Graphics upgrade on a desktop. Need some help :)

Hi every one ! 

   I want to upgrade my desktop, to have better graphics.

Here is my specs:
 - Gateway LX6810-01 [Here is a link for all specs (my RAM is different than the webpage) : http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-lx-6810-01/4507-3118_7-33513654.html]
 - CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz (socket 775 LGA 45nm)
 - RAM: 2GB DRR2 PC2-6400 400MHz [Virtual: 4GB]
 - Motherboard: Gateway FMCP7AM [Chipset nVidia nForce 730i PCI]
 - GPU: nVidia GeForce GT120 - 1GB GDDR2 PCI Express x16 (Average idle temperature 66 deg C)

Actually I would like to upgrade to the GDDR5, and DDR3... But is it possible with my motherboard?
I want to get a better FPS on the latest games

And at the same time, I'm making research on how hardware is compatible, and any advise would be really appreciated.
I'm looking to upgrade with something good, and relatively at a good pricing

Thank's for all of you ! 

Get 2GB more RAM, You'll notice an imrovement there right away.

Get 2GB more RAM, You'll notice an imrovement there right away.

/Agree

The other thing to look at is the PSU. According to your link you have a 400W PSU which is very borderline for a mid-high range PCI-e card, any may or may not have the applicable PCI-e power connector. (6 or 8 pin)

You would need to find out what connectors it has and the Amp ratings on the 12V rails (Usually printed on a sticker on the side.

As for upgrading to DDR3 RAM you will need a new motherboard that supports it. Yours supports DDR2 only and the spec sheet for it linked says you have 1 slot total with one free  so it is very difficult to determine how much RAM you can actually install into the machine. The graphics card carries its own RAM controller so a GDDR5 graphics card will run just fine, with enough power from the PSU of course 

Ok,
So I have to get an extra 2GB RAM, but only DDR2 is compatible.

And how about an nVidia Geforce GT440.... that's the cheapest 1GB DDR5 I've found

But doing that... is it going to improve my gaming performances a lot? or just a little bit ?

And according to that Power Supply calculator, I need a 650W
http://support.asus.com/powersupply.aspx

Does it sounds right ?

I'm thinking about this 4GB PC2-6400 DDR2 RAM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-4GB-4x1GB-Memory-Dell-Inspiron-530-PC2-6400-DDR2-/300544221398?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f9d4e0d6
[By the way: Do I have to get only PC2-6400 ram?]

Or this 2GB DDR2 RAM PC2-6400
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2GB-DDR2-PC2-6400-PC6400-LOW-DENSITY-240-pin-800Mhz-RAM-/330600730953?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4cf956d149

And this graphic card nVidia GeForce GT440 1GB GDDR5
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Asus-nVidia-GeForce-GT440-1GB-DDR5-VGA-DVI-HDMI-PCI-Express-Video-Card-/380380645484?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item589074086c
[Do you know any graphic card with 1GB DDR5 cheaper than this one?]

+a 650W power supply

You would need to find out what connectors it has and the Amp ratings on the 12V rails (Usually printed on a sticker on the side.

On the motherboard there is a 4 pin 12v connector.
I've found some 650W power supplies with the same connectors. But you are talking about the amp...
What do I have to look for? Do I have to check the amp that motherboard needs, and compare it to the power supply?

Thank you a lot for your help! 

Your videocard runs way too hot, you'll have to invest in better cooling before buying an even faster videocard. Is there a fan blowing air in and out of the case?

Judging from Google images, there aren't.

Your videocard runs way too hot, you'll have to invest in better cooling before buying an even faster videocard. Is there a fan blowing air in and out of the case?

Judging from Google images, there aren't.

There is not...
Only a CPU Fan... and the graphic card has it's own small mounted Fan on the card.

But there is no FAN blowing air in and out of the case...

Yours supports DDR2 only and the spec sheet for it linked says you have 1 slot total with one free  so it is very difficult to determine how much RAM you can actually install into the machine

There is 4 Slots on the motherboard for the RAM, two are yellow, and two are blue,

For now I have only one 2Gb RAM stick

By the way, why are they colored like that? (Two by two) ?

