Upgrade options for emachines build

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Mnx4

[H]ard|Gawd
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Jul 29, 2005
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My friend has this build and was looking for a graphics card upgrade (specs are in an expandable menu). I couldn't find specific specs on the PSU but i've done some searching around and it seems to range from about 250W to 300W.

Anyway, question is, without upgrading the PSU, what are his options, if any?
 
Without upgrading the PSU huh? Assuming he has a free pci-e connector I suppose he could squeeze a 3650 in there but anything more powerful is pushing it on a 300W PSU
 
A new build would be best.If it has a pci e slot get a 8800gt and a antec ea500d psu.Should only cost around $150 total at the max
 
Thing is he only recently got the build and would most likely not be getting a whole new build anytime soon. I'd be willing to give him my 500W CoolerMaster PSU but I'm just trying to figure out what his build could handle without investing in more than a video card. No sense in getting a great video card if his system couldn't utilize/handle the card's potential.

It does have a PCI x16 slot, though again, since the specs don't give much detail, I don't know if it's PCIE 1.0, 1.1 or 2.
 
That's the thing Mnx4 his 2.66 is only so so anyway. I'm not sure it would push enough ponies for much more than the 3650 I mentioned above anyway. That cpu would totally bottleneck something middle of the road like a 3870.

So you could give him your 500W [I assume the emachine could fit it ATX?] and that would allow for something further up the food chain to a degree but then you're still handicapped by the Pentium D and the mere 1gb of ddr2 as well. Next thing you know you're pouring hundreds into it when a new build is cheaper and better. Which again puts your friend back in a 3650 or there about for just $50 or so
 
What games are you trying to play?You need to supply some more info.
You will need a new psu since stock psu's normally suck eggs.

I dont know, you are truley in a bind here man.I cannot provide any further info since I am one of the less PC smart people here,Sorry man
 
Mnx4 said:
I couldn't find specific specs on the PSU but i've done some searching around and it seems to range from about 250W to 300W.
Click to expand...

Is there a way for you to take a look at the PSU first hand? If so we need the following info:
- Who is the manufacturer of the PSU? If it's not listed, please give us the number underneath the U and reversed R logo.
- How much wattage or amps does it have on the +12V rail?

Better yet, just take a picture of the label on the side of the PSU for us if you can.

If most of that 250W to 300W is on the +3.3 and +5V rail, I doubt it could even handle the HD3650. If the PSU is made by a crap manufacturer, then it may not even be capable of providing 250W to 300W reliably. Hence why we need the above info.

Also, what Coolermaster 500W PSU do you have?
 
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