Upgrading my graphics card?

[bigfatdad]

I currently have a Radeon X1300 to run my graphics i think? and im thinking of buying Asus GeForce EN8800 GT 512MB GDDR3 HDTV/Dual DVI (PCI-Express), im not very clued up on these is this a good choice and will there be much of a difference.

 

[AgedIdiot]

Welcome

Should be a big improvement in games. If your not gaming ,possibly no point in the upgrade.

Before commenting further :-

Do you game ?
What Cpu/Motherboard are you running?
What scrren size /resolution are you running ?

 

[bigfatdad]

Sorry, yes will mainly use it for Rfactor (racing game), Intel Pentium D CPU 3.40GHZ (is that what your looking for?) and 1280 by 1024, 21inch monitor.

 

[AgedIdiot]

The 8800gt will suit you fine at that res. Enjoy

As a committed worrier - just check that your motherboard is running Pci-express for graphics and not AGP.

 

[Duke]

Yep that would be a good improvement.

Doesn't look like a demanding game, or is it a bit old now? Spec on their site says recommended 'Geforce 7900 GT or Radeon X1900 GT' so the 8800 would be good.

 

[bigfatdad]

Yes thanks its pci express, does this mean it will be a straight swap over, with nothing else to buy?

 

[AgedIdiot]

To err on side of caution - what PSU you running?

 

[bigfatdad]

Lol youve lost me now, is this power supply? if so how do i check :S

 

[AgedIdiot]

Yes Power supply - Most have a 'legend' printed on one side.And you can see it(hopefully) if you take the side panel of your case.

 

[bigfatdad]

Not sure think it says 285w

 

[AgedIdiot]

You may find that the new gpu will push your existing psu too far.
I do not have the experience to say for sure but my 'gut' reaction is one of 'probably going to have to invest in a new power supply'.

For anything approaching reasnoble you are looking at £40+

You could buy the gpu and hope the current psu can cope ! Might be o'k

Personally I would not risk it - Am very,very wary of cheap psu's , although I've never had a problem have read enough horrror stories.

To keep costs as low as possible (and profits high) a lot of P.C. builders put the cheapest psu they can in, which usually is JUST enough to power the current build - no ability to upgrade to better , more power usage , components. - Whinge for the day over.(Bought an Evesham some years ago expecting good components etc ,to find that even it was built down to a price and could not cope with any additions)

 

[Magnum_Force]

Worst case senario, I say get a graphics card that doesn't require an external power lead, say the HD 4650 with GDDR3 Ram.

Also, maybe go for a Hiper PSU, not the best quality, but much better than run of the mill stuff, and you can get a 425w for only £27ish on OCUK.

 

[fraps]

I currently have a Radeon X1300 to run my graphics i think? and im thinking of buying Asus GeForce EN8800 GT 512MB GDDR3 HDTV/Dual DVI (PCI-Express), im not very clued up on these is this a good choice and will there be much of a difference.

I recommend HD4670 512mb and no new psu - I would have a go at this