That's most likely a Dual Channel designator. Put two identical sticks in the similarly coloured slots and you'll enable dual channel.
If you put RAM in the other slot, it'll disable dual channel mode. Although it might turn it back on if all four RAM sticks are identical.

Could also be to let the user know that one slot accepts a different type of memory but the former is much more likely. Can't find your mainboard manual so I can't verify this.

You should get to installing one fan that blows air out (from the back) and one fan that blows air in (the front). That should lower case temperature and increase hardware longevity and stability. It's an absolute minimum requirement for any gaming machine.

Once that is done, you should make sure the PSU is capable of handling the videocard you planned on installing.
The GT440 will no doubt give you a performance boost.

I'd go with AMD/ATI, personally. XFX has an excellent line of videocards.

I'd go with AMD/ATI, personally. XFX has an excellent line of videocards.

Which one would you recommend ?

I want to go 1Gb DDR5, or keep mine.... (Is it a good idea?)

About the 66 deg C idle temperature: an extra FAN would lower that temperature ?

and would a 650W PSU enough?

It will most likely save a few degrees. Especially during warm days. There's almost no air flow in and out of your case except for what goes through the PSU. And that shouldn't have to cool the rest of the system.

I think the HD 6770 would be a good budget gaming card. It's up-to-date and it's DirectX11 ready. Which your current card is not.
Whether that is important is up to you and your gaming habits.

I still use a 5770 and it suits pretty much all my gaming needs.

650W should be enough. You can calculate wattage usage here: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp
Make certain it has the right connectors for the videocard as mentioned before.

Make certain it has the right connectors for the videocard as mentioned before.

Ok, But I'm looking online... And where can I find what connector is on the graphic card?
For example here is a good AD that gives many specs about the card... but where is the connector?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-XFX-HD677XZNLC-ATI-Radeon-HD-6770-1GB-GDDR5-PCI-E-2-/150735111000?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item2318834358

Requirements
External Power - 6-Pins:1
Minimum Power Supply Requirement:500 Watt
XFX Recommended Power Supply:XFX 550W PSU

http://xfxforce.com/en-us/Products/Graphics-Cards/ATI/AMD-Radeon-HD-6000-Series/AMD-Radeon-HD-6770.aspx

XFX has different versions of the same card. Some come with different connectors than others, make sure that you're taking the one that you need for your monitor set up. The one you have chosen seems to have one DVI, one VGA and no HDMI.

By the way, it may be way above your budget but I'd go for the Cooler Master Silent Pro M600.
Mainly because it comes with a five year warranty (In Europe, at least). It also comes with the 6-pin connector that you need.

XFX has different versions of the same card. Some come with different connectors than others, make sure that you're taking the one that you need for your monitor set up. The one you have chosen seems to have one DVI, one VGA and no HDMI.

actually it says in the describtion:

HDMI Yes
DVI Yes
VGA Yes
Number of VGA Output 1
Number of DVI Output 1
Number of HDMI Output 1

650W should be enough. You can calculate wattage usage here: http://extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp

It tells me I need 329W only... I must have done something wrong...

It tells me I need 329W only... I must have done something wrong...

Did you set system load to 90% and capacitor aging to 30-40%? That gives you a reasonable indication of what it'll look like in a year or two time that you've been using the machine. PSU performance might degrade due to heat.

(Hence the reason you also need to install two fans. I'd go with Zalman fans. The bigger, the better. Measure the mounting holes first.)

And yes, I see the videocard has HDMI. Good of you to notice. However, there are also videocards with dual DVI which may be more interesting if you want to run two modern LCD monitors in the future.

Did you set system load to 90% and capacitor aging to 30-40%?

load 90%, and aging 40%: it comes up with 441W

(Hence the reason you also need to install two fans. I'd go with Zalman fans. The bigger, the better. Measure the mounting holes first.)

the back of the tower can hold the bigger fan 120x120mm, but the front of the tower can hold only a small fan 80x80mm

load 90%, and aging 40%: it comes up with 441W

I guess you could, in theory, get away with a 500W PSU. Which is also the minimum recommended for the 6770.
You could also try a 100% load, see where that puts you.

