crappy computer -> handle 9600?

[breadandbubbles]

SO, i have a crappy Acer PC. My main problem is I dont have enough information on the specs of the mobo, or even what to looks for, but Id like to play CRYSIS.

My PC's details are here:

I wasnt planning on this. im not so stupid as to think I can simply tune this into a dream machine, but id like to try my best.

Someone mentioned to me that even by upgrading my power supply my pc wont be able to handle the nvidia 9600. For the same price i can get either the 9600, or ATI's 4670.

Based on what I've read,. 9600 wins hands down, but can my PC support it? im almost positive it can support the 4670, but if i can put the 9600 in there, id like to do so.

any help?

[puntoMX]

The link you posted isn't going anywhere else than the ACER website. What model is it?

It's certain that you need to replace the Power Supply unit as well.

[breadandbubbles]

sorry about that! its the Aspire 5100 desktop. i think its got a 320 power supply.

I actually have no idea how to replace the power supply. Ive built computers, installed motherboards and cpu's, etc. but the power supply i use is always included in the case. is it a particularly difficult procedure? should I be concerned about compatibility.

maybe I should google this a bit.

other than the power supply, am i good to go for the 9600? does it matter if its GS, GT, GTO, etc?

new confirmed working link here

[puntoMX]

Your PSU is 250 watts, so that would need some replacement, you will need some 18A on your 12v line and you have now like 12A or so. It's just a stock size PSU so you can replace it without any problems.

I would leave the 9600GT where it is and go with a ATI HD4830 from Sapphire.

[breadandbubbles]

MAN, that is some excellent information. I really appreciate this. im sorry to be taking shortcuts and asking for handouts here, but you guys have really augmented the stuff i knew from googling. thank you so much. i found that exact card for a great price right near me.

i'll ask for a power supply too. i just ask for one that can deliver '18A on your 12v line' and theyll know what i mean?

[puntoMX]

Well, or better, 2 (two) 12V lines, let me give you an example:

Seasonic is known for good PSUs, they make PSUs for other good brands too, so it' not just a brand. The Seasonic SS-350ET 350W looks small with just 350W on the sticker but when you look better you will see that it has 2 12V lines with each 17A. That's a lot of power and other brands will sell it as a 500W PSU, some crap brands even have the balls to sell a 500W PSU with only one 12V line at 17A.

If you get that Seasonic you will also have a high efficiency "80+ Certified" PSU that spills less energy and will stay a lot cooler than most non 80+ PSUs.

By the way, if you get a HD4830, look for one with a good cooler, the stock coolers are a tat loud. The Sapphire is one of the best picks.

[CoffeeFiend]

Your PSU is 250 watts

And having seen Acers before, it's probably even less. The last Acer I've seen had a PSU that said 300W (same was advertized on their website), but the fine print said "rated at 20C; 270W at 50C". And even for 270W, the 12v rail was quite weak (lower than some 250W PSUs). And yet, that one unit died with a much lower load than that (and took the motherboard along with itself!). It would be nice having a picture of the label.

As for the Seasonic SS-350ET, I got two of them. They're great units. Working perfectly. They're very inexpensive if you get them on special too (they were $30 on black friday). Great company, great quality, 80plus, 27A combined on the 12v rails which is plenty for a lot of people, quiet 120mm fan, etc - overall an excellent unit (far better than some 650W units I've seen before...) There's no PCI-e power connectors though, so if whatever card you're looking at needs it (the 4830 does, didn't waste time looking at the other), then better look at something else.

The new ncix specials should be on tomorrow nite, and with some luck they'll have some nice units going for cheap (maybe even a good deal on 4830's, who knows).

[puntoMX]

There's no PCI-e power connectors though, so if whatever card you're looking at needs it (the 4830 does, didn't waste time looking at the other), then better look at something else.

No, no, hold on, the card comes with 2 Molex to PCI-E connector, so that would not be a problem .

[Zenskas]

I have been running the PC in my sig for a few months now with a generic PSU with 10A on the 12V line. Surprisingly it works without any problems However, I would still get another PSU anyway as you may not get as lucky as me. I just got an Antec True Power 2.0 430W PSU and will install it in my PC ASAP as I want it as stable as possible and the true powers are QUIET!

[breadandbubbles]

WELL, you cant imagine how much ive appreciated this. youve really painted a picture for me.

Ive got the hd4830 now. Went with the Saphire, and your right its the best. HUGE fan, nice and quiet. Went without a hitch, and threw in a new cooler master 500 watt. pretty cheap, at 40 bucks, but it seems to work great! Everythings wotrking fine.

my only thing though: my case is HOT now!!!

I know this is off topic, but my little microatx case is have a hard time with this.

i have a rear fan. 8cm. a small front fan thats kind of hidden, though probably 8cm as well. then the cpu fan and psu fan.

theres also some vent holes in the side of the case.

SO, anyone have any ideas? a friend told me that since heat rises, i should cut a hole in the top and put a fan in there.

should i take this to another thread? this has turned into a mildly technical thread about power that ive found quite helpful, but maybe this heat thing is too off topic?

[puntoMX]

Make a new topic as it's off-topic indeed, we'll continue there .