new video card for girlfriends computer

Sorry to bug you guys with one of these questions, but its for my gf so what the heck.

I'd like to get her a video card and power supply for under 300$ at the most that can play Sims 3 maxed and other current games well. The best the system can hold.

Here's the info:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01549571&cc=ca&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_R1002_CAEN

Any help would be awesome. I'm also canadian, so if you know any good deals up here even better.

Thanks.

5750 and a 500 watt powersupply just because you'll never have to worry about power problems that way. although if she doesn't know anything about electronics, 350 watt powersupply and use the rest of that for an ssd, and move all her program onto it. she'll think your a god cause suddenly everything loads super fast. however that may lead her to think it's the graphics card and want a 5970....

The problem is that power suppy. I wouldn't buy anything less than a 500W power supply and a 9800gt. You could get both for around $150 USD, maybe less with rebates.

farrell2k

would a xfx 4870 fit and run well? and can you guys give a couple of examples of PSs? thanks

[QUOTE="farrell2k"]

The problem is that power suppy. I wouldn't buy anything less than a 500W power supply and a 9800gt. You could get both for around $150 USD, maybe less with rebates.

12345678ew

It's a 250W PSU, and I doubt the 12V rail has the 10-or-so amps needed to power a 5750.

Can anyone see if a dual slot card'd fit in the case/mobo? If not what's a good single slot card?

Can anyone see if a dual slot card'd fit in the case/mobo? If not what's a good single slot card?

DeadlySquall41

A dual-slot card will fit in the mobo, but I don't know about the case. If it's a typical mid-tower, anything up to the length of a 4870/GTS 250 should be fine. Don't quote me on that, though. In terms of a video card, I would recommend a 5750 as well, as it is equivalent to the 9800gt/4830. Granted, you could go for those cards as they are cheaper, but the 5750 does support DX11, which can potentially become a staple in future games. Also, the card should satisfy your gf's gaming needs for a while considering she plays games like The Sims.

In terms of a power supply, the Corsair 400CX, Coolermaster Extreme Power 460W, or Antec Basiq 380W should suffice for your needs. The 5750 only requires on PCI-e connector, and considering its relatively low power consumption, those power supplies should be able to handle the video card upgrade.

Since you're in Canada, I would recommend NCIX, Newegg, PC Cyber, and Canada Computers for places to look. NCIX is my personal favourite, as 1) you can price match there, and 2) you can get a tax break from buying from them (5% compared to 13% for me, at least :D). And for price matching, you can use sites like Shopbot.ca, pricebat.ca, and pricecanada.ca in order to find the lowest prices of certain parts. Best of luck searching!

[QUOTE="DeadlySquall41"]

Can anyone see if a dual slot card'd fit in the case/mobo? If not what's a good single slot card?

ravenguard90

A dual-slot card will fit in the mobo, but I don't know about the case. If it's a typical mid-tower, anything up to the length of a 4870/GTS 250 should be fine. Don't quote me on that, though. In terms of a video card, I would recommend a 5750 as well, as it is equivalent to the 9800gt/4830. Granted, you could go for those cards as they are cheaper, but the 5750 does support DX11, which can potentially become a staple in future games. Also, the card should satisfy your gf's gaming needs for a while considering she plays games like The Sims.

In terms of a power supply, the Corsair 400CX, Coolermaster Extreme Power 460W, or Antec Basiq 380W should suffice for your needs. The 5750 only requires on PCI-e connector, and considering its relatively low power consumption, those power supplies should be able to handle the video card upgrade.

Since you're in Canada, I would recommend NCIX, Newegg, PC Cyber, and Canada Computers for places to look. NCIX is my personal favourite, as 1) you can price match there, and 2) you can get a tax break from buying from them (5% compared to 13% for me, at least :D). And for price matching, you can use sites like Shopbot.ca, pricebat.ca, and pricecanada.ca in order to find the lowest prices of certain parts. Best of luck searching!

The problem is that power suppy. I wouldn't buy anything less than a 500W power supply and a 9800gt. You could get both for around $150 USD, maybe less with rebates.

Ok so I think I found what I want.

card: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102865&cm_re=5750-_-14-102-865-_-Product

PS: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104954&cm_re=power_supply-_-17-104-954-_-Product

I measured the case and it has enough room for the video card.

Here's a picture I took of the comp: http://s751.photobucket.com/albums/xx157/heaven1nblack/?action=view¤t=DSC02608si.jpg

Are you sure it'll fit properly? (The cables are just in the way and can be shifted around.) Thanks again.

Looks good. I'm a little sketched out about the power supply, as the brand isn't well-known, but considering the number of good reviews it has, it should be fine. As for that video card, that price seems a little inflated, if you ask me. I took the liberty of looking around a bit, and found a cheaper 5750. I personally don't trust that site, however, so you can price match it on NCIX.com. Also, if you're willing to pay $10 more than the video card you chose, you can get a 5770 (price matching can be done for this as well). With that 5770, however, I would recommend this PSU. It has larger 12V rails, which is where the GPU gets its power from, and it's 80+ rated. I've used the Antec in a neighbour's build, and it works well.

ok, how about this?

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=24129&promoid=1065

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=46865&promoid=1065

everything work and have enough pins etc?

Yeah, that's good. Good PSU, good price on the video card... got a 'recommend' from me :P

thanks bud, you rock :)