I'd play it safe and get 600W.

As for the fans:

I'd play it safe and get 600W.

ok, I go for a 600W

But i've had nVidia for every computer i ran so far... i had a good experience with it, i would like to stick with it.

what do you think?

I used to go Nvidia as well but then I switched to ATI for a reason I can no longer remember (I think it was because they merged with AMD and I have an AMD chipset in my game PC) and I was surprised at the high quality of the configuration panel so I stuck with it.

But yeah, if you have good results with Nvidia, go with Nvidia. I'd still recommend XFX, though. They make some nice looking videocards.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/XFX-Radeon-HD-6770-1GB-GDDR5-Eyefinity-Video-Card-/320829590781?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item4ab2ef0cfd

This one is a XFX, and nicer than the one I saw before...

OK.
So, I have to upgrade my RAM to 4GB PC2 6400
Graphic card, the nVidiageforce gt440, or the XFX ATI 6770
600W PSU (Make sure for the connectors)
add 2 Fans (One front[in], and one Back[out])

basically this config will improve my gaming ? and those graphic cards are compatible with my motherboard, and they will be able to work at full performance?

The chipset on your mainboard is PCI-E 2.0 compatible. Which is what you need to get full benefits from modern videocards.

The RAM and the videocard combined will give you a very big boost in performance.

Actually, it seems like you're running Windows Vista? You might even want to consider installing Windows 7 64bit if Gateway has drivers available for this operating system. It should be able to handle it quite well with the extra RAM.

already upgraded to Windows 7 

Ok,

So here is the results:

 nVidia GeForce GT440 1GB GDDR5
 4 GB DDR2 RAM Kingston KVR800D2K2 (2x2GB)
 2 Fans (Front in + Back out) (Where do I plug the front fan?)
 600W PSU (Compatible)

I can go ahead an buy them ?
There is no compatibility mistake? (Can I run World of Warcraft smoothly?)

Thank you for your help!

 

I saw this nVidia webpage that compares the different graphic cards:
http://www.nvidia.com/object/graphics_cards_buy_now.html

And that the GTX550 Ti is only 10$ more, but looks like more powerful...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ASUS-ENGTX550-NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-550-Ti-1GB-GDDR5-V-/150736950318?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item23189f542e

What do you think?
Can I put it on my motherboard, and is it going to make a difference from the GT440?

If by spending 10 more bucks you can get a slightly better videocard, go for it.

As far as I know, World of Warcraft is a very dated game when it comes to graphics. If it is your intention to only play World of Warcraft smoothly, you might just want to stick to installing more RAM. WoW is pretty RAM intensive and 2GB is very little nowadays so you should go for a minimum of 4GB. If you use 64bit Windows 7, you could also go for 6 or 8GB if your budget allows it. A minimum of 4GB is required to run Windows 7 64bit smoothly.

I'd only go for the new videocard (and mandatory PSU) if you intend on playing anything games other than WoW. Although it will no doubt help performance on higher settings in WoW.

2 Fans (Front in + Back out) (Where do I plug the front fan?)

Is there no connector for it on your mainboard any more? You might need a converter so you can hook it up directly to the power supply.
Be sure to check the fan manufacturer's website to see if they included one

I check intel website, maybe I can find a manual of the motherboard that tells where I can plug the second fan.
Not only World of Warcraft actually... but I want to be able to play anything 3D intensive smoothly 

I go with the GTX550Ti
But there is many different models, and they all seems to have the same specs, but different plugs.... What's the difference between those cards? some are newer than others? better performances? Do you have an idea?
Which one is the best?
That's a listing of different ones:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=nvidia+gtx550&_sacat=3667&LH_BIN=1&_odkw=nvidia+gtx560&_osacat=3667&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

I'm interested by those: (I was going to get the ASUS, but then I saw the other ones...  )
   
