[Very low PSU] Looking for a suitable GPU.

[AndrealphusVIII]

Hello all

 

I'm planning to buy my nephew a new GPU for his birthday. He's using a rather ancient one (GeForce 9600 GT 512 MB) at the moment. And I wanted to surprise him with a new one. From what I understand, he is using a very low PSU though (400 Watt). He's also using a PCI-E 2.0 x16, I don't know if that matters that much, but to sure I'm trying to get one that fits that slot.

 

I'm looking for one around € 100, € 150 being the absolute max. (roughly 150 - 200 USD). He think he's going to use it mostly for playing modded Skyrim. (Which I introduced him into.)

 

Any suggestions for a better GPU?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Kind regards

Andre

[blove]

GeForce GTX 650 Ti would be my recommendation for an unknown 400w power supply. You might be able to shoe-horn in a GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB, but I doubt it. Check that the power supply has a PCI-E 6pin plug. If not be sure to get a molex/sata to PCI-E 6pin adapter. Oh, be certain that the case will take a full height card.

 

Tom's Hardware: Best Graphics Cards For The Money: May 2013: Best PCIe Card: $130 To $220

 

Performance in Skyrim with similiar cards below.

 

Bit-Tech: Nvidia GeForce GTX 650 Ti Boost 2GB - Skyrim Performance

[Beriallord]

A no-name 400w PSU is barely cutting it for a 650 TI . And it will only work if that PSU has at least one 6 pin connector, if it doesn't then your options for a GPU upgrade aren't looking good.

 

On another note, you could always upgrade that PSU. I'm certain you could do an Nvida 650 TI + buy a PSU that could run it. Depends on what type of case/motherboard you got through. If its a micro-ATX + a mini tower you're probably screwed.

 

As far as which PSU brands are good? Antec and Corsair are probably the best.

 

Here is a decent one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

 

Providing you're not using a minitower. Dimensions 5.9"(W) x 3.4"(H) x 5.5"(L), if that will fit in your case it should work.

 

650 TI 2GB $144 after mailin rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130841

 

You would still be close to within your budget give a few $.

Edited June 11, 2013 by Beriallord

[bben46]

Before replacing the PSU - be sure the box has a standard sized PSU. Many low price systems have physically undersized or special shaped PSUs that are difficult to find replacements that fit. DELL is especially bad about this, but all of them do it. Then, does the original PSU have the proper connections for that board? there may be an adapter that you can use (molex to whatever) and the adapter may even be included in the box with the new video board. (check to be sure)

 

That said, replacing a PSU is one of the easier upgrades to do. :thumbsup:

 

Now, also look out for 'low profile ' cases when replacing video cards - if you do have a low profile case - be sure the replacement card is specifically marked FOR LOW PROFILE - or it will not fit. Most higher performance cards are NOT useable in a low profile case.

[AndrealphusVIII]

Update: My nephew is using a Recom Power Engine 450 Plus PSU. And there appears to be a PCI-E 6pin plug present.

[ziitch]

450W you say? Well, believe it or not, if you have a standard setup (one optical drive, one to two HDDs. 50-75W CPU) you should be able to use any card equal to or lower than a Nvidia X80 or AMD HD XX70 (X's replaced by the series). But, just be aware that you'll be limited to using only one GPU until you upgrade your PSU, and that some smaller PCs use a "slimline" or low profile slot setup, which drastically reduces your choices as you have to buy a graphics card that is designed for low profile cases.

Edited June 12, 2013 by ziitch

[TsukuneAono]

Seriously? 400W isn't that low. It's not that great, but it should get you by. I'm not sure why people need anything over 500W.

[Roguespear]

I am sorry, but 400 watts in an older system is probably only operating at 75 to 80 percent of what it was new, plus the quoted watts may not have been accurate. Any psu 500 watts or less should not really have anything over a stone stock NVidia 650. If your going to spend the bucks on a new video card don't cut your throat with a low powered psu. It will bite you in the rear eventually.