Small form factor GPU needed, advice?

[Skilid]

Hi,

Didn't know whether to post in here or the small form factor forum.

We have a small form factor Acer X3950 desktop with a Core i5, 4GB RAM & Windows 7 64-bit. It currently has on board Intel graphics and we are after a low to mid range card that will allow play of games like Guild Wars 2 and SIMS 3. The graphics card doesn't necessarily need to be new.

I am aware that the PSU may not be up to the task, but not sure what our options are here either.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

EliotG

 

[Marine-RX179]

The low profile (Sapphire or HIS) 7750 GDDR5 1GB is the way to go (the faster low-profile card) and should be fine to be used with your PSU as well.
http://www.sapphiretech.com/presentation/product/product_index.aspx?pid=1658&lid=1
http://www.hisdigital.com/un/product2-718.shtml

The chance are you will have to source one from auction site.

 

[Fulax]

First: these small, prebuilt PCs aren't always designed for upgradability. Make sure your PSU has PCI-E connectors (at least one 6-pin) and that your motherboard has a PCI-E slot. I suspect you will need a new PSU anyway - can you tell if your PSU is normal size (140-160mm) or small form factor?

Second: do you have a budget?

 

[Skilid]

Thanks guys. From the spec sheet, this is the PSU:

POWER SUPPLY 220W NPFC 115V/230V LITEON PS-5221-06A1-ROHS

EUP

Does this help?

No budget as such.

 

[Marine-RX179]

The 7750 consume around 43W max should should be fine:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/HD_7750/24.html

The low-profile cards may even be lower than than, considering it has smaller PCB etc.

http://www.ascendtech.us/lite-on-ps-5221-06-220-watt-power-supply_i_csplops52210622.aspx
14A on the 12v rail, so 168W max putput on the 12v rail so it should be fine.

 

[Skilid]

Great. Thanks. Two more questions;

1. Does it need a 6 pin connector?
2. Does this PSU have a 6 pin connector? I can't look at the computer at the moment.

 

[Marine-RX179]

Great. Thanks. Two more questions;

1. Does it need a 6 pin connector?
2. Does this PSU have a 6 pin connector? I can't look at the computer at the moment.

1. The 7750 is bus-powered and doesn't not require external power (i.e. PCI-E 6pin etc.)
2. I don't think your PSU will have a PCI-E, considering the low output.

 

[Skilid]

Great. Thanks!