philp Posted April 16, 2008 CID Share Posted April 16, 2008 My fiancee wants to get a better card so she can play some games. Here are the mobo specs: http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00757531&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3340227&lang=en She's also got a gig of RAM and can upgrade that if necessary. Not looking for the best there is, but a nice, all-purpose card that isn't too expensive. What do you guys suggest? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudmanc4 Posted April 16, 2008 CID Share Posted April 16, 2008 Have a look at this one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127287R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlewis23 Posted April 16, 2008 CID Share Posted April 16, 2008 I would go with something like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150285 and I would bump it to 2GB of ram. You have to watch out of space. Since its a mATX motherboard the case is very small, and the room inside is very low. So you need to get as small of a card as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blako Posted April 16, 2008 CID Share Posted April 16, 2008 My HP computer only had a 350W power supply so I went with low power consuming 8600gt. The 9600gt is double the price for double the performance - Minimum of a 400 Watt power supply. Best Gaming Graphics Cards for the Money: April 08 About what is the price range your looking into and what else is the computer used for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philp Posted April 17, 2008 Author CID Share Posted April 17, 2008 I want to stay in the $100-$150 range. I'd rather not have to replace the power supply if I can avoid it. The computer is used for general use, internet surfing and occasional gaming. Thanks for the help and suggestions!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimPawlak Posted April 17, 2008 CID Share Posted April 17, 2008 http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3048552&sku=P450-8650 video card i used to have then upgraded to a 9800 x2 VERY nice card.. can play crysis at high settings with no lag =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajb62787 Posted April 17, 2008 CID Share Posted April 17, 2008 It'll be best to upgrade the memory to 4GB (2x2GB) based on the price. For $79 for the DDR2 800 , its not as bad this year compared to last when I bought 2x1GB for $95 where it is now $25 after rebate. Best to check around on Newegg for prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starship_troopers Posted April 18, 2008 CID Share Posted April 18, 2008 It'll be best to upgrade the memory to 4GB (2x2GB) based on the price. For $79 for the DDR2 800 , its not as bad this year compared to last when I bought 2x1GB for $95 where it is now $25 after rebate. Best to check around on Newegg for prices. true....but why would a pretty much non hardcore machine need 4gb of ram? two is enough....maybe 3...or 2.5....either way 4 is pretty much more than will be used in this particular pc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimPawlak Posted April 18, 2008 CID Share Posted April 18, 2008 then just get the videocard =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlewis23 Posted April 18, 2008 CID Share Posted April 18, 2008 It'll be best to upgrade the memory to 4GB (2x2GB) based on the price. For $79 for the DDR2 800 , its not as bad this year compared to last when I bought 2x1GB for $95 where it is now $25 after rebate. Best to check around on Newegg for prices. No. That is not the best bet. Going to 2 gb of ram will make a difference, but there is no reason to go to 4GB of ram. Just get the 8600GT, and go to 2GB of ram. Nothing more is needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philp Posted April 18, 2008 Author CID Share Posted April 18, 2008 I agree. Having 4GB RAM would be nice but I do think it's overkill for this application. Would the stock power supply be adequate for the 8600GT card? Looking at the replacement parts list, it shows to be a 300 watt unit. I didn't see a wattage requirement for that card listed anywhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coknuck Posted April 18, 2008 CID Share Posted April 18, 2008 The nvidia 8600 series uses about 45 watts. The box recommends a 350 watt power supply. I would go 500 watt plus for the future, and to be safe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blako Posted April 18, 2008 CID Share Posted April 18, 2008 The box of my evga 8600gt says: Minimum system requirements 256MB ram 350watt power supply with 22 amps on +12volt rail (the card take its power off motherboard) Available 16 channel PCI Express slot On your motherboard http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00757531&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3340227&lang=en It says PCI-E 1x slot, is that alright guys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlewis23 Posted April 18, 2008 CID Share Posted April 18, 2008 I agree. Having 4GB RAM would be nice but I do think it's overkill for this application. Would the stock power supply be adequate for the 8600GT card? Looking at the replacement parts list, it shows to be a 300 watt unit. I didn't see a wattage requirement for that card listed anywhere. Find out what the wattage is on the power supply that is in the case. If its higher then 350 watts you will be ok. Even 300 watts you might be ok. anything under 300 watts I would say now. Also remember there is a MATX power-supply in the case, so you do upgrade it, you can't just go and get any one you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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