EVGA nVidia GeForce GTX550 GTX 550 Ti Fermi FPB DDR5 1GB PCI-E SLI Video Card
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EVGA-nVidia-GeForce-GTX550-GTX-550-Ti-Fermi-FPB-DDR5-1GB-PCI-E-SLI-Video-Card-/380383654752?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item5890a1f360

   
PNY VCGGTX550TXPB NVIDIA GeForce GTX550TI Video Card
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-PNY-VCGGTX550TXPB-NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX550TI-Video-Car-/380403535995?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item5891d1507b

ASUS ENGTX550 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti 1GB GDDR5 Video Card
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-ASUS-ENGTX550-NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-550-Ti-1GB-GDDR5-V-/150736950318?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item23189f542e

MSI nVidia GeForce GTX550 GTX 550 Ti 1GB PCI-E Video Card N550GTX-TI M2D1GD5/OC Video Card
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MSI-nVidia-GeForce-GTX550-GTX-550-Ti-1GB-PCI-E-Video-Card-N550GTX-TI-M2D1GD5-OC-/160696699752?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item256a450b68
   
ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti Factory Overclocked/AMP Edition! Video Card
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZOTAC-NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-550-Ti-Factory-Overclocked-AMP-Edition-/250973745924?pt=PCC_Video_TV_Cards&hash=item3a6f337304


What is the difference? The only think I can see is the Dual DVI-I plugs, or single DVI+VGA... which one should I get?

I don't think PNY nor MSI is very high quality.
Never heard of Zodac before.

No opinion on EVGA, never tried any of their products.

Asus delivers good stuff.

I check intel website, maybe I can find a manual of the motherboard that tells where I can plug the second fan.

There should be a 2, 3 or 4 pin connector on your mainboard. Usually 3 pin.
If there isn't, it really is no problem using a converter. The only downside is that your mainboard will not be able to monitor or regulate fan-speed.

But there is many different models, and they all seems to have the same specs, but different plugs.... What's the difference between those cards? some are newer than others? better performances? Do you have an idea?

Plugs? What kind of plugs? You mean on the back? Different types of output for different types of devices.
Getting two DVI connectors is usually good for a gaming rig.

If you want to play more games than just WoW, indeed go for a new videocard and PSU.

Asus delivers good stuff.

So, I guess I just go with the ASUS.

If you want to play more games than just WoW, indeed go for a new videocard and PSU.

Ok.

I found this page about the GTX560, and a comparison between the different vendors.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/geforce-gtx-560-benchmark-review,3112.html
So that's the difference... They all have different frequencies and speeds, even if they all advertise the same rates.
ASUS seems to be a good one.

I couldn't find such a page for the GTX550Ti 

Yeah, some manufacturers overclock the videocard indeed. It's good of you to read some reviews on the hardware that you're buying. I'd do the same for the PSU as well.

So have you decided on the RAM you're getting as well? Kingston or GeiL is good stuff.

Also, I dug up a picture for you to be able to identify the fan connectors on your mainboard.



Should look like that.

If not, you can use these:

So have you decided on the RAM you're getting as well? Kingston or GeiL is good stuff.

I'm thinking about this one:
 4 GB DDR2 RAM Kingston KVR800D2K2 (2x2GB)

Should look like that.

yes, I have the same for the back Fan, but I cannot find another one for the front... 

Then your mainboard probably has none. Those OEM boards are generally stripped of anything that the manufacturer deems obsolete.

I think the RAM you choose is just fine. You might want to see if you get better performance out of the RAM if you leave the other 2GB out. If your mainboard is dual channel capable, you'll want identical RAM sticks only.

I think the RAM you choose is just fine. You might want to see if you get better performance out of the RAM if you leave the other 2GB out. If your mainboard is dual channel capable, you'll want identical RAM sticks only.

Ok, so I put the 4GB on the motherboard, and then add the 2GB to see.

I found the Corsair CX600 PSU that looks interesting.
I have to keep my PSU budget under 60$... do you have a suggestion?


the graphic card need the 6pin PCI
and the motherboard the 24pin ATX, and the 4pin 12v
and I need minimum 4 SATA plugs

Ok, so I put the 4GB on the motherboard, and then add the 2GB to see.

