3 replies to this topic

[FireDog]

I currently have a Gateway LX6200-01. It was a decent Multi-media PC a few years ago and still has lots of life left in it (short of heavy Gaming). However I wish to upgrade it to play MechWarrior Online at least though the beta on decent playable settings. Anyway here are my Gateway's basic specs (See geeks link below for a complete picture):

Quad AMD 2.2GHz Phenom 9500 CPU
64-bit Windows Vista
8G DDR2 RAM
Integrated ATI Radeon HD 3200 graphics
one PCIe x16 slot 1.1
PCIe x1 digital TV tuner card
(7.1) audio with Dolby Home Theater sound
Great case with good ventilation and lots of neat features:

Full Specs:
http://www.geeks.com...00-01-R&cat=SYS
Note: This is it's 400W power supply:
http://www.barebonek...wdps400rba.aspx


Anyway the two problems I forsee are; the video slot is butted up beside the PCIe x1 TV tuner slot (which I wish to keep) limiting PCIe x16 card to single slot, and the power supply is only 400W. The quick and easy question is there a reccomendation as to a decent single slot Vidio card that is easy on the power? If not these are the logical steps I will consider:

Video upgrade to new one slot card that is bus powered and draws <= 30A
Video upgrade to one slot and upgraded the power supply
Video upgrade to two slot and upgraded power supply and buy a PCI digital TV tuner card
Buy/Build new...

Thanks for any advice given.
FireDog

[Morashtak]

Had a friend that found a 700w PSU replacement for his stock HP on Best Buy Online. Wouldn't be surprised if you snooped around and found one for your rig. Doing so opens up options. For the GPU most, if not all, online stores have the cards' dimensions under the technical specs tab so measure yours and see what can fit.

[Vulpesveritas]

if you want to upgrade, this is probably your best option; http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814150612
It will be enough to run MWO at modest settings, is single slot, and you wouldn't have to worry about your power supply as it will use at most 6 amps on your 12v rail.

If you are willing to upgrade your system, then it depends on your budget.

[Catamount]

Keep in mind of course that "400W PSU" in a prebuilt machine usually really means crappy 200W PSU