Jaege Posted December 18, 2013 Share Posted December 18, 2013 I would like to upgrade the graphics capabilities of my game and would like some input as to what I may need. New video card, upgrade the power supply, more memory whatever, short of buying a whole new computer. Its a Christmas gift so I have some leeway as to how much I can spend. I am using an HP Pavillion Slimline, and I think it has a 250watt power supply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bben46 Posted December 18, 2013 Share Posted December 18, 2013 The slimline is a small form factor computer with not many options for upgrades. The power supply is proprietary and a non standard shape. :rolleyes: So you may have to do some googling to find a source. As for the video card, you will need one that fits that small size case - Typically a half high. BUT, you are limited in length also - be sure to check to see if the card you are interested in will actually fit before dropping a pile of cash. As for memory - That is probably the easiest - although you may have to just replace what is there instead of just adding to it. Video showing what is involved here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFyeXvqkAMUBe sure to check to see if the RAM you are interested in is the proper type for your computer first Here is a link to a video on replacing the power supply that may help. That one board you see is the video card, you can see just how tight a fit it is in that case. My suggestion is if you want to get into upgrading hardware, get a full size case. The guts from the slimline can be installed in the larger case. And it can use a standard power supply - and will allow a full size video card also. Nearly any standard size case can accept the mini ATX Motherboard you have. The hard drive and DVD will mount easy in the bigger case as they are actually standard sizes. I have an oversize case because the video card I have was tight even in a full size case. :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjornl Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Tossing good money at a this sort of system is money wasted. The small form-factor means you'll be coping with THAT rather then buying the best 'bang for the buck' in upgrades. Save your money until you can buy a new pc. But just in case you are planning to win the lottery in the next few months and don't mind poorly spent upgrade dollars... the video card you need to look for is a low-profile 7750 http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/HD_7750/24.html But I am strongly recommending that you do NOT do that. Browse NewEgg or your favorite hardware site. You can put together a very snappy computer with out selling off body parts and the end result will be a much more up-gradable system the next time you do this. tomshardware.com has several builds (system configurations) they build from time to time. Look there and settle on a level you want and start shopping... or better still contact someone with the technical training to advice you and build it for you. Most places do not charge more then 100 bucks to assemble and test a PC. Money well spent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaege Posted December 19, 2013 Author Share Posted December 19, 2013 Thanks for the answers. Although what I meant was, will having more memory really help me? Do I need to upgrade the video card (and the power supply)? I already have a non-factory video card, just cant remember what it is off the top of my head. It is about 5ish years old though so I am sure somewhat outdated. And bjornl, I understand your point of upgrading the whole system, but my present one runs the game just fine, and does everything I want it to. I am more of a "pick-up truck" gamer so do not really need a Lamborghini computer. I would just like to have better "tires" and "shocks". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bjornl Posted December 19, 2013 Share Posted December 19, 2013 Jaege, Not suggesting you get a sports car. If your present computer does it for you, stay with it. No need to upgrade. Your truck analogy falls apart a little since you're not really buying sports cars or trucks... unless you want include specialty built gaming PCs (sports car) with a specialty built workstation (truck), but both of those are HIGH end. I advocated middle to lowend but upgradable. Your present PC is no truck. It is more like a Pinto made from knock-off parts. New shocks and such mean buying stuff compatible with your locked in system and will result in a locked in system with a slightly nicer bit here and there. For example, the two weakest links are the powersupply and the funky case size. The way to make meaningful upgrades is to use your PC until it no longer meets your need and then replace it with one better designed to your long term goals. Have a nice day,Bjorn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaege Posted December 20, 2013 Author Share Posted December 20, 2013 LOL. Pinto huh? That made me laugh. I take your meaning. Hmm. I will have to give your suggestion some more thought. It could be cheaper in the long run to go that route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MatthewRuthless Posted December 20, 2013 Share Posted December 20, 2013 I bought the X51, worst decision ever. Seriously, Just get a full tower or more. If there are components you can salvage then switch them over. But in this day and age, id say spare 1500$ tops on a new pc if you can, you know, motherboard, gpu, everything, roughly 1500. And if you have the money, you can get the best parts, although with the next gen of consoles up ahead ( i know) , maybe the requirements margin for games will rise rapidly. Anyways best of luck to you. On another note, ASUS sells a GPU for Small Form Factors. Depending on you motherboard, assuming its a mini atx, this could work for you. http://www.asus.com/Graphics_Cards/GTX670DCMOC2GD5/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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