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Upgrading GPU

Crunchynut

Crunchynut

Crunchynut

Associate
Joined
22 Oct 2010
Posts
29
Current PC specs:

CPU: AMD Phenom quad core 2.2ghz

RAM: 4 GB RAM

GPU: ATI Radeon 3100 onboard graphics

PCU: 250-350 Watts I believe

http://www.foxconnchannel.com/Product/Chassis/detail_overview.aspx?id=en-us0000132
http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/PQD4003.htm

Both links provide sufficient information about my PC incase of compatibility issues.

Amongst other things I am looking to be playing GTA4 with relatively high settings.

Im guessing I will probably have to replace the PCU along with the GPU.

Just want to know what GPU to get to make sure its compatible and good performance. Including the PCU, Im looking at a budget of around £150 but dont hesitate to give me options that may increase performance.

It looks like im asking a lot but all help is appreciated.
 
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Nvidia GTX 460 (I bought mine made by Palit) best value for that money.

About the PSU I suggest a 450-600 W but the gtx 460 consumes about 150-200W
 
Hi there, Welcome to the forums :)

Assuming that you need a new PSU - I strongly suggest going for this one while it is so cheap.

As for the GPU - you have ~£120 left in the budget with that PSU. IMHO this is the best choice.
 
A PSU like this will suit you down to the ground (good to see Corsair is expanding its CX range, smart move IMO) which leaves just enough money for a HD5770, a bit over budget (£5) but well balanced considering the rest of your setup.

Frankly any upgrade you get is better then a Radeon x3100 you might as well have a hamster on a wheel powering your graphics. As for GTA 4 don't forget at max settings it can bring down the most powerful of PC's so don't get carried away, you might want to get Liberty City Stories which I here is a lot better optimised and given you CPU its worth a thought.
 
I would get a HD6850 1GB especially since they can be had for under £140. The card also has lower power consumption than a GTX460 768MB but greater performance and only requires a single PCI-E power connector too.


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What CAT-THE-FIFTH said.

If you shop around (and don't mind waiting a bit), you can get the XFX HD6850 1GB for £133.57 which is a substantial improvement over the 5770. If you can't stretch that far, then the GTX 460 768mb can be had for around £115, but as CAT-THE-FIFTH said, it's not as good as the 6850.
 
Ok I see, well I think i can stretch a bit further. Regarding the power consumption on the HD6850, would I actually have to buy a new power supply to accompany it? If its recommend then I will.
 
You will be pushing it with your existing PSU. Any decent 400W(and above) PSU should be able to run a HD6850 1GB and unlike most GTX460 768MB cards needs only a single PCI-E power connector too.
 
Perhaps I'm too lazy to do the research myself, but theres a lot of information to take in about compatibility. If I were to get the Corsair CX400 or 430 PSU and the HD6850 (XFX and Sapphire same in terms of compatibility?) would there be no issues when installing both of them inside my PC? Ive read a few articles about compatibility but its fairly confusing for someone like me. Links are at the top to some details about my PC, would be greatly appreciated. :)

Edit: First link works now, and I keep calling a PSU, PCU. -_-
 
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