Will I benefit from a new graphic card?

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  1. Posts : 4,517
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #21

    The GPU power requirement are typically for a Average system w/ a Average type supply.

    Meaning, If you have a quality PSU, you might be able to get by with something like a 380W PSU just fine, although not leaving alot of upgrade room.

    But if its Off brand, or OEM type supply you may actually need more wattage.


    This may not make sense, but the wattage of a PSU truly tells you absolutely nothing about it.

    The 12V rail amerpage and efficency are the most important things to look for.


    A bit off topic, but a couple things many do not realize nor think about.

    As an example, lets say we have a 400W Corsair or Antec Power Supply.
    These guys are likely 80-85% efficent, giving you 32-35Amps of power.
    They are actually quite capable of powering the large majority of modern single card setups, despite thier seemingly small size. (Other than very high end)

    Now looking at a 450W offbrand PSU.
    It may be something like <70% efficient witha 16A 12V rail.

    Most people looking at these would think the 450 is more powerful, when in fact its MUCH weaker.


    Efficency, in a nut shell basically means the amount of power the Power Supply can create VS the amount of power it pulls from the source (or wall plug).

    So a 750W 75% effecient PSU is actually drawing 1000W from the wall to create its 750W. (1000W * 75% = 750W)
    There more efficent it is, the less actuall power it uses, and the less heat it will create to do its job.

    So, in a sense, the better power supplys can also save you money in time.

    Something to think about :)
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  2. Posts : 797
    Windows 7 Ultimate (x64)
    Thread Starter
       #22

    Hopalong X said:
    According to your posted specs a Dell Inspiron 530 has 300 watt PSU as I posted and linked earlier.

    Mike

    From Dell 530 Tech Spec page.
    Chassis
    300 Watt DC Power Supply
    • Backup battery: 3-V CR2032 lithium coin cell

    3.5" Bays: 3 bays (one external; two internal)
    5.25" Bays: 2 bays

    Actually, they make several different variants of Inspiron 530. In particular, models with the quad-core processor get the 350W power supply. Moreover, according to Dell, there is a limit of 4 GB of memory. I have 8 GB without any issue. The trick is that at some point they posted a BIOS update and lifted the limit, but never updated any documentation about it.
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  3. Posts : 797
    Windows 7 Ultimate (x64)
    Thread Starter
       #23

    Wishmaster, thanks for the info. How can I find out these details about the Dell PSU in my Inspiron? Their documentation is scarce at best ...
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  4. Posts : 6,879
    Win 7 Ultimate x64
       #24

    Compare the label on the side of your PSU to this one,

    Will I benefit from a new graphic card?-530psu.png

    and if it the same, you will definitely need a new one.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 12,364
    8 Pro x64
       #25

    unifex said:
    Well, the price situation is not that simple. I could get a 4550 instead which requires 300W power supply and I got 350W.
    Just to clarify - does your current card do what you want it to? ie Smooth video playback

    If it does - then there is no reason to upgrade at all.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 797
    Windows 7 Ultimate (x64)
    Thread Starter
       #26

    smarteyeball said:
    Just to clarify - does your current card do what you want it to? ie Smooth video playback

    If it does - then there is no reason to upgrade at all.
    Yes, I am quite satisfied with my machine now, but maybe I don't know what I am missing !
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 9,537
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #27

    If you don't know what you are missing then how do you know that you missed anything?
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  8. Posts : 68
    Windows 7 Ultimate x64
       #28

    Well, if you do decide to take the plunge, I'd full hearteldy recommend a 8600GT (1GB) or nVidia's new GT430. They both only require a 300W PSU.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12,364
    8 Pro x64
       #29

    unifex said:

    Yes, I am quite satisfied with my machine now, but maybe I don't know what I am missing !
    Fair enough, I know that logic well :)


    However, since you don't play games and you already have smooth playback etc - the only performance difference I think you'll notice is your bank account balance getting smaller at a faster rate
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 34
    windows 7 x 64 ult
       #30

    ATI 4550 on 300w


    I have run an ATI 4550 on a 300w for over a year now and have had no problems at all.

    Even overclocked in CCC to 650 core speed and playing Mass Effect 2 at 1024x768 and all settings high...no problems.

    The ATI HD Series power through the PCIe slot, no need for external wire from PSU. They throttle down when not in use making for the lowest power consumption out there (or darn close). Very low watts on full load also.

    I do a lot of video work and use Photoshop a bunch and love this card.

    AN ATI 4350 would even be a great upgrade. These cards take the load completely off your CPU and carry it themselves.

    I switched to ATI fron Nvidea years ago because of TV-out problems and have never gone back.

    I agree with the SSD thing though.
      My Computer


 
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