shows the entire case is 105mm wide.

EDIT - You need to be looking for a half height card - for example this one would work: http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-263-SP if it comes with a replacement half height plate (the spec doesn't show) - but it's a 6570 as OcUK don't stock any half height 6670's.
 
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