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

Upgrading My HP ENVY h8-1513c

Apr 8, 2018 1:39PM PDT

Thanks for the help in advance!

I have assembled a couple barebone kits before, but I am a bit ignorant about this stuff. Typically use my computer for games, I play a lot of Kerbal Space Program and would also love to get a VR set up someday.

I have a HP ENVY h8-1513c, https://support.hp.com/my-en/document/c03635878 , Its been a really good system for me, but I was finally looking to upgrade. I originally thought I was going to get a brand new set up. However after a little browsing I dont think I can do a whole lot better on a budget ( $1k or less). So now I'm thinking about making some upgrades but am not sure what I should buy.

- I know I need to get a new graphics card, but Im not sure how I'm limited by my power supply or processor. Looks like a I have a PCI Express x16 Gen 3.0 slot. Does this mean that I am limited to a DDR3 card? Does anyone have any good recommendations for around $300

- I was also thinking I need to get a SSD to install my games onto, only a couple hundred gig's or so

- I dont think I need to get any more memory, I dont think its ever been a bottleneck for me

- I've never overclocked before, but I would consider getting a liquid cooler and trying it. I play a lot of KSP so I think more processing power would be the biggest benefit.


I would really appreciate links to products that would be a good upgrade and compatible with my system. Thanks so much for the help and advice!

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
Since CPU ram type does not dictate GPU ram type.
Apr 8, 2018 2:10PM PDT

Can I ask why you think you can't use a DDR5 (typical) GPU? I ask because I see this question come up and wonder how folk get this (incorrect) idea.

- Collapse -
That's why I'm asking...
Apr 8, 2018 2:36PM PDT

I actually posted this because I in-fact don't know and was looking for advice.

- Collapse -
Still would be interesting to find out
Apr 9, 2018 8:35AM PDT

Where folk get the idea from that the RAM used by the CPU has to be the same type as the GPU.

It's an odd idea and many of us want to know where that idea came from. And yes, it's false.

- Collapse -
Answer
Upgrade
Apr 9, 2018 1:47AM PDT

Shop for a gtx 1050ti.

If the budget allows bump that up to a gtx 1060 the 6GB model.

The ram type on the gpu is not dependent on any other system parts.

- Collapse -
Thanks!
Apr 18, 2018 6:24PM PDT

Thanks Bob! Installing a GTX 1060 now!

- Collapse -
Answer
SSD and SSHD
Apr 10, 2018 4:37AM PDT

Hi mattjt16, on behalf of the possible purchase of a SSD, we would like to recommend you our Nytro SSD. They are reliable, fast and available in the capacity of your need. Also, we would like to introduce you to our SSHD's the FireCuda, they are optimized for gaming and are a combination of the high capacity of an HDD and the speed of the SSD.
Have fun with your upgraded PC!

Seagate Technology | Official Forums Team

IronWolf Drives for NAS Applications
SkyHawk Drives for Surveillance Applications
BarraCuda Drives for PC and Gaming