help choosing gpu

[amdfx1997kid]

i have a hp desktop that dosent have a pci express x16 slot(has solder points not shure if i could solder a x16 slot {thats what the points are for im sure}) and it currently has ati hd 3000 integrated graphics (sucks) and the only expansion available is pcie 1x (best card i can find for it is a gfeorce 610) would a 610 perform better ??? yes i want to play some older games mainly star wars knights of the old republic i have a athlon ii x3 4gb ram so its not to bad of a system other than graphics, thanks in advanced.

[cjeffcoatjr]

Look into a Nvida GTX 5xx or an AMD Radeon HD 6x70 if you want no bottlenecks. PCI-E gen 1, 2, and 3 are all backwards compatible. What is your PSU?

 

The low end R7's and the 77x0 cards will also do you fine. Do you want Nvidia? Look into a 650Ti boost if you want newer features (Shadowplay, Shield, etc.) otherwise look at what I said before. 

[Bluejay0]

You will do fine with any card. Just overclock to avoid bottlenecks.

[-rascal-]

Look into a Nvida GTX 5xx or an AMD Radeon HD 6x70. Those will not be bottlenecked by your CPU. Pci gen 1, 2, and 3 are all backwards compatible. What is your PSU?

 

 

...the only expansion available is pcie 1x...

 

 

You don't have a lot of options, and PCI-E X1 counter-parts aren't exactly cheap....but if you must, I think I will have to agree with you; GeForce GG 610 is probably the best you've got.

 

Another option is a GeForce G210. If the PCI-E X1 version is similar to the PCI-E X16 version, it should be okay for your needs. I know a few people to has a G210 in a "weaker" system for very light gaming and HD (1080p) movie content.

 

Radeon HD 6450 is another one that you can look into...

 

The problem is the VERY limited bandwidth due to PCI-E X1.

[Ertman]

So you only have a pcie x1 slot?

That could be a problem, unless you actually have the skills to attach the pcie x16. You could also try and find a used motherboard that supports your CPU and has a x16.

You could also mod the x1 unless it's already open ended, and make it open ended so any pcie x16 could fit and run. The performance would be poor (bandwidth), but it should work well enough for your needs (old games). The caveat is that you might wreck the slot if you are not careful.

The 610 should run your old timely game fine, but a x1 board would be pretty expensive compared to the x16.

Edit.

Wow, the took an hour to post.

From a quick look, your 3000 series gfx should be able to play your games (similar to knights of old republic), are you having problems as it is?

[amdfx1997kid]

ok sorry it took FOREVER to get back i ended up souldering on a 16 lane slot and it works with a radeon hd 5570 also upgrading cpu to phenom II x 4 (cant overclock its oem) and its playing kotor sooo much better was geting 15 fps on low and 800x600 now i can play high with 40 is fps ill post some pics later if i have time

[RubyRoks]

Whatever you do... DON'T GO WITH ANYTHING UNDER $45

I bought a 1GB GeForce 210 to get past a similar issue.
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