Got a new computer - And some questions.

[isiolia]

Mods for older games that make them look nicer will require more CPU and stuff as if they were a newer game right? Like if I got Morrowind and then installed this mod it would be as if I was playing a later released game right?*

Generally, yes, though it could depend. If it's a matter of HD textures, more complicated models, and so on, then yes. Something that changes the aesthetics without increasing complexity won't, necessarily.

*EDIT: Side note, is downloading mods complicated? I mean I'm sure it depends on the specific mod, but what can I expect from most cases?

Not usually. It does vary, but a lot of the time you're just looking at swapping files. Depending on the game, there may be programs to manage them, which some mods may be packaged up for.

Second, other than a couple games I'm not too familiar with the PC exclusive side of things. So maybe some quick recommendations would be nice (Genre or whatever is not an issue, I'll check out anything). Obviously things that would be friendly to my computer and OS is possible please.

Hard to argue with most of the inclusions on this (slightly old). Some omissions though, perhaps. No Longest Journey, for example.

[ATARI800XLfan]

Just wondering, I got a new computer yesterday and was wondering how big of a GPU could I fit inside the case, preferably AMD. This is the computer.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Asus+-+Esse ... Id=4602619

[isiolia]

Hard to say, since the basic case dimensions don't necessarily indicate much.

Some quick searching around indicates that some have put GTX 460s in them (at least), but in doing so also replaced the power supply, as the stock one is fairly meager (and probably doesn't include the PCIe power connections either).

Depending on what you'd want to play, however, the integrated graphics may be sufficient.

[Cronozilla]

Why don't you just measure the clearance? Like with a ruler. Not while it's on.

The case looks small, so a 10" card will likely not fit

[ATARI800XLfan]

Hard to say, since the basic case dimensions don't necessarily indicate much.

Some quick searching around indicates that some have put GTX 460s in them (at least), but in doing so also replaced the power supply, as the stock one is fairly meager (and probably doesn't include the PCIe power connections either).

Depending on what you'd want to play, however, the integrated graphics may be sufficient.

would something like a AMD 6670 or 6770 fit? would probably add a 90mm fan on the back and front to help with heat. Plan on adding a 600 watt power supply just in case. should give me 50 extra watts at least. Also thinking of replacing the CPU with a 3.2Ghz Athlon II X3 or a 2.7 Phenom II X6, motherboard is a M4A Asus I believe. Thanks for the help.

[Cronozilla]

ATARI800XLfan

Go here, http://www.newegg.com find the card you'd want. Click details, look at the card dimensions (If you want an AMD card, I'd suggest XFX 1GB cards with a lifetime warranty), then open the computer and measure the clearance over the PCI-E slot.

No one can tell you if random cards will fit in your system or not. It sounds like the clearance is in the 8" range ... but the only way to know for sure is to just measure it. (it's also the easiest)

If you have the model number of the system (or look in the manual) it also probably has this information.

[ATARI800XLfan]

ATARI800XLfan

Go here, http://www.newegg.com find the card you'd want. Click details, look at the card dimensions (If you want an AMD card, I'd suggest XFX 1GB cards with a lifetime warranty), then open the computer and measure the clearance over the PCI-E slot.

No one can tell you if random cards will fit in your system or not. It sounds like the clearance is in the 8" range ... but the only way to know for sure is to just measure it. (it's also the easiest)

If you have the model number of the system (or look in the manual) it also probably has this information.

Thanks, the 6770 seems to be in the 8-9 range, trying to be safe, fried one card from not enough ventalation, two 90mm fans should help though, which brands are the best, what about sapphire?

[Cronozilla]

I would suggest XFX. The quality is (usually) good and their warranties are for the life of the card. (if it were an nvidia card I'd suggest EVGA)

You'll want to make sure the case has good airflow. Which means, intake in the front outtake out the back and top (if the power supply is on the bottom).

You can also get various pieces of software to monitor the GPU temperature and fan speeds. Something I've found is most fanspeeds stick to a specific speed and never go above it without software help. Most GeForce cards, for example, just sit at 30% speed. As a result those cards tend to artifact. With some software running it can bump that speed up as the temperature goes up. It's practically vital at this point in time.

[neilencio]

Palit is also good. They usually factory overclock their cards so they're much faster than other brands (I got nicked by this back when I got a Palit 9500 GT. It was able to place modern games on mid settings so I thought the 9500 GT itself was good regardless of the brand. When I bought another PC I got a 9500 GT made by Biostar and the performance sucked)