Power supplies and GPU's

[stankowalski]

Ok I bought a new computer instead of building one. However the GPU is not the one I want, so I'm going to buy another one and replace it. So I figured this is the place to ask advice because some of you sound like you know your stuff.

OK...this is the GPU that came with it:

http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/7000/7470-7450/Pages/radeon-7470-7450.aspx#2

And this is the GPU I want to replace it with:

http://www.geforce.com/Hardware/GPUs/geforce-gtx-580/specifications

The power supply in this thing is only 300W though, so I'm going to need to replace it as well. The thing is since I haven't ever done this before I don't know much about it. i.e. Form factor. Now the case is specified as mid-size ATX...so will this PSU fit into it:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020&cm_sp=Cat_Power-Supplies-_-YTVideo-_-YT17-139-020

It says ATX, but I don't know if there is any difference between mid-size ATX and just ATX and I don't want to buy it and go through the hassle of trying to install it if it won't fit. So that's where you come in.

BTW...this is the computer I've bought if you need to know anything else:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03154290&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5192450#N1296

[stankowalski]

Another question...should I wait for the price to drop on this GPU or get the cheaper 560? Is the 560 any good? Or is there another GPU that might be good for today's games (i.e smooth 60fps)

[Guild]

Two GTX 560s in SLI perform equivalent to a 580 and are cheaper.

The PSU will fit. It will probably fit easily.

[stankowalski]

You'd have buy a bridge correct? Even still...the 560 is way better than what I've already got.

[Donald LaFell]

atx has more to do with motherboard size and not psu size. PSUs are not really standardized either but the higher the wattage the longer it usually is. also I'm not sure if even a moderately size gfx card will fit into that case. So measure everything before you buy.

motherboards smaller than atx will very likely not support sli or crossfire.

Hopefully the case has supports in it for the heavy graphics card.

[natty]

I got a 560ti and it's run great. Video cards are one thing that I absolutely will not buy top of the line. The price difference is too big.

For PSUs just go as powerful as you can. Overkill doesn't help any but it gives you some leeway.

[weymouthst]

No need to grab a top end GPU unless you have the money to blow. Otherwise, grab a a pair of lower end cards for cheaper. Just look at specs, core clock, all that good stuff, read reviews and benchmarks, and find your best price and performance ratio. Usually you can't go wrong, really, just don't buy a lemon.

As far as PS, the minimum for a gaming pc is at least 500 watts I'd say, but the more the better. You can't have too much power, you can only not have enough. Form factor shouldn't be an issue as well, just make sure it has the right connectors.

[weymouthst]

Just curious, how much did you pay for that computer? You got some low end parts I gotta say.

[stankowalski]

Thanks for the tips. I will probably opt for the 560 then.

The computer cost $799.

[Porn Shop Clerk]

hewlitt packards = :(

[stankowalski]

Meh...wife wanted it. Figured I could swap out the gpu and power supply and make us both happy. Besides the last one we had lasted 10 years...so I can't complain.

[RedMage138]

As far as PS, the minimum for a gaming pc is at least 500 watts I'd say

lol if you're not running at least 800w, gtfo

[Porn Shop Clerk]

without crossfire or sli i see no need for over 650w

[Donald LaFell]

lol if you're not running at least 800w, gtfo

a gaming pc doesn't need nearly that much especially if it's a high quality PSU.