Need help upgrading to a new GPU

[JoeToddv]

I currently have a Nvidia GT 635 graphics card in my computer, i have an intel I5 processor, 8 gigs of ram, nothing too special. I was curious as to what my computer can handle, gpu-wise. If i were to get a crazy 2g card like the 750 ti or something even more outrageous like the 950, could my computer handle it? I really need an upgrade because I'm not able to play the games im wanting to due to poor performance.
Any suggestions? Pointers?

Thanks

 

[rooivalk]

It depends on how big/good your PSU is, not CPU/RAM.

750Ti and 950 aren't very power hungry either, so unless your PSU is pretty cheap, it's gonna be okay.

 

[JoeToddv]

It depends on how big/good your PSU is, not CPU/RAM.

750Ti and 950 aren't very power hungry either, so unless your PSU is pretty cheap, it's gonna be okay.

#3

JoeToddvNew Member

how can i tell what kind I have? I ahve never touched the pwoer supply at all on this, How many watts would i need to run it without issue?

 

[rooivalk]

how can i tell what kind I have? I ahve never touched the pwoer supply at all on this

Uh, open your PC and took a photo of it? Usually only need common Philips screwdriver to open your PC.
Refer to this guide, maybe it helps:

If your PC case has big window, you don't need to open it.

PSU is usually a square box with lots of cables coming out of it.
Sorta like this:

Usually there's a sticker on the side of it. In above pic it's from Corsair brand with obvious name (VS650) that refer to 650w rating.

How many watts would i need to run it without issue?

Fill your specs in this link, and press 'Calculate' button.
http://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator

It's not very accurate but you could use it as guide.

 

[Jetster]

First of all..Properly list your specs.

Is this a low profile case?

Did you build it? OEM? Make Model?

Under your Profile there is a System Specs tab. We need to know what case you have. These kind of questions drive me nuts

If you don't know what PSU then take a picture

 

[CounterZeus]

Geforce GT635 was an OEM card according to Nvidia's website, but it's really low powered (35W). Both upgrade paths don't require a lot of power, but more than the current one, so we really need to know your PSU.

 

[silentbogo]

I have a GTX750Ti and I love it. Small, quiet and very powerful!

It requires a 300W PSU, but with 60W max TDP and your currents specs almost any ATX PSU is going to be enough. When I just bought this card, I've tested the power consumption with few games and according to GPU-Z it rarely reaches over 75% of max TDP in real world situations(~45W).

GTX950 is cool, but it has a 90W TDP, requires 6-pin power connector and costs a lot more. In my case I cannot justify GPU upgrade from 750Ti, unless I go straight to GTX970 or higher.

If you are planning on buying a new card - get GTX950 and you might want to check your PSU specs.
Cheapest option: used or refurbished 750. Those go for under $100.

 

[Hawkstream]

Also what resolution is your screen and what games are you wanting to play mostly?

 

[Hawkstream]

I think its frustrating how many models NVIDIA comes out with now. I don't want to be one of those people that always suggests spending a little more but in the case of the GTX 950 I cant see how you couldn't spend an extra $40 for the 960. Its a big bump in performance and only $40 more.

To put it in perspective the difference in price between the 960 and the 970 is about $130, and the diff between the 970 and the 980 is about $150. So I think its much more logical to recommend people go with the 960 over the 950 as the difference is MUCH less than the other models.

Again I totally understand that everyone has a budget and $40 more may not be doable for you but I mean if you divide that $40 out over the time you plan to use the card, lets say just 1 year... well I think you should really try to get the 960. But I know you have to sort out the PSU as well.

Good luck.