[Derek13]

So this is my setup:
Processor: AMD FX 4100 Quad Core
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 6700 Series
Hard drive: 1TB
OS: Windows 7
RAM: 8g DDR3
Motherboard: ASRock N68-VS3 FX
Power Supply: 650watt

So my computer runs most games decently but I would like to run them on higher settings and I think the graphics card is part of holding it back. I want to know what I should buy to get the biggest upgrade out of my money. I was looking at buying this
Amazon.com: XFX ATI Radeon HD6950 2 GB DDR5 2DVI/HDMI/2x Mini-Displayport PCI-Express Video Card HD695XCDFC: Electronics
to replace my card with. But I also don't know if the processor is the problem, I just need a form of direction any help is useful.

My other question is whether that card will fit my motherboard. I know my previous card is a 6700 but will it matter that I replace it with a 6950 or will it have compatibility problems?

 

[emosun]

What is the make and model of the 650w you are using.

The card should be a decent upgrade considering it's cost and give roughly a 50% increase over what you have.

YOu can check for cpu lag by looking at the cpu usage in the task manager while a game is running , however the fx4100 shouldn't have much trouble with games.

 

[gcavan]

The card will fit your motherboard but you should confirm it will physically fit in the case. The linked HD 6950 is only 10 inches long so it should be alright, but measure along the plane of your current card from the rear panel to the first obstruction (usually the hard drive cage).

 

[Tyree]

What is the make and model of the 650w you are using.

 

[Derek13]

I'm actually not too sure about the quality of this PSU, I know its 650 watt, when I bought this computer it was completely pre built by the IBUYPOWER company and i opened up the computer to try to get a model number or brand or something and nothing is listed on the power supply itself. I've tried to re look up the computer I bought to try to find the one I have and I have kind of failed miserably. All I know is the computer tag on the back says IBUYPOWER I-Series 301.

 

[koala]

I found this on an ebay listing, and several other sites say it's a 700W. If it's the original setup, the PSU is a XION 700W, model number XON-700P12N. More details here.

 

[Derek13]

I found this on an ebay listing, and several other sites say it's a 700W. If it's the original setup, the PSU is a XION 700W, model number XON-700P12N. More details here.

Ya I haven't changed anything in the computer just yet, do you know if the PSU is good enough to handle the card? I want to make sure It isn't going to suicide on itself after a little while as soon as i put it the 6950

 

[koala]

It only comes with a 1 year warranty and gets some quite bad customer reviews online. I would go for a higher quality one to go with your new card. See this review summary from JonnyGuru: Xion PowerReal 700W Review

 

[Tyree]

Xion, as are all PSU's with a one yr. warranty, are poor quality PSU's and are not recommended.
SeaSonic S12II 620 Bronze 620W ATX12V V2.3 / EPS 12V V2.91 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply - Newegg.com