PC Upgrade Advice Needed

[QUIVER]

Originally Posted by fincher234

If you can't get a picture of the power supply label then we need you to open the case and look for the label on the power supply. It will be in the upper back corner of the case.

You need to tell us whether it says thermal master product number tm-420-pmsr.

For example, here is a picture:

http://www.fatwallet.com/static/atta..._picture22.png

If this isn't the power supply in that machine then give us the name and product number of the supply that is in there.

The PSU in my machine is Model # ATX-450

[seseorang]

You'd be better off getting a better PSU, but don't bother with Thermaltake. As of current, they're not producing quality products. They might in future, but at this point in time, no.

Your budget should include a PSU and GFX card. 450 is probably not the amount of power it's outputting at maximum, if it is, it's low for a modern system. (unless really low end. HTPC for example)

[fincher234]

Originally Posted by QUIVER

The PSU in my machine is Model # ATX-450

That's a very generic number and I can't narrow down the maker.

Do you have a way to take a decent quality photo of the power supply label (so we can read everything on the label). Then you could post it here:

http://imgur.com/

and post a link in this thread to that image.

[QUIVER]

Originally Posted by fincher234

That's a very generic number and I can't narrow down the maker.

Do you have a way to take a decent quality photo of the power supply label (so we can read everything on the label). Then you could post it here:

http://imgur.com/

and post a link in this thread to that image.

http://i.imgur.com/JIbcw.jpg
I hope I did this correctly

[dosbox]

Originally Posted by QUIVER

http://i.imgur.com/JIbcw.jpg
I hope I did this correctly

430W maximum combined on the 12V, 5V and 3V rails. It's usually a bad sign when the 12V capacity is not specified by itself, so it would be safer to assume it won't be able to handle any video card that requires more than one 6-pin PCI-Express power connector.

In other words, buy a new PSU.

My usual recommendations are:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151094
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817207013

[fincher234]

If you feel comfortable replacing it or can get the maker to install a new supply that you pick out then I would agree it would be best to replace it, given the price point you are looking at for a graphics card.

[QUIVER]

I'm sure I can install it & I'd like to once again say thank you to all that took time to give some needed advice & I have added your hardware suggestions to my wish lists. It's always fun to learn !!
Quiver

[fincher234]

Originally Posted by QUIVER

I'm sure I can install it & I'd like to once again say thank you to all that took time to give some needed advice & I have added your hardware suggestions to my wish lists. It's always fun to learn !!
Quiver

Before you buy post an update about what your final psu choice is going to be so we can confirm that it is ok.

[QUIVER]

Originally Posted by fincher234

Before you buy post an update about what your final psu choice is going to be so we can confirm that it is ok.

This is the PSU I have decided to purchase:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151093

[borg_7_of_9]

Originally Posted by QUIVER

This is the PSU I have decided to purchase:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151093

Very nice choice..

[fincher234]

Originally Posted by QUIVER

This is the PSU I have decided to purchase:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817151093

Agreed it's a good choice.

[QUIVER]

Originally Posted by borg_7_of_9

Very nice choice..

Made the purchase for the psu, $50 + free shipping leaves me room to look for the right video card for my needs. Thinking about upgrading my cpu, any suggestions ?

[fincher234]

Originally Posted by QUIVER

Thinking about upgrading my cpu, any suggestions ?

I would stick with the original plan and not focus on a new cpu. You have a reasonable quad core already. No, it isn't going to perform up where a new ivy bridge setup would but it should be good enough as it is. You can't put an ivy bridge in your machine anyway and would have to replace the motherboard so you would basically be committing to a completely new build. So I would put that idea aside and focus on getting a decent graphics card and I think you will be happy with the results.

[QUIVER]

Originally Posted by fincher234

I would stick with the original plan and not focus on a new cpu. You have a reasonable quad core already. No, it isn't going to perform up where a new ivy bridge setup would but it should be good enough as it is. You can't put an ivy bridge in your machine anyway and would have to replace the motherboard so you would basically be committing to a completely new build. So I would put that idea aside and focus on getting a decent graphics card and I think you will be happy with the results.

I didn't know if a new cpu would be a plus and now that you have answered that question I now know. Thanks