The NGX has highlighted a lack in performance on my system, only 16 to 17 FPS at Fly Tampa scenery and as low as 6 to 7 FPS at Heathrow extreme. I am considering upgrading my Graphics card, the problem is I have an off the shelf PC a Packard Bell iPower 3. The spec is in the signature block. When the NGX released a lot of discussion ensued re sytems and frame rates. In response to an email it was suggested that I overclock my CPU an i7 860@ 2.80GHz 2.8GHz, I think it is a quad core. The thought of overclocking leaves me cold as I have no ability in this area, I would consider it if I had somebody close that knew what they were doing but that is unlikely.and therefore I think I should go for a new graphics card, but what one. My current card is the HD5570, I have also on a previous system had NVidia cards, but which card should I go for, I have read on this forum that NVidia is the preferred make but what would you recommend. If you live near to Oxford then feel free to call in, I will even buy you a beer, if you are old enough, I realise that there are a lot of very capable youngsters posting on this forum. Thanks in anticipation for your recommendations, I am not trying to start a turf war ATI v NVidia but what would be best for my system.

Being a packard bell, the motherboard will be locked to there hardware, making upgrading limited. The Bios will also be locked so Overclocking is out. The problem with upgrading the graphics card is that 1: the performance increase will be minimal, although it should help a bit more on your system since its current card is really low spec. 2: the power supply. If you know what the PSU power is then that will be helpful

You could try replacing the BIOS with one straight from the motherboard manufacturer, that'd let you overclock it. That's risky though as it can turn your PC into a trotline weight if you mess it up. Best bet is to do a search for your specific motherboard model (it's printed on the board) & see what others have done.

Di, I have just taken the side off and it is difficult to say what the PSU is but if my recollection is correct the important thing is the wattage, this normal output is 450Watts with peak at 500 Watts. Does that limit me, there is plenty of room! But only one PCIe slot.

If you're not going all out on the video card it should be fine. At one point I was running a GTX465 & a 125w AMD with that size psu.

Okay 500W is better than expected. The PB normally have trash like 200W's in them. What connections does it have? Any PCI 6-pin or 8-pins?

Di, You are pushing the limits of my ability now, do you mean the connector from the PSU to the graphics card or the connector on the mboard?

PSU to graphics card.Does it have any of these?

Di, You are pushing the limits of my ability now, do you mean the connector from the PSU to the graphics card or the connector on the mboard?

She means to the graphics card.

Di, That was quick I will check and get back to you. Thanks

Considering I have that same CPU at 4.0GHz overclocked and have generally great performance, I'd say that's worth investigating. This is why it pays to build your own PCs instead of buying from premade companies like Dell, Packard Bell, HP etc though - others in this thread are likely correct that your motherboard won't let you overclock it.

Whilst taking the side back off I was on the telephone to PC World the shop that I bought it from they have said any Bus type 2.1 I16 is compatible. The connectors are 6 pin, almost identical to the photo you uploaded.

How many is there? 2?

Ryan, You are spot on, the annoying thing is that I had a good system although it needed upgrading but PSU and bow were excellent, and I was given the Packard Bell as a gift, so then gave my son the old system, that's life I suppose, it is only the NGX that this system struggles with, technology and you developers keep pushing the boundaries, great isn't it.Di, There are 2x6 pin and a 2 pin

Okay. I suggest this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121417