Solved Video card vs graphic card?

[nottaclue9]

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?

 

[fireberd]

"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.

 

[nottaclue9]

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.

 

[nottaclue9]

 

[Boozad]

Take a read through this http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/337229-choosing-gpu-core-basics.html and pay special attention to the Size and Power sections.

 

[nottaclue9]

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?

 

[fireberd]

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).
Product Support | Dell US

 

[nottaclue9]

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.

 

[MrNeeds]

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

 

[fireberd]

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.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi
I doubt a video card makes any difference in your ability to play a video emailed to you or on FaceBook
Try another browser or update your existing ones flash player,
Cheers.

 

[nottaclue9]

That's a really specific answer from MrNeeds, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Is the 275 watts a Really Big Problem? Will my computer explode or something?

 

[nottaclue9]

Thrashzone: You're probably right about my videos. I think that's some other problem. Not sure how this video card is going to help my computer, but it certainly could use some Geritol. I use AT&T Turbo, so it's pretty speedy. Just lagging in so many other areas. I'm willing to give it a go.
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MrNeeds: The New Egg product is 64-bit. Does it matter that my computer is 32-bit?

 

[nottaclue9]

Not knowing exactly what I'm looking for, I entered "low profile video card" in the search bar on the Newegg site. Any thoughts on these four? Some may be totally inappropriate; I'm just trying to learn how to search correctly:

EVGA 01G-P3-3731-KR GeForce GT 730 1GB 64-Bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 Low Profile Ready Video Card - Newegg.com=

PNY Commercial Series VCG84DMS1D3SXPB-CG GeForce 8400 GS 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 Low Profile Video Card - Newegg.com

GIGABYTE GV-N610D3-2GI GeForce GT 610 2GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card - Newegg.com

SAPPHIRE 100369LP Radeon R7 240 2GB DDR3 Low Profile w/ Boost Video Card - Newegg.com

 

[fireberd]

Of the ones you list the 8400GS is the one I would select. It does not state any power supply requirement and does not require a PCIe power connection (which your PC does not have).

The power supply is the main limiting point. The power supply, in this unit, is proprietary and cannot be upgraded to a higher wattage. Considering the age of this PC the power supply is probably "well used" and another limiting factor on "loading" the power supply.

The Windows experience score is not considered a major issue by many techies. Microsoft did away with that in Windows 8.

 

[ThrashZone]

That's a really specific answer from MrNeeds, which is exactly what I was hoping for. Is the 275 watts a Really Big Problem? Will my computer explode or something?

That would depend on how hard you push it,
The card posted does not have a cooling fan and is a 2 gig card more than you would need,

I'm using a 1gig card with a cooling fan that states a 300 watt power supply is recommended which is only 220 watt,
Keep in mind I do Not Game this card is for graphic's programs like photoShop and CorelDraw,
But no my machine has not exploded but I have not pushed it either,

Do yourself a favor and find a 1gig card with a cooling fan

 

[nottaclue9]

So, Thrashzone, what card are you using? Sounds like one I should consider. I don't game & I don't watch movies on my PC.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...o_card_pci_express_x16-_-14-127-515-_-Product


This one seems like it fits your description.

 

[ThrashZone]

That's a good choice buddy it will fit perfectly, but a little on the cheap side :/
Narrow and with a fan it seems to have the same 300 watt deal according to one review there on page 2,

Mine is out of stock I checked last week GT640 at Newegg but mine was about 75ish

It should be fine for movies/ videos/ has a dvi port/ a vga port/ hdmi port,
dvi and vga ports welcome to dual monitor land

When you install it make sure you remove the fan and cleanout the cpu or what ever the silver vented thing is mine looked like it had a felt skin on the top of it/ it was filthy

 

[nottaclue9]

Great news, ThrashZone. Thanks for the input. Yeah, I'm worried about it being such a cheapie, too, but the reviews seemed OK. There was also an EVGA (?) for about 20 bucks more, but it did not get very good reviews. Mostly griping about how loud the fan was, but other more disturbing complaints as well.

I appreciate the housekeeping hint. I'm anal, anyway, so cleaning the silver vented thing is right up my alley.

Thank you again for sticking with me on this. I'll leave this discussion open till I can get it installed. That way maybe someone else can benefit from your advice.

 

[ThrashZone]

No problem the issue with the other one I believe your referring to is it might be too thick,
It's a tight spot where this card goes,
Most fan reviews are pretty unrealistic Yes it's a fan most of these things are no louder that the built in fan
This is the one I got
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121771