I've come to realize, I don't know as much as I thought I did. I need help. - Hardware & Software

Firstly, I'm terribly sorry if this is the wrong section, it's been a while since I've been on FP. But I did look around and this seemed the most fitting place. Okay, I have an ET1831-03 Emachines tower, everything is stock. [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883114078&cm_re=ET1831-03-_-83-114-078-_-Product[/url] I desperately need to upgrade, I only have about 150 to spend. These are the parts I was thinking, but I have no idea if their even remotely compatible with my system. ZOTAC ZT-94TEH2L-FDR GeForce 9400 GT 512MB 64-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500106[/url] Sunbeam PSU-H680-REV-US-BL 680W ATX 12V 2.0 Power Supply - OEM [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817709025[/url] I'm pretty sure I could manage the install, but are these component compatible? If not, would you lovely folks be kind of enough to recommend something that would work? Please bear in mind my price limits. I have other bills to pay. This build would be primarily for lite gaming, but I've missed out on all the recent greats(COD4 and the like). Hell even with the stock, I can barely play Gmod or CS:S. Thanks a millions times over for any assistance provided.

Why would you get a 680W PSU and a 9400gt?, get a 400 - 500W PSU and something like a 5670 or a 4850. The 9400 is a pretty crap card.

[url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150482&cm_re=4850-_-14-150-482-_-Product[/url] [url]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3255392&Sku=ULT-LS500[/url] Will be able to run almost any game, at high settings.

[QUOTE=anikilol;22252700][url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150482&cm_re=4850-_-14-150-482-_-Product[/url] [url]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3255392&Sku=ULT-LS500[/url] Will be able to run almost any game, at high settings.[/QUOTE] Get this one

[QUOTE=anikilol;22252700][url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150482&cm_re=4850-_-14-150-482-_-Product[/url] [url]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3255392&Sku=ULT-LS500[/url] Will be able to run almost any game, at high settings.[/QUOTE] Looks great, but I was wondering if you could find me something similar on Newegg? I need to make both orders on one site, together. Or, tell me what I need to look for in a PSU? And, are you certain it's compatible with my computer? I asked a friend about it a couple of days ago and told me I need to worry about dimensions to make sure it fits. I'm really sorry to be such a hassle, but it's not my credit card I'm ordering with, I have to use my grandma's card(I can't open my bank account with out getting a new ID and my dad is insisting he pays for it, but he won't be home until the end of June)and she's really paranoid, she'll never go for two separate orders on two different sites. How new is this graphics card? Oh, also, I had a diagram showing the different PCI-E 2.0 slots, anyone have a link handy by chance? I can't seem to find it anywhere. D: Once again, thank you guys from the bottom of my heart.

[QUOTE=Kronik;22253485]Looks great, but I was wondering if you could find me something similar on Newegg? I need to make both orders on one site, together. Or, tell me what I need to look for in a PSU? And, are you certain it's compatible with my computer? I asked a friend about it a couple of days ago and told me I need to worry about dimensions to make sure it fits. I'm really sorry to be such a hassle, but it's not my credit card I'm ordering with, I have to use my grandma's card(I can't open my bank account with out getting a new ID and my dad is insisting he pays for it, but he won't be home until the end of June)and she's really paranoid, she'll never go for two separate orders on two different sites. [B]How new is this graphics card?[/B] Oh, also, I had a diagram showing the different PCI-E 2.0 slots, anyone have a link handy by chance? I can't seem to find it anywhere. D: Once again, thank you guys from the bottom of my heart.[/QUOTE] Just because a card is new/old, doesn't mean it's good/bad. Let's just say that a 4850 will brutally rape a 9400GT.

