Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Quetion about upgrading computer

Mar 25, 2016 1:11AM PDT

I have a hp pro3500 series that fell into my lap. I currently can't afford to build a full rig but I can put some money into upgrading. I have a NVIDIA geforce gt 740 1gb Graphics card and 8gb ram that came in the computer. I want to be able to play black desert and some other games on decent fps where I don't have to completely dumb down the graphics if possible. I have no clue what my mobo is and realize that I will have to upgrade my psu as well. I don't know much about computers but if someone could help me in the right direction would love it. These are my specs.

Cpu: I5-3470
Ram: 8GB
GPU: NVIDIA Geforce 740 1gb
OS: Windows 7 professional 64bit

Post was last edited on March 25, 2016 1:26 AM PDT

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
You're right about the GPU.
Mar 25, 2016 8:11AM PDT

The missing detail is the Power Supply. If it's stock see if the Nvidia 950 fits. You can see the uptick by using GPUBOSS.com

- Collapse -
I don't know
Mar 28, 2016 8:45PM PDT

I don't know what my psu is. Sorry

- Collapse -
The PSU detail is on the PSU.
Mar 28, 2016 9:17PM PDT
- Collapse -
300 watt psu
Mar 28, 2016 9:36PM PDT

Opened it up and it says a 300 watt psu

- Collapse -
The other details are needed.
Mar 28, 2016 9:59PM PDT

The sticker tells me if the +12V rail is split or single. I can't use Watts alone.

- Collapse -
Sorry trying to get a decent photo of it for you
Mar 28, 2016 11:55PM PDT
- Collapse -
I see a dual rail +12V (a and b)
Mar 29, 2016 8:29AM PDT

The a rail is 12 Amperes and the b rail is 16A.

Since I can't fine the old GPU power after a few searches I'm going to use it's TDP of 64 Watts and call it 6 Amperes on the +12V rail (which I can't tell as its split.)

So if we keep the same PSU http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gigabyte-geforce-gtx-950-xtreme-gaming,4365-4.html let's use the predicted 950 maximum power (which varies with model.) The max was 135 Watts or 11 and change Amperes. This is far too close to that rail A's rating.

If you don't change the PSU you'll stick with the 750. Why?
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-750-ti-review,3750-21.html finds the 750 turning in the just under 70 Watts which is the same as the prior card.

HOWEVER the bump in performance may be too small to justify this move.

Compare your old and new GPU at GPUBOSS.com

Post was last edited on March 29, 2016 8:30 AM PDT

- Collapse -
I'm willing the change the psu
Mar 29, 2016 12:24PM PDT

Im willing to put a bit more into my computer to get a better performance. I'd like to know what you would recommend to do. I'd like to be able to play black desert with decent fps that doesn't require me to completely crap on the graphics I'm more than willing to turn them down. I just hate that right now i have to turn it to very low and everything looks terrible.

- Collapse -
The 300W would have worked IMO
Mar 29, 2016 12:33PM PDT

If the +12V was a single rail but it was not so we're stuck. You can see the bump up from the 740, 750 and to the 950 at GPUBOSS so you can see what's what.

So the PSU looks standard, just shop for some 400 or higher but watch out for split rails.

- Collapse -
Same Person different account
Mar 29, 2016 2:42PM PDT

I login using facebook but my work blocks it so I just made a new account to ask. If you were going to recommend PSU and GPU upgrade to have better performace and play BDO what would you say is my best bet money not being an issue just so I can see my options

- Collapse -
My advice
Mar 29, 2016 3:39PM PDT
- Collapse -
Thank you
Mar 29, 2016 4:24PM PDT

Thank you so much for answering all my stupid questions you have been super helpful!!

- Collapse -
That's the model we are looking for.
Mar 29, 2016 8:19PM PDT

950, 2GB, DDR5. Check!

- Collapse -
Answer
Gaming
Mar 25, 2016 10:27AM PDT
- Collapse -
THANK YOU!
Mar 28, 2016 11:27AM PDT

Thanks you very much!

- Collapse -
One last question
Mar 28, 2016 11:39AM PDT

Which model should I be going for?

- Collapse -
If you can swing it and the PSU is up to it
Mar 28, 2016 11:57AM PDT

My nod is to the 950 2GB DDR5 model. You can see why at gpuboss.com

If you are truly stuck, shop the 750's

- Collapse -
MY PSU would work with this card?
Mar 28, 2016 8:43PM PDT

Sorry as the title asks this would work with my PSU? I apologize I'm extremely new to this

- Collapse -
Model?
Mar 28, 2016 11:59AM PDT

What do you mean by model?

Is there a problem with the card I linked to?

- Collapse -
Model
Mar 28, 2016 8:41PM PDT

no it just shows up with 3 options of card the ti sc and something else so i was wondering if one > other and which one to use

- Collapse -
Model
Mar 28, 2016 8:49PM PDT

Stay with the SC model.

- Collapse -
Apperciated
Mar 28, 2016 9:36PM PDT

Thank you very much