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    best gpu upgrade for price/performance

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Ajbeagles, Jul 28, 2011.

  1. Ajbeagles

    Ajbeagles Notebook Evangelist

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    Ok this computer is gonna be gaming but not extreme just hoping to atleast be able to run guild wars 2 at atleast low-medium setting and counter strike source

    the specs of it are
    AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 4600+ dual core processor with AMD64 Technology ■Operates at 2.4 GHz
    ■2000 MHz system bus
    ■512 KB ×2 L2 cache

    2.5 GB ddr ram

    nvidia 6100 128mb

    300 watt power supply

    •One PCI-Express ×16
    •One PCI-E ×1
    •Two PCI Conventional

    now with all that being said what would be the best graphic card for price/performance that can fit in there and that would run those above games? also is the cpu good enough to probably run the game?
    thanks a lot
     
    Ajbeagles, Jul 28, 2011
    #1
  2. hockeymass

    hockeymass that one guy

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    Is it a desktop?
     
    hockeymass, Jul 28, 2011
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  3. Ajbeagles

    Ajbeagles Notebook Evangelist

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    yes it is, i know theres desktop review but this place is quicker to respond and has better answers imo
     
    Ajbeagles, Jul 28, 2011
    #3
  4. serialk11r

    serialk11r Notebook Consultant

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    The CPU might be a bit of a bottleneck, unfortunately socket AM2 processors are rather old :( I am not sure what the best AM2 processor you can get, probably an Athlon X2 6000+. I just finally started parting my E6400 core 2 duo system and that cpu was definitely noticeably slower than modern offerings.

    GTX460 is a very good bang for the upgrade right now in terms of video though.
     
    serialk11r, Jul 28, 2011
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  5. Ajbeagles

    Ajbeagles Notebook Evangelist

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    Ajbeagles, Jul 28, 2011
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  6. EchoShade

    EchoShade Notebook Evangelist

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    I think the most powerful GPU you could put in there with that PSU is an 8600 GT which maxes at 47 watts or something equivalent. The 5670 uses 61 watts so you may be cutting it too closely. The Athlon, regardless of how old it is, should be able to run the games you listed. Just make sure you can offer enough amps on the 12V rails.
     
    EchoShade, Jul 28, 2011
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  7. Ajbeagles

    Ajbeagles Notebook Evangelist

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    Ajbeagles, Jul 28, 2011
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  8. lloose

    lloose Notebook Guru

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    That 4550 will be an upgrade over your 6100, but it still wont give very good results in modern games. I would honestly go for a 5670 or even a 5770. If you buy off of amazon or newegg, you can get a lot more card for your money. You are paying a huge premium if you buy from a big store like best buy.

    Here are a few recommendations for <$100 that will give you big gains without being too bottle necked by your cpu.

    XFX 5670 - $80

    GTS 250 - $95

    Asus 6670 - $100
    ^This is my card of choice in the price range. Plenty of power for modern games AND less than $100.
     
    lloose, Jul 29, 2011
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  9. Ajbeagles

    Ajbeagles Notebook Evangelist

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    a 300w power suppy wouldnt work with those would it?
     
    Ajbeagles, Jul 29, 2011
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  10. Ajbeagles

    Ajbeagles Notebook Evangelist

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    Also i can just upgrade the psu if it doesnt work when i buy it, but does anyone know if the above posters Asus 6670 card would fit inside of a gateway GM5088. This is the computer in question and i know it has the pci e slot for it but i just want to know if the casing will allow it to fit inside. all your help is appreciated :)
     
    Ajbeagles, Jul 29, 2011
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  11. serialk11r

    serialk11r Notebook Consultant

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    In that case you might want to switch the power supply, it's like 35 bucks for a relatively good quality 380/400/430W or something. A 5770 is very good on power, a 5750 is even better. I'd say those are very good bang for the buck. If you go older, they tend to not be very good deals. A 4770 is good if you can find one, it's still on the 40nm process.

    I'd really try to find a slightly faster cpu, just because that one is soooo slow lol.
     
    serialk11r, Jul 29, 2011
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  12. Ajbeagles

    Ajbeagles Notebook Evangelist

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    Ajbeagles, Jul 29, 2011
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  13. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Guys, this is a notebook forum. Please take discussions to desktopreview.com :)
     
    Pitabred, Jul 29, 2011
    #13