Need a tech tip on Upgrading the Graphics Card for an old computer

[MrCDinis]

Hey!
I've posted a discution on the No Man's Sky game about whether my computer would take the beating or not. Long story short: A big NEVER

Here's my setup (keep in mind this is a 6 years old computer, 750€ at the time):
MB: P8H67-M
CPU: Intel i5 2400 3.1GHz (2nd Generation)
RAM: 8GB 1333MHz
GPU: GeForce 440 (ASUS 1GB version)

The question: Is it worth buying a graphics card for this old computer or not? I mean, I could build a new one, but the expense would delay some other stuff, like buying a car, getting some health stuf taken care of (tooth implant - not that urgent), etc.
So, what I would be willing to put inside this little old machine, couldn't, realistically, go over 200€ (mind the symbol. It's the european currency)

Thanks!
Link to the topic refered at the beginning: http://steamcommunity.com/app/275850/discussions/0/359543951697603668/

[John Doe]

Then do it again and take a picture of its internals, I can tell you whether it's something that is still worth keeping or not by that.

Like I said, even if you have a voltmeter, that alone won't cut it. The amp meter won't even be useful.

But I'm sure your best bet would likely be recycling that unit and getting something real.

[MrCDinis]

okay. I'll get that done by tomorrow (2:20 AM here, currently. so, I might check it in around 12 hours from now). I'll post the picture as soon as I can!

Thanks for all the help! See you tomorrow ;)

[Till]

I have been using a 6 year old Corsair HX series 850w PSU throughout multiple builds. Honestly I have never had a reason to go bigger or with a different brand. It hasn't failed yet.

[John Doe]

Because it's a good unit which is now a really aged design also. Did you read the thread at all? The OP's PSU is a big unknown.

[upcoast]

Tracking down the model brings some less than hopeful results besides that a max of 372w on the +12v rails is not a good sign.

http://www.linkworld.com.tw/ugC_ShowroomItem_Detail.asp?hidShowID=206

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oy6UP8cw7O4

There're some reasonably priced psus to replace it with.

[Till]

yeah I read it, was just throwing out the idea that he might want to go with an actual proven brand that isn't some kind of rebranded OEM Antec model (which most generic PSUs are).

[John Doe]

Not most generic PSUs are Antec re-badges, most are actually cheap random Chinese stuff. The low end Antecs are bit above that even at their worse.

Though, yes, he should go with a proper PSU. Linkworld is awful.

[Aliquis Freedom & Ethnopluralism]

Get the GTX 1060 3 GB in August or the RX 470 4 GB.

[Long Ago [Linux]]

When I was running a GTX 550 TI (116 watts) my whole PC (i5 650 3.2 GHz, 8 GB) only used 206 watts max (measured AC input) with Dell OEM PSU that I think is 350 watt. I am currently using an MSI Twin Frozr GTX 750 Ti OC which is faster for most things using only 60 watts (no aux power connection), so my whole PC only uses 150 watts max doing graphic benchmarks, even if I bump the GPU overclocking. So unless that 500 watt PSU is severly overrated, I don't thing a GTX 950 should be any problem for it.

That works fine for the games I play in Linux Steam. Although, I wish I had known that the GTX 960 and GTX 950 were about to be released just after I bought the 750. The 90 watt GTX 950 would have even been faster using less power than my old 116 watt GTX 550 Ti.

[MrCDinis]

I still didn't find the time to check the PSU. I'll do it after lunch.
The cheapest PSU I could find, from cooler master, would be the "B500 v.2". It has a 82% efficiency rating (suppose that's good, for it's price?)

These are the outputs:
+3.3v 20A
+5v 20A
(120W)
+12v 38A (456W)
-12v 0.3A (3.6W)
+5VsB 2.5A (12.5W)
Thats for 47.9€

There's the Corsair VS-450W for 41,5€

Then, I have the other stuff for half the price like:
1life ps:jet 450W 120mm (17,9€)
LC Power 420W LC-420HR (20,5€)
And so on

Αναρτήθηκε αρχικά από Etnopluralism / Aliquis:

Get the GTX 1060 3 GB in August or the RX 470 4 GB.

That's a great advice! I will definitely look into that!

Edit: Here are the picture from the PSU's insides. http://imgur.com/a/AzeJ6
I'll insert the readings later.

Edit: They say the voltage levels are correct. The output itself they can't test it, so... I guess it's a "take a chance" to see if it works? I mean, I never had any kind of problems with this PSU.

[_I_]

that looks empty for a 500w psu
it has no filtering before the primary diodes and caps

take a pic of its label

[John Doe]

That's an awful unit from the caps to the way it's built, you should seriously look into replacing it like I said.

The VX-450 is not bad but it's based on an old design. I'd look for a Supernova G2 550 if that's available in where you live.

[Aliquis Freedom & Ethnopluralism]

B500 and VS-450 will likely "work", they just aren't as good or as efficient or possibly as long-lasting as the more expensive ones.

[Rumpelcrutchskin]

Cheap Cooler Master PSUs are rubbish quality. If you want something cheap that's not too bad quality then EVGA 500B or Corsair CX 430, CX 500.

[MrCDinis]

Αναρτήθηκε αρχικά από John Doe:

. I'd look for a Supernova G2 550 if that's available in where you live.

I can't find it anywhere. And the more I spend on the PSU, the less I have for the graphics card. The most I'll go for, would be 50€.

I'll make up a list of all around that price that I can buy. Since I have no clue on what to look for on a PSU, may I post an excel spreadsheet and get your feedback?

All I look for, nowadays, are the price, efficiency ratings, warranty, brand, and power. Never thought it had to be that specific :/