Need help with upgrade

[Benc73]

I'm thinking of adding a Geforce GT710 to upgrade my Acer aspire 280? pc

I'm 90% sure that the model is the 281-eb11 and I might go down to best buy to get some parts for it before christmas and I need help. The power supply right now is either 300 or 350 watts and it will probably need an upgrade for the upgrade but I think I'll test it first before that, is there any damage that could occur by using it with too low of a wattage or will it just not work? I'm also wondering if there could be any issues as the built in GPU uses Gddr4 memory and the card only uses Gddr3 memory? Also are there any places or ways to return the card if it isn't compatible with my system?

 

Link to the gpu I'll probably get

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/zotac-zotac-geforce-gt-710-2gb-gddr3-video-card-zt-71303-20h/10416248.aspx?

[Slottr]

Why are you adding the card? It won't really add any performance in any sector 

[LogicWeasel]

That card is a ripoff at half that price.  Do not get it.  You should watch Linus' video about low-end graphics cards and why more or less they should not exist for gaming.  At all.

 

For gaming, you'd be looking at a GTX 1050 (maybe Ti?) or RX 560 GPU.  If you find something decent on Craigslist/eBay/Other that doesn't require external power connector like a GTX 950 or RX 460 those would be ok depending on the price.  That is where you want to look for a graphics boost for a weak-PSU pre build upgrade.

 

Also bear in mind that we're all left assuming you want generic gaming unless you give us details on what/why exactly you are looking to upgrade and what the budget is.

[Benc73]

I'm adding it for slightly better gaming as it doesn't have enough power for most games, if that one's not great are there any suggestions for good cards under 200$ that could improve the computer for gaming?

[Slottr]

22 minutes ago, Benc73 said:

I'm adding it for slightly better gaming as it doesn't have enough power for most games, if that one's not great are there any suggestions for good cards under 200$ that could improve the computer for gaming?

If you're okay with spending 200$ I wouldnt bother adding to that pc at all and look at getting a new system with one of the Ryzen APUs

[Fasauceome]

24 minutes ago, Benc73 said:

I'm adding it for slightly better gaming as it doesn't have enough power for most games, if that one's not great are there any suggestions for good cards under 200$ that could improve the computer for gaming?

Are you from the United States or Canada? If so, you will definitely be able to get an RX 570 for your price point, or an RX 580 from eBay. Don't bother with any GT card over a GTX, or any of AMD's good offerings.

 

Edit: just remembered your power restriction of 350 watts, consider a 1050 ti that does not require power cables.

[Benc73]

I'm from Canada but I could get parts from the US if i had to, I'd be willing to go for the 1050 ti at it's price range as it'd be relatively easy to add on.

[Benc73]

Also is it possible to upgrade the psu to 400 or 450 watts on this motherboard provided I have the right cables or would 300/350 be the max?

[LogicWeasel]

3 hours ago, Benc73 said:

Also is it possible to upgrade the psu to 400 or 450 watts on this motherboard provided I have the right cables or would 300/350 be the max?

The only time your motherboard controls what kind of PSU you can have is if it's a super old 20-pin type (instead of the standard of this decade, 24-pin motherboard power connector) or super proprietary like something from Dell, HP, (possibly your Acer if they got creative).

-Otherwise, if it's a standard 24-pin, then you can put whatever PSU fits and has the connectors you need for other stuff.  I'd look at something like an EVGA 500-600 Watt 80+ Bronze (minimum) PSU as a suitable starting point in PSUs for letting you grab any GPU you want in the future.