In need of a new graphics card

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  1. Posts : 10
    WIN 10 Pro 64bit
       #21

    Still could use a very important piece of hardware often overlooked when looking for new video card and that's your power supply.

    Exactly. I was going to post the same thing. Most Dell PSU's are 475W. For your price the Nvidia Geforce GTS 250 1gb is a very good card. I had that card then bought a Radeon 5850 last week (Man, what a difference. Very nice card:) I had looked at the 5770, but it is only 128mb and you need at least 256mb.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 37
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600)
    Thread Starter
       #22

    This may sound like I stupid question, but how exactly do I find out what my power supply is? I have most all of the other stuff filled in already.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 169
    Win7 Ultimate x64
       #23

    Open the case and see if there are any model numbers on the power supply. Anything that could help us decipher what you have. Google shows no results for the Dell model number in your sys specs. Being a Dell and having what looks like integrated graphics with the Dual Core i'd assume the psu in it is most likely basic.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 310
    Windows 7 Pro
       #24

    jr26 said:
    Open the case and see if there are any model numbers on the power supply. Anything that could help us decipher what you have. Google shows no results for the Dell model number in your sys specs. Being a Dell and having what looks like integrated graphics with the Dual Core i'd assume the psu in it is most likely basic.
    Probably around 300w. I've seen a few dell with integration and dual cores on 400w though.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 37
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600)
    Thread Starter
       #25

    Well, I just figured out that if I open my computer, I'll break the warranty. I was wondering if there was any other way to figure out my power supply, but then I remembered that buying any new graphics card would require me to open it. Does this totally prevent me from buying a new one?

    I apologize if these are all stupid questions, I'm not that great at technical stuff.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12,364
    8 Pro x64
       #26

    Do either of these machines look like yours?

    Inspiron 560s Slim Desktop | Dell

    Inspiron 560 Desktop Details | Dell


    Just going by your posted specs, you almost certainly have a 300w PSU.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 1,506
    W7 Ult. x64 | OS X
       #27

    He's definitely got a 300W power supply. I just hope he has the mini tower and not the slim-line 560s because there's no way he'll fit a full size gfx card in a slimline.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 37
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600)
    Thread Starter
       #28

    Yeah, I definitely don't have the slim version. I take it I can still fit one in?
      My Computer


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

    You will be able to fit one - but the low wattage (but more importantly the low 12v rail amps) of that PSU will limit your choices somewhat.

    The power requirements of some of the faster cards will 'overload' that PSU quite easily.



    What games do you play and what sort of performance are you hoping for?
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 61
    Windows 7 Professional
       #30

    I'd look at the GTS 250 as well and make sure you have at least 512KB or 1GB. I own the EVGA GTS 250 great card. But I upgraded to the XFX 5850. Here's the link for you to check it out. I know it's over your budget by like $10. Anyways it's a solid card for gaming and anything else you throw at it.:)

    Newegg.com - EVGA 01G-P3-1158-TR GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card
      My Computer


 
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