need help with graphics card

[xtr3me]

ok, im not an expert with computers so i need some help with choosing a graphics card (and general info)

we got our computer (and accesories) yesterday for a good price but the graphics isnt that good.

 

first off, i read some other posts and i think i have all the relevant info

Motherboard: IPISB-CH2 (chicago)

current graphics card: NVidia Geforce gt 530

 

also, here is a link to the hp site with the rest of the specs

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c03000665&cc=ad&dlc=en&lc=en&jumpid=reg_r1002_auen

 

i was thinking of a nvidia geforce gtx 570 or amd radeon hd 6950

 

what i need to know is:

• are the ports i have sufficient to use either of the 2 cards above
  
• is my current graphics card using the pci express x16 slot or is it a spare
  
• can my computer handle the graphics card i was hoping to get
  
• what is a PCI-E 2.0 x 16 slot (i dont know if the 2.0 makes a difference)
  

i see they are about the same price range - btw, i dont want to spend over $400 (US dollars i guess)

 

i think thats all you will need, let me know if its not

[RandyL]

Before you do anything have you tried updating the drivers from the HP site?

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/softwareCategory?cc=us&dlc=en&lc=en&product=5149364&query=Pavilion%20HPE%20h8-1130a&tool=&

[xtr3me]

thanks randyl, but my friend answered all the questions i had,

he told me the gtx 570 is a better graphics card and that i will need to buy a better power supply unit to run the graphics card (he recommended 550watts at least)

if you have any thoughts on the matter, im open to all opinions

 

btw, any reason you mentioned updating drivers?

[RandyL]

I'm not up to date on graphics cards but you got good advice on the power supply. Good cards need a good PSU and most name brand computers usually come with a minimum.

[RandyL]

I mention updating drivers becaue often times they will render better. I've seen many a new computer ship and there were already better drivers available.