Need Help Selecting Video Card

My computer is older. It's an HP Pavilion m1072n running Window
Xp Media Center Edition. 500 gig hard drive, 2 gigs ram, currently
using a NVIDIA GeForce 6600 pci express graphics card, 350 watt
psu.

I'd like to upgrade the computer enough to get me through another
year or so and then I'll bite the bullet and purchase an 1800 dollar
computer. I'd rather not change out the power supply.

I'm not a huge gamer but of course I will want to play Splinter Cell
Conviction when it comes out. I'll need 4.0 shaders.

I never pump up the graphics to extremes. I run it at whatever
runs best for my computer and most games will play on here.

I have looked at several low end graphics cards.

One that I am looking at is: HIS H467QS1GH Radeon HD 4670 1GB
128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support
Video Card. The specs say that it needs a 400 watt power supply.
Is it possible that this card would run on a 350 watt power supply
if I'm not pushing the graphics?

I have also looked at a: SPARKLE SXT2401024S3-NM GeForce GT
240 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card

Also a: PNY GeForce 9500 GT Video Card - 1GB GDDR2, PCI Express 2.0,
Dual DVI, SLI Ready, HDTV

There are too many of them available. I just some advice on what
some of you would do if in my situation. Really appreciate your help.

 

Look for a higher (lower?) end card that suits your needs and ALWAYS take into consideration this: You have the PSU that came with your computer, which makes it a liability in the first place. PSUs are VERY important. If the manufacturer says you've got a 350w, consider that MAX. ie: If the video card says you need a 400w, you are not going to be able to use it. 300w minimum video card is what you're going to want to look for. Always take generic brand PSUs down a peg or two, ie: 350w=250-300 MAX.

Good luck!

 

I appreciate your response. If I was to change out the psu then what
brand/type do you suggest? I have replaced everything except the psu
which it's not that complicated if you have the right one for the mobo
and you mark everything before you begin.

What brand and type do I need? Considering this computer's age it has
sata connections as wells as standard ones. This was a high end computer
to start with.

If I went with a new psu should I get one with Over Voltage Protection
and Overload Protection?

The psu that is running on my system is thermally controlled as it runs
on low speed until it needs to vent and then it kicks into high gear for a
short time.

I have hesitated changing out the psu as it's pretty tight in there. But
I have taken it apart before.

Thanks for your help.

 

Okay, I would ALWAYS recommend Corsair, Antek or PC Power & Cooling PSUs; however, you've said that money is kind of tight & you have a manufacturer's system, meaning that not just any PSU may fit inside. In this case, I would point you to The HP Media Center M1072N PSU Upgrade (630w). Price is not bad at $56.34. Enjoy!

 

I would contact hp and get a size for your PSU

 

I upgraded the PSU to a Antec Earthwatts 500 watt. Based on my computer HP Pavilion m1072n what would be a good graphics card for me? Thanks in advance.

 

What is your budget for a new video card?

 

XFX Radeon HD 5750 1GB DDR5 PCIE Graphics Card HD575XZNFC
Details at Amazon.com

Sorry, but it's about $140.00 out the door. The reason I'm saying this is because it uses DDR5, which performs double the workload per clock cycle, essentially making the card 2x's faster than DDR3 cards just based on that, alone. XFX is the best card maker, hands down, for video cards. Spend just $40 more than the highest card you've looked at, save any headaches for the future of the year. Good luck!