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Hi guys, Im new and have a question.

Post Date: 2012-04-01
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Redstyx View Drop Down
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Posts: 45 		  Quote Redstyx Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Topic: Hi guys, Im new and have a question.
    Posted: 01 Apr 2012 at 7:20pm
A guy I know from my gaming guild told me to ask you all for help.  I am no genius when it comes to computers.  I have a lower end, few years old computer.  I like to play Rift, but get lag and slow NPC rendering issues.  All I want to know is, can I upgrade my computer to a new card that I've found, or can someone recommend a card based on my info
 
Current Specs:
 
Windows Vista
2.20 GHz AMD Quad Core Processor
6 GB of RAM
300 Watt power supply (might this be the problem)
ATI Radeon 3200 HD Integrated graphics
 
PCI express x16 graphics card slot.
 
The card I found for only 90 dollars is the- AMD Radeon HD 6670 2GB DDR3, PCI Express 2.1 Card.
 
I am not sure the difference between 2.0 and x16, or if that card will work.
 
Can anyone please help me figure this out?
 
 
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Tidgxor View Drop Down
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Posts: 13000 		  Quote Tidgxor Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 01 Apr 2012 at 7:25pm
What is your motherboard? If your PCI express x16 is 2.0, then the 2.1 will work without any problems. If your slot is 1.0, then there will be issues. And yep, the 300w power supply is going to be an issue, though I doubt with the HD 6670, I think it maxes out under extreme duress (ie benchmarking) at around 125w. The big issue is that your system sounds like its OEM, which means your ability to upgrade might be severely hampered anyways. 
My Two Digital Storm Rigs: Mr. Bojangles (HAF-X, 2010) & Mrs. Bojingles (Bolt I, 2013).
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Redstyx View Drop Down
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Posts: 45 		  Quote Redstyx Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 01 Apr 2012 at 7:43pm
Originally posted by Tidgxor

What is your motherboard? If your PCI express x16 is 2.0, then the 2.1 will work without any problems. If your slot is 1.0, then there will be issues. And yep, the 300w power supply is going to be an issue, though I doubt with the HD 6670, I think it maxes out under extreme duress (ie benchmarking) at around 125w. The big issue is that your system sounds like its OEM, which means your ability to upgrade might be severely hampered anyways. 
 
I'm a bit worried that it is OEM, not that it would shock me.
 
The motherboard is an MSI MS-7548.  These are the copy and paste specs:
 
  • Manufacturer: MSI
  • Form factor: micro-ATX-24.4 cm (9.6 inches) x 24.4 cm (9.6 inches)
  • Chipset: AMD 780G
  • Memory sockets: 4 x DDR2
  • Front side bus speeds: Up to 5200MT/s (5.2 GT/s)
  • Processor socket: AM2+
  • Expansion Slots:
    • 1 PCI Express x16 graphics card slot
    • 3 PCI Express x1 slots
    • Thanks for your help by the way :-)
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    Tidgxor View Drop Down
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    Posts: 13000     		  Quote Tidgxor Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 02 Apr 2012 at 1:31pm
    Well, I've done some digging. And it looks like this card will probably work for you. Are you using the Aspen revision of that mobo? Basically, is your computer an HP or not? Also, what resolution is your monitor (this matters for wattage reasons). 
    My Two Digital Storm Rigs: Mr. Bojangles (HAF-X, 2010) & Mrs. Bojingles (Bolt I, 2013).
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    Redstyx View Drop Down
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    Posts: 45     		  Quote Redstyx Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 02 Apr 2012 at 3:37pm
    Originally posted by Tidgxor

    Well, I've done some digging. And it looks like this card will probably work for you. Are you using the Aspen revision of that mobo? Basically, is your computer an HP or not? Also, what resolution is your monitor (this matters for wattage reasons). 
     
    I appreciate your looking into this for me.  Yes it is an Aspen, and an HP.  I didn't mention the brand only because I was unsure if that is frowned upon on a forum run by a superior computer maker.
     
    My Monitor is a 22" Flat Wide-screen, Flat Panel with HDMI support.  It is 1680x1050 resolution.  Also an HP (was a package) model # w2207h.
     
    I have been getting a complete computer freeze and occasional computer shut down about twice a month lately.  Could this be related to the 300 watt power supply.  I am wondering if it is upgradeable....
     
    Thanks again for your help.  Hope this info is what you need to diagnose the issue.
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    Tidgxor View Drop Down
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    Posts: 13000     		  Quote Tidgxor Quote  Post ReplyReply bullet Posted: 03 Apr 2012 at 3:24pm
    The freeze, that could really be a lot of things, way too many to address here. It could be PSU related though, and yes the PSU should most likely be capable of being upgraded. The only issue with these oldish systems is that as soon as you upgrade one thing, then the next needs to be upgraded to take advantage of the prior upgrade, and eventually you've spent way way more than the rig itself is worth. If you can find a compatible PSU for your Mobo, for a good price, I'd shoot for the 400-500w range, as that would guarantee no problems. The issue with your current PSU is that its probably bargin-bin hardware, its not really a bad thing for basic users, as it keeps the cost low, but for gamers like yourself it can be problematic because low-quality PSUs do not handle wattage spikes as well, nor are they as efficient in general.

    If you had some way of measuring the draw of your current system while under load, a voltmeter, or a UPS, anything that shows the pull, that could help a lot. Do you happen to have anything like that lying around?

    Oh and, as for brands, I know Alex sometimes bleeps them out, but in this case you are talking about a massive manufacturer outside of the gaming sector, plus, you're having issues with the machine, and the manufacturer helps us find out hardware info, so I wouldn't worry too much Big%20Smile


    Edited by Tidgxor - 03 Apr 2012 at 3:26pm
    My Two Digital Storm Rigs: Mr. Bojangles (HAF-X, 2010) & Mrs. Bojingles (Bolt I, 2013).
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