Graphics Card suggestions plz!

[Bathory]

Hello friends

So I just got a new computer, nothing fancy, does everything I need it to. But! I'm sure the graphics card could be a lot better. Now I don't need anything brand new, but I would like something besides the factory. Maybe within the 200$ range.

Would anyone have some suggestions? I've been looking at the upgrades on the front page but I have NO idea what any of the spec information means. I also don't know much about graphics cards so, be gentle.

Specs

Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.110408-1633)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: SX2841
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) CPU
G6951 @ 2.80GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Memory: 6144MB RAM
OS Memory: 5944MB RAM
Page File: 2281MB used, 9602MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode


Display settings

Card name: Intel(R) HD Graphics
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) HD Graphics (Pentium)
DAC type: Internal
Display Memory: 1696 MB
Dedicated Memory: 64 MB
Shared Memory: 1632 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (75Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: IBM L171
Monitor Id: IBM24C9
Native Mode: 1280 x 1024(p) (75.025Hz)
Output Type: HD15
Driver Name: igdumd64.dll,igd10umd64.dll,igdumdx32,igd10umd32
Driver File Version: 8.15.0010.2202 (English)
Driver Version: 8.15.10.2202
DDI Version: 10
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 8/25/2010 20:36:02, 6547968 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
Device Identifier: {D7B78E66-4302-11CF-0F7B-4E23B8C2C535}
Vendor ID: 0x8086
Device ID: 0x0042
SubSys ID: 0x03441025
Revision ID: 0x0018

[Wries]

Think we need more info here. I can directly say that's not a good buy for gaming but should be saved a little (or a lot) with a GPU. Does your PC (I assume pre-built) have a model name that we can google?

Main concern would be form factor or lack of a PCIe x16 port.

[ispano]

Yup, SFF computer, not really much room for anything decent.

[ComradeNorton]

Radeon 6870 is around $200 and will give good performance. Not sure if it will be able to run in your prebuilt computer because OEMs normally put PSUs in them that don't give a lot of headroom for upgrading to save money. That and if there is enough space inside it as well.

[Bathory]

Here's the model number

System Model: SX2841

Hrmm I haven't opened it up yet to see what I've got. Nor would I really know what I was looking at in the first place X . X

[ComradeNorton]

http://www.gateway.com/systems/product/529668741.php That? Yeah no way in hell anything is fitting inside that, PSU is only 220 watts too.

[Najja]

I didn't even realize PSUs that weak were still being used O_o

[BicycleMafioso]

I didn't even realize PSUs that weak were still being used O_o

No need to be like that. Laptop-PSUs are usually 90-120w.

And as for my HTPC, I'm still undecided as to whether I should go with a 130w or even lower. I'm leaning on a lower passively cooled one.
EDIT: My point is, there's a market for it. A system with an integrated GPU and a low TDP-CPU, you don't need more. And thus, you shouldn't have more.

[Wries]

If it is that Gateway PC linked then I'm afraid it's as good as it's ever going to be. Physically no room for getting in a graphics card. :/

Edit: Found out something interesting (link) about the processor. Heck technically it can be a LITTLE bit better Not that it should improve gaming performance that much.

[Bathory]

Yeah that's it

How disappointing

Ah well, I didn't really get it for gaming. Was hoping it would do both jobs though.

[TheMalphus]

It Appears you have integrated graphics, and there most likely is no slot for a dedicated graphics card. the new i5 and i7 cpu's come doubled with 1gig dedicated memory as well that will significantly boost that integrated chip u have tho. but they are not cheap : /

[c313]

That is an extremely small case, I don't see a 100>$ graphics card being able to fit in there

The PSU is also very low, only 220w. So even if you could get a decent GPU to fit inside of that computer, You're PSU probably will not even run it

Use that computer for what its meant for, Very light gaming and home / office work.

If you are / did expect heavy gaming on that PC id return it for a refund (if you can) and the money you get back from it + the 200$ you said you're willing to dish out for a GPU putt it torwards either a Gaming prebuilt like this http://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-Cyberpo..._fb_revshr_001

Or buy the parts you're self and make it

[Wries]

the new i5 and i7 cpu's come doubled with 1gig dedicated memory as well that will significantly boost that integrated chip u have tho. but they are not cheap : /

This is incorrect on many levels. There is no 1gig dedicated memory for the IGP on new i5 and i7's. And even if there were, graphics memory in itself is not worth much for gaming unless it's tied with a good graphics chip (and Intel HD2000/3000 could pretty much be classified as "meh") and has good speed.

You can't put a current-gen i5 or i7 in this socket 1156 PC. It wouldn't work. Also the Intel HD IGP it currently has IS integrated with the CPU, so if you replace the CPU you better get a CPU with a better IGP, on which for this socket there are none, bar perhaps a GPU clock speed increase on higher end 1156 chips.

I often come off sounding rude but I assure you I'm not (very) mad I'm just telling info as I see it