Upgrading Graphics Card, need advice.

[Ragdoll]

Hey guys

As the topic title says, I'm thinking about upgrading my graphics card soon. I saw that the GTX560 was pretty awesome. Now I heard that I first need to make sure that my system will accept it with no issue. So I thought I'd ask here. The first question that would pop in your mind would be about my system specs.

Here they are:
Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-H55M-USB3
Processor: Intel Core i5 650 3.2GHz
RAM: 4GB (3.37GB Usable)
OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit.

Note: I heard something about the Intel Core i3 not allowing the use of a dedicated GPU.. I was wondering if it was the same for the i5.

Thanks for reading.
Regards.

[Julio.]

I would have thought it was compatible. It'd be under warranty anyway, so if it doesn't work, send it back

[Jcstodds]

  A modern motherboard that has i5 processor will have no problems with the graphics card (PCI Express x16).

 Similar to my PC setup, and I was thinking of upgrading to the GTX 560. Go for it!

[Wash]

upgrade your psu before

[Ragdoll]

upgrade your psu before

It's 650 Watts so I think I'm set =3

[Jcstodds]

It's 650 Watts so I think I'm set =3

  It doesn't matter what it's max output is. If it's cheap it might not work.

  It will need 2 6 pin external power connectors (from the PSU to the graphics card). If it is a good PSU it should probably have them.

[Ragdoll]

Might have and might not... I'm gonna check today... but in case it doesn't, how much does a good power supply cost these days... and is there any specific brand I should look for?

[Julio.]

Might have and might not... I'm gonna check today... but in case it doesn't, how much does a good power supply cost these days... and is there any specific brand I should look for?

People do go on about brands, but on each PSU it should have a sticker with the power output.

YOu want a decent wattage, but what you are looking for is, by the '12V' section, is how many Amps it has, if it has '12V1 and 12V2' just add them together for total. The GTX 560 will have a minimum ampage required, as long as thats high enough, you're in business.

And as jcs says, make sure it has the right plugs.

[Ben.]

I've got a GTS 450, and thatsa 4 pin and 6 pin I believe...I'm not sure, because my brother (joedaman633, or Julio) helped me put it together 

[Julio.]

GTS 450 = Single six pin
GTX 560 = two six pins
GTX 280 = six pin and 8 pin