Seeking help w/ a new gfx card...

[Stauffer503]

Ok, so in my very limited computer knowledge, I've come to realize that upgrading a video card involves alot more then I had originally thought it did. So, the back story, I got this computer for free this summer (2009) from my in-laws. Since they bought it (sometime 2006), they had never installed a single update, so it took about 8 hrs, but after xp service packs 1 & 2, 60-65 other windows updates and all available HP updates (bios, software, hardware, etc...), this computer worked absolutely perfectly. With the downfall of only 1gb ram as well as integrated gfx & sound.

Obviously, I needed an upgrade.The HP a1646x (my desktop) specs can be found here:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/d...316247&lang=en

http://www.ambry.com/hosted_images/p...B047-69001.jpg

**^^Same model as my motherboard, not my exact personal one...it's in my desktop.^^**

I knew that I would be going to use the 1 available pci express x16 slot. (I kept it in mind).

So, on shopping for gfx cards, I came across one that I really like, it's a mid-level, but still powerful gaming card (in my opinion), that'll provide blu-ray playback (hoping to eventually get a drive) and connect to my hdtv nicely (I have a hd dvi connection on the back of my hdtv).

It's the XFX HD 4650 (1GB version):



http://images.tigerdirect.ca/skuimag...60-Main-JH.jpg

The one (maybe stupid?) question I have on this video card is whether or not a pci-e 2.0 gfx card is backwards compatible with a pci-e 1.0 x16 slot. Thoughts?

I'm definitely sold on XFX's "Double Lifetime Warranty". But is it really the right card? I'm still more than open to better card suggestions.

So, the first thing you'll say is I first and foremost need way more ram...already done. I've upgraded with 2 1gb sticks (so, total using all 4 available slots in this order: 1gb, 512mb, 1gb, 512mb), putting my total ram at 3gb. I am aware of the performance suffering from all 4 slots being taken but have decided to look past it.

The next upgrade I'd obviously need is a bigger power supply (let's face it, my little 300w wasn't going to cut it). So, I'm open to suggestions as far this is concerned, I did a quick google and came up with this...thoughts?:

http://www.atxpowersupplies.com/630-...=630WPS-a1646x

My final question is, what am I overlooking? The only other issue I can dream up (mind you in my limited desktop knowledge), is that I'd need a better cooling system. Your thoughts?

Thanks to everyone in advance for your input!

Mike

[glc]

That power supply is total garbage. Stick with a quality brand such as Corsair, Antec, or Seasonic.

That card will work in that computer, but XFX has very poor customer support if you do have to cash in on that warranty.

[Stauffer503]

So you don't think I need a better cooling system then? Just a better power supply? Since I really don't know anything about power suplies...what am I looking for? Just anything over 400w? Or do I need a specific type or model?

[glc]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817371023

[Stauffer503]

Thnx