Choosing Graphics Cards - I'm Lost, Please Help

All,

I am completely lost here. I have read soooo much great information on the mechanics of changing out the card, but can't use any of it "yet" because I'm still at the basic level of trying to figure out what my computer can take. I'm also having a brain freeze on some of the terminology.

What makes it even worse is that I switched out the card a few years ago from a GeForce 8 series to a GeForce 9300, so I know I must have had all this information then, but for the life of me, I can't remember how I found it, what it means, or where I put it - please HELP!! I feel like such a techno-dope

My computer info is:

Model: HP m8530f
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) 9550 Quad-Core Processor 2.20 GHz
Memory (RAM): 7.00 GB
System Type: 64-bit
O/S: Vista Home Premium

I believe I need to know the following info before I go forward. Please let me know what else I need to know as well.

Questions:

How do I figure out what the power source is?

How do I determine what kind of interface the computer is using? SLI, DVI - I assume those are interface types??

How do I determine what card will fit into my computer? (one of the articles specifically warned to check this first!).

No idea how to determine what the case is

How do I know if I need to upgrade the fan (the GeForce 9300 tends to run "HOT" - not good) and if I do . . . all the above questions will apply to this.


**sigh** I'm sooo lost.

Thank you all in advance for your help AND patience.

Meltie

Although not an area that I have much expertise, this wondeful article seems to answer most of your questions. Any others just post all of working together, we are sure to come up with answers.
How to Choose a Graphics Card | eHow.com

meltie said:

My computer info is:

Model: HP m8530f
Processor: AMD Phenom(tm) 9550 Quad-Core Processor 2.20 GHz
Memory (RAM): 7.00 GB
System Type: 64-bit
O/S: Vista Home Premium

Questions:

How do I figure out what the power source is?

How do I determine what kind of interface the computer is using? SLI, DVI - I assume those are interface types??

How do I determine what card will fit into my computer? (one of the articles specifically warned to check this first!).

No idea how to determine what the case is

How do I know if I need to upgrade the fan (the GeForce 9300 tends to run "HOT" - not good) and if I do . . . all the above questions will apply to this.

Meltie

Click to expand...

First of all, your computer is gaming standard, you dont need to worry about it not being able to cope.

your full computer specs can be found herehttp://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsuppor...d=3740330&prodTypeId=12454&objectID=c01469325 includingthe motherboard specs.

Question 1: How do I figure out what the power source is?

this info is on the page i linked to, your power supply is 350W which is barely capable of running your current hardware, so a new graphics card will tip the scales in regards to enough power, most new graphics cards are powered externally via the power supply, the power supply needs to have 2 PCI-E molex connectors on it(some graphics cards come with adaptors incase you only have 1 or none).

Question 2: How do I determine what kind of interface the computer is using? SLI, DVI - I assume those are interface types??

SLI is Nvidia's multiple GPU technology where you can use 2 cards together to work in unison with each other, your motherboard doesn't support this, DVI is the connection type to the monitor, most people use VGA on old CRT monitors, but newer monitors use DVI or even HDMi.

Question 3: How do I determine what card will fit into my computer? (one of the articles specifically warned to check this first!).

The interface for your computer is PCI-Express, this is what you need for an up to date graphics card.

Question 4: No idea how to determine what the case is

your case is a mid-size ATX, it should be big enough for a mid-range card, but exact measurements are not always accurate as you need to consider obstructions (hard drives, cabling).

Question 5: How do I know if I need to upgrade the fan (the GeForce 9300 tends to run "HOT" - not good) and if I do . . . all the above questions will apply to this.

even though the cards do run hot, thats what they are designed to do, if you do decide to get a card without a fan (ZOTAC love forgetting to put a fan on), then the interior of your PC will be toasty, the fans on most cards are sufficient to keep it cool, hope this helps

MrNeeds

This was extremely helpful. Thank you!!!

I'm still letting this sink in . . . given that, here are some of my thoughts. Please let me know what you think.

1. Sounds like I should increase the power source given I intend to upgrade the Graphics Card . . . unless the card itself is powered externally. I've always been told it is bad for the computer to run too hot as it risks damaging components.

Am I understanding this correctly and do you agree?
If the answer to the above is "yes", what size power source should I look into?

2. Slot Dimensions: I have the original card that was in the computer. Is it safe to simply measure that card? As I recall from the first upgrade, there was not a lot of clutter inside. If not, I'll open the machine and take a "hard" dimension

3. Recommendations: Given the above and the information on my system, can you offer me some guidance on what series of card(s) I should look at. I won't hold anyone responsible for "my" choice, just need a little more direction and wondering what everyone's personal preference for themselves is.

I am partial to Nvidia based on performance to date and their customer service. Had an issue with the registration of the upgraded card when it failed (it happens) and their assistance was stellar. In other words, they made it right when "technically", they didn't have to.

Aside: When I originally upgraded the card, I went for add'l RAM, thinking I would never have to upgrade the card again for the life of the computer. What was I thinking!! LOL This computer's use is 85% gaming.

Thanks guys. I know I'm in good hands.

I'll await your thoughts.

Meltie

Yes heats right bad, but systems shugt down to save themselves.

For nvidia cards, their max temp is 110C. I run my 24/7 at 85-87C all just fine.

I think a good starting point would be to install a fan on the side panel. From the pics I've seen, you can easily pop one there.

Find out the spacing of any holes and that'll be the fan size.

This should fix the "Heat" issue for about 10 bucks.

For a new card, Youre looking for a Nvidia 240/440 card. Theyre spec'd for 300W psu, and will be nicer than the 9300.

I'd still recommend though you get your temps down with a side fan.