[QUOTE=someguyihate;22252456]Why would you get a 680W PSU and a 9400gt?, get a 400 - 500W PSU and something like a 5670 or a 4850. The 9400 is a pretty crap card.[/QUOTE] I heard it was good, and I always buy Nvidia, Radeons always end up breaking on me, but it's been a few years. I'm willing to give them a try again. You're right about the PSU, I don't need that kind of power. Thanks for the input. :D I'm sorry, this is my first computer since '03, this is the PCIe 2.0 slot, right? (Sorry about the quality, I had to take this with my phone.) [IMG]http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e34/n2097021112/Capture.png[/IMG] [editline]05:57AM[/editline] [QUOTE=Rixxz2;22253726]Just because a card is new/old, doesn't mean it's good/bad. Let's just say that a 4850 will brutally rape a 9400GT.[/QUOTE] Oh, I know. I had a Geforce 6200 in my old computer that owned my current 7050. I'm just curious. I'm also a bit worried about support as far as drivers and warranties.

That is a pcie 2.0 slot yes

[QUOTE=Kronik;22253752] I'm just curious. I'm also a bit worried about support as far as drivers and warranties.[/QUOTE] Don't be, ATI offer generally the same length and quality of service as far as warrenties go, I've returned a HD 4870 which blew up (totally my fault btw) and got it replaced for free.

[QUOTE=someguyihate;22255636]That is a pcie 2.0 slot yes[/QUOTE] Thanks. :D [QUOTE=Callius;22255689]Don't be, ATI offer generally the same length and quality of service as far as warrenties go, I've returned a HD 4870 which blew up (totally my fault btw) and got it replaced for free.[/QUOTE] I'm going to get that graphics card. Like I said, it's been a few years since I've bought a Radeon.

Only the high end Ultra PSUs are good. That 500W one is trash. Please don't buy a 4870 and run it on a crap PSU. If I'm not too late, tell me where you are buying from and if you are indeed getting a 4870 and I will choose you a good PSU.

[QUOTE=ferrus;22257829]Only the high end Ultra PSUs are good. That 500W one is trash. Please don't buy a 4870 and run it on a crap PSU. If I'm not too late, tell me where you are buying from and if you are indeed getting a 4870 and I will choose you a [U]good [/U] PSU.[/QUOTE] I have the 550W Ultra. Got it on sale from Tigerdirect for $30. It's a really good PSU. [editline]03:05PM[/editline] Their LSPs are the best.

This is a 500W one, and are you saying it's [I]really[/i] good just because your [U]different[/U] model what? Works? What about when you stress it to its capacity? You don't get much of a PSU for $30, but considering the OP's PC and the wattage of this PSU, it shouldn't cause a problem. If you get a 4870 bear in mind that it requires 2x PCI-E 6-pin connectors, when the Ultra has 1x.

[QUOTE=ferrus;22257829]Only the high end Ultra PSUs are good. That 500W one is trash. Please don't buy a 4870 and run it on a crap PSU. If I'm not too late, tell me where you are buying from and if you are indeed getting a 4870 and I will choose you a good PSU.[/QUOTE] Newegg. I can't spend more than 50, maybe 60, but aim for 50-ish on the PSU because I want that 4870. I have a sata HDD and DVD burner. Keep that in mind too. And, thank you so much. If you can find one that allows room for further upgrades(another HDD or what not). Oh yeah, current dimensions are 6" wide x 5.5" deep x 3.5" tall. [editline]12:34PM[/editline] [QUOTE=ferrus;22257880]This is a 500W one, and are you saying it's [I]really[/i] good just because your [U]different[/U] model what? Works? What about when you stress it to its capacity? You don't get much of a PSU for $30, but considering the OP's PC and the wattage of this PSU, it shouldn't cause a problem. If you get a 4870 bear in mind that it requires 2x PCI-E 6-pin connectors, when the Ultra has 1x.[/QUOTE] [quote]2x PCI-E 6-pin connectors[/quote] What exactly does that mean? It's a power cable, right? Don't they sell splitters?

