Right... I want to upgrade my Graphics Card!

[SonofABiker]

Hi guys.

Im going to hastily admit my pc knowledge is sadly lacking. I've had this pc for a few months now, and although everything is working Fine, im wondering if the graphics card that came with it is a little..lack lustre.

I'll list the specs on this now, and if you see what I can do easily please let me know!

System
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Manufacturer To Be Filled By O.E.M.
Model To Be Filled By O.E.M.
Total amount of system memory 2.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 2

Storage
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Total size of hard disk(s) 466 GB
Disk partition (C 409 GB Free (466 GB Total)

Graphics
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Display adapter type NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT
Total available graphics memory 1791 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 1024 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 767 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.17.11.9621
Primary monitor resolution 1280x1024
DirectX version DirectX 10

Network
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Network Adapter NVIDIA nForce Networking Controller

Notes
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The gaming graphics score is based on the primary graphics adapter. If this system has linked or multiple graphics adapters, some software applications may see additional performance benefits.



Googling seems to check out the 9600GT for instant upgrade, but I want to buy something that will last for a while so I dont mind spending £100-150 on a card that will last. I mainly play Lord of the Rings online (it currently sits around 30-40fps) and MW2...

Any advice?

Cheers!
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I need a break!

[SoND]

9600GT isn't a gaming card. Don't go near it.

GTS250 1GB <£100 is very good. If you run it in SLI it can beat a GTX285 in some situations.

Remember you need a good power supply.
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Go back to bed - You have no rights - "Streetfighters ~ Mainstream motorcycling's crackwhore sister."

[SonofABiker]

Noted and duly remembered.

Next incredibly daft question... Power supply? What/how would I know what one I have? Ive been reading and note about 400w or so on so forth...


Mine is an ATX 450.. it says max is 450w. Is this enough?

Cheers for the help so far!
____________________
I need a break!

[Stowelly]

450 MIGHT be enough. depends what your running off it? if youve got like 4 hard drives, several usb devices and some PCI cards it might not be enough

can forget about running SLI on that psu though

[SonofABiker]

I've got one hard drive, and no USB ports or anything really. literally, this pc is just for a couple of games (but I want to put Empire Total War on it shortly) and internet.

Im happy to up it to a different power supply if its needed.

And once more, my knowledge fails me regarding SLI. I'm just loathe to take it to PC world as quite honestly last time they were worse then useless. took them two weeks to fix an issue I found out I could've fixed myself in a minute.

Thanks for the assistance thus far!
____________________
I need a break!

[SoND]

Don't go to PC World

SLI is when you run two graphics cards alongside each other for increased performance. It requires a beefy PSU and specialist motherboard. You don't need to worry about this.

Gaming cards are very heavy on the 12V rail of your PSU and in a lot of cases the overall wattage doesn't tell you anything.

To find out what your PSU is capable of you will need to remove the side of your case and read the label that will be stuck to the PSU. On the label you will see a list of voltages, +3, +5, +12 etc, and their corresponding amps. Find the +12V and take note of its amps.

There is a chance your supply will be running multiple 12V rails (12V1, 12V2), this is a good thing. If not, don't worry.

Most cards reccommend a 12V current rating of at least 24A.

If your PSU just isn't good enough, below is a budget one that is plenty for you.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CA-042-OK&groupid=701&catid=123&subcat=
____________________
Go back to bed - You have no rights - "Streetfighters ~ Mainstream motorcycling's crackwhore sister."

[Welshd1k]

ati 4890 monster of a card or for dx11 which the nvidia gtx2xx dont have get an ati 5770 ... you wont regret it
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Current >Cb600fx hornet, ns125rk90 21.7bhp@wheel<
Sold >,zxr400 h2 (33bhp kit) rd350 n1 rd350 lc2<