Which video card should I buy?

[Wojo731]

I'm essentially completely lacking in computer knowledge, I really don't know much. I can understand the basics and look things up, but beyond that I'm really not sure. I just picked up a new comp, Lenovo IdeaCentre K230, and I'm looking to upgrade the graphics card for gaming. Looking to spend about 200 bucks, give or take, but I really have no idea which to get. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

 

[jncaudio]

Nvidia GeForce GTX 285 - it is a top of the line card,and The GTX 285 is a 55nm version of the 280, which was a graphics powerhouse, but the 285 can be at good discount prices online.

You would have to check if it is compatible with the lenova you have.

 

[Wojo731]

As I said I don't have much computer knowledge, how can I check?

 

[redk]

Can you do me a favor, and go here, and pick out the one you bought?
http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...-category-id=D2FDAED29E674DE3ADAA85EBCC3FD4FB

 

[Rage_3K_Moiz]

You need a new PSU for the PC if you plan on a new card. Also,what resolution you game at will also matter, since getting a GTX 285 for a 19" screen is an absolute waste of cash. The HD 4830 or HD 4850 should be more-or-less within your budget along with a new PSU like the OCZ SXS500, Corsair 450VX or Antec EA500.

 

[Wojo731]

I have the IdeaCentre K230 - 53592EU.

 

[redk]

I can't find a concensus on the power supply located inside, or if it has PCI-E.
You'd have to open the left side panel, and give me the info off the box at the back/top of the case. Including wattage and amperage numbers.

Also, I'd need you to look for this port: (The PCI-E 16x long one)

 

[Wojo731]

My PSU is 280 Watts Max
and at +12v its 18A, +5v 16A.

If it helps I have 6gbs of DDR2 RAM, and an Intel Pentium E5200 Dual-Core Processor.

And I also took a pic of the inside of my comp, but in order to post it I need one more post.

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

the PCI-E x16 looks fine, but you will probably need a new power supply anyway depending on the quality of your current power supply.

What games did you want to play? And what level of graphical detail?

 

[Wojo731]

COD4, WoW on highest settings (arena and raiding), Left4Dead, Fallout 3. Hopefully a higher if not highest graphical detail.

I was looking at getting the XFX GeForce 9800 GTX + Video Card - 512MB DDR3, PCI Express 2.0 card wise,

and installing a Coolmax / CX-550B / Black / 550-Watt / ATX / 120mm Fan / SATA-Ready / 20/24-Pin / Power Supply

Whatcha think?

 

[hellokitty[hk]]

I think you should go with a CORSAIR CMPSU-400CX 400W ATX12V V2.2 80 PLUS Certified Compatible with Core i7 Power Supply - Retail power supply because it seems half the newegg reviews complain about their power supplies dying AND the powersupply has a low efficiency. The corsair is a much better choice.

Likewise, the 4870 512 should offer better performance at similar prices (last time I checked, but pricing is competitive) .

Try a SAPPHIRE 100259L Radeon HD 4870 512MB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Video Card - Retail

 

[Wojo731]

The power supply you recommended is only 400W, when the manufacturer's page for the vid card says it needs 500W minimum.

 

[redk]

Here's the 550 version of that PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

or this is a good one as well;
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182160

 

[Wojo731]

I'm going to go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

and the

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004

 

[redk]

Nice, let us know how it works out.