Are these the same thing? I have an old Dell (as you can see), but I like it. I was told that I could improve its performance by adding a video card. When I look them up, I see pictures of odd-looking devices that in no way resemble a "card." I can only find 2 that will work with this computer. Does that seem right?
"Video Card" and "Graphics Card" are the same thing.
There are 4 different versions of the 745. A "minitower", a desktop, a Small Form Factor and an ultra small form factor. Which one do you have? It makes a difference for a video (graphics) card.
The minitower will take a PCIe type video card. With the small power supply that can limit you (if this is the model you have). The others versions are even further restrictive as they will require "low profile" type cards.
Good question, firebird! I've spent hours trying to figure out exactly which one it is. It's slimmer than the home premium mini-tower. From what I can tell (even though it is nowhere on the actual computer or on the specs I got from Belarc) it is the sff model. There was no model number on the invoice, either.
It's 12 1/4" high and 3 3/4" wide.
Take a read through this Choosing a GPU - The Core Basics and pay special attention to the Size and Power sections.
Thanks, Boozad. A lot of that was over my head, but I did learn that what I need is very basic. I do not do games nor do I watch movies on this computer. I gather from your tutorial that I am going to need something pretty small for the unit I have?
If you don't play games (what you have is far from a gaming PC) and watch videos, why not just keep the basic video that comes with the PC. You aren't really going to gain anything significant. That unit is what Dell refers to the "SFF" (Small Form Factor) version. It only has a 275 watt power supply (and a proprietary power supply).
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The computer guy at my condo said that since my Windows "experience" is only 3.3 that the card might improve the general performance of my computer. I can't watch any embedded or email videos at all. I can switch to a different browser, but that only allows me to see maybe 30% of the stuff I get on FB or in my emails.
Certainly looks that way, the Processor and RAM seem ok, i'd be looking at a Nvidia GT 720 or similar low profile card.
here's one from newegg that will fit with ease EVGA 02G-P3-2724-KR GeForce GT 720 2GB 64-Bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x 8 Video Card - Newegg.com
The listed specs for that state "minimum 300 watt power supply". That PC only has a 275 watt power supply. I realize many cards overstate what is needed but it will be pushing it.
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