Yeah, although 6GB will no doubt give you more of a performance boost than 4GB dual channel. However, just the 4GB might be more stable.

Here's a PSU that might be interesting: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/SilverStone-Strider-ST50F-500-W-Power-Supply-Review/548/10

Only 500W but it was actually recommended over the COOLER MASTER eXtreme Power Plus RS-550-PCAR-E3 550W because it's more stable and efficient.

I don't think there are many trustworthy 600W PSU's in the price range you indicated. But that's O.K because we calculated that a 500W would do as well, didn't we?

 - Gateway LX6810-01 [Here is a link for all specs (my RAM is different than the webpage) : http://reviews.cnet.com/desktops/gateway-lx-6810-01/4507-3118_7-33513654.html]
 - CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 2.33GHz (socket 775 LGA 45nm)
 - RAM: 6GB DRR2 PC2-6400 400MHz 3x2GB
 - Motherboard: Gateway FMCP7AM [Chipset nVidia nForce 730i PCI]
 - GPU: nVidia GeForce GTX550Ti - 1GB GDDR5
 - HDD: 640.0 GB - Standard - Serial ATA-300 - 7200.0 rpm
 - Cooling: 2 Fans - 120x120mm + 80x80mm
 - Extra: Multi card reader (SD, MMC, PRO...etc) + 6 USB ports
 - PCI: Modem card + TV card

I made the changes Glow

Could you please check the right W needed for that desktop please?
Maybe I made a mistake last time.... 

I get a recommended power of 438W with your specs. So a 500W should do nicely.

449W with 100% TDP.

I think you're all set, really. Shouldn't be very difficult to install either.

Ok,
So I got the ASUS GTX550Ti (DVI+VGA+HDMi)

Thank's for your help! I will get them in 3 days, and install them,
I hope that everything is compatible... =P

Should be. Make sure to ground yourself before installing all the hardware. Pick up some cotton gloves at the local pharmacy. They help reduce the chances of ESD and they stop greasy finger prints from getting onto everything.

ok I'll do
thank you a lot for your help
I'll post again when I get them, and install them ! 

Yeah going to be cool for you working with all that new stuff, unpackaging it and everything. 

Yeah going to be cool for you working with all that new stuff, unpackaging it and everything. 

I'll have my second Christmas soon! 

[Moderator]

It's a great feeling...

Received the PSU yesterday (Installed it, and everything was working fine)
Received the GPU today! yaaay
I'm going to install it now!

the graphic card is sooo beautiful!!

installed the two Fans, the PSU and the graphic card
Updated the latest GPU driver from nVidia.
But Windows Update suggest me an optional driver for the GPU... ?? I didn't want to install it... what do you think? Because I installed the latest driver from nVidia...

I will put the RAM, and that's it!

I have to get an additional 2GB RAM, but only DDR2 is appropriate.

And how about an nVidia Geforce GT440.... that's the most affordable 1GB DDR5 I've found

But doing that... is it going to strengthen my game playing shows a lot? or just a little bit ?

I have to get an additional 2GB RAM, but only DDR2 is appropriate.

And how about an nVidia Geforce GT440.... that's the most affordable 1GB DDR5 I've found

But doing that... is it going to strengthen my game playing shows a lot? or just a little bit ?

If you read in my old replies you'll see that I was going to get the GT440.But the GTX550Ti is way more powerful but for only 20$ more!!! It's worth the 20$ more!!!And it depends of what graphics you do already have...



Talking about the GTX550Ti... I just borrowed Battlefield 3, and COD MW3 from my friend.... everything on EXTREME/HIGH quality!!! So smooth!!! 
I had COD Black Ops, and it was OK, I couldn't play with it with the highest quality (with the old specs)... but now I feel like having a Ferrari of desktops    (well...  I can't have a real Ferrari... so I can dream with my computer  )
Thank's all for your help! Especially Raptor !