[QUOTE] It's a power cable, right? [/QUOTE] yes [QUOTE]Do they sell splitters?[/QUOTE] yes [editline]05:46PM[/editline] For reference: [url]http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Cables/Power+Cables/4Pin+Molex+to+PCI-E+6Pin+Adapter+?productId=17133&source=googleps[/url] Or a PSU that doesn't require one: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016&Tpk=bp%20550[/url]

[QUOTE=ferrus;22259491]yes yes [editline]05:46PM[/editline] For reference: [url]http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Cables/Power+Cables/4Pin+Molex+to+PCI-E+6Pin+Adapter+?productId=17133&source=googleps[/url] Or a PSU that doesn't require one: [url]http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016&Tpk=bp%20550[/url][/QUOTE] Damn, I like it, but it won't fit. And what about the form factor, does anyone know? It's not in the specs... I guess it doesn't matter with the size. Thanks anyways, bro. LOL! Nevermind, it's in the name. I'm such a dumbass. Still wont fit. Why do I keep commenting on it?

Can you not save up a little more? You should really, really get rid of that horrible case before doing anything.

[QUOTE=Odellus;22261160]Can you not save up a little more? You should really, really get rid of that horrible case before doing anything.[/QUOTE] No, I really can't. I have no income, can't get a job because of my school hours. Not that anyone is hiring, this is the last of my money after I move in with my grandma. Could I find one of these splitters at a computer store?

The ultra 500 is fine >_>

I want to thanks you all for your help. I'm going to go with the first load out suggested to me by anikilol. It's the best fit for my computer, I found an adapter to get over what the Ultra is lacking, I found it for 8 bucks at a local Smart Guys. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions. You were all great help, and I learned quite a bit today because of this thread, you're all wonderful! [editline]03:02PM[/editline] [QUOTE=anikilol;22262083]The ultra 500 is fine >_>[/QUOTE] Lol.

[QUOTE=ferrus;22257880]This is a 500W one, and are you saying it's [I]really[/i] good just because your [U]different[/U] model what? Works? What about when you stress it to its capacity? You don't get much of a PSU for $30, but considering the OP's PC and the wattage of this PSU, it shouldn't cause a problem. If you get a 4870 bear in mind that it requires 2x PCI-E 6-pin connectors, when the Ultra has 1x.[/QUOTE] It's not regularly $30. It's $50. [url]http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3276574&CatId=1079[/url] And it is a good PSU. I'm not saying that this Ultra PSU fits his needs. I'm just throwing out there that Ultra is a good brand.

Quality does vary depending on the model, as Ultra do not make their own PSUs but use those from several different OEMs. For example, Ultra share a few of the same OEMs used by Rosewill and Apevia, neither of which have such a great reputation for selling good PSUs.

[QUOTE=ferrus;22265864]Quality does vary depending on the model, as Ultra do not make their own PSUs but use those from several different OEMs. For example, Ultra share a few of the same OEMs used by Rosewill and Apevia, neither of which have such a great reputation for selling good PSUs.[/QUOTE] I'm pretty sure Rosewill uses the same OEMs as OCZ.

From what I can see those two don't share any OEMs at all.

[QUOTE=ferrus;22267135]From what I can see those two don't share any OEMs at all.[/QUOTE] It might not be OCZ. Somewhere I heard that Rosewill uses the same OEMs as some renowned brand. Not saying that is 100% true. Just thought it'd be worth mentioning.

[QUOTE=ghostofme;22266065]I'm pretty sure Rosewill uses the same OEMs as OCZ.[/QUOTE] For the stallion series, they sometimes do.

[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;22268206]For the stallion series, they sometimes do.[/QUOTE] Thank you for confirming that. I've bought two of the 500 Watts and one 550 watt stallion series power supplies.

that's why I'm the only one here who ever recommends rosewill PSUs to those on a budget, I know how reliable they actually are.

[QUOTE=ButtsexV2;22275902]that's why I'm the only one here who ever recommends rosewill PSUs to those on a budget, I know how reliable they actually are.[/QUOTE] I recommend them too. They are great for budget builds.