Graphics Card Upgrade

[wally1324]

which is better the GeForce GT 430 or Radeon HD 5550

 

[brianzion]

i would have to say the Radeon HD 5550 (not just because that's what i have! i upgraded and very pleased with it 10 months and no problems) you must double check it will fit in the dell. download this program speccy and post a screenshot of the results for the graphics detail you have now.

speccy >>> http://www.piriform.com/speccy

 

[brianzion]

check this review out i dont think you can fit these type cards in

Dell Inspiron 580s Review

http://www.desktopreview.com/shared/picture.asp?f=5581

Swapping out the hard drive or 250W power supply could be something of a pain, since you have to unscrew a large metal bar that stretches across the significant depth of the machine. It's hard to actually criticize Dell for this decision, however, since adding a bar like this significantly increases the strength of the case across that bar. Hiding beneath the bar are a whopping four free expansion slots: one PCI, two PCI-E x1 and a PCI-E x16. Given the narrow width, you'll be limited to half-height cards, but still, four open slots on an affordable small form factor desktop is pretty impressive. Users can add a video card, sound card, or several other kinds of expansion options.

 

[wally1324]

heres the screen shot

 

[brianzion]

check this review out i dont think you can fit these type cards in

Dell Inspiron 580s Review

Desktop PC Reviews Picture

Swapping out the hard drive or 250W power supply could be something of a pain, since you have to unscrew a large metal bar that stretches across the significant depth of the machine. It's hard to actually criticize Dell for this decision, however, since adding a bar like this significantly increases the strength of the case across that bar. Hiding beneath the bar are a whopping four free expansion slots: one PCI, two PCI-E x1 and a PCI-E x16. Given the narrow width, you'll be limited to half-height cards, but still, four open slots on an affordable small form factor desktop is pretty impressive. Users can add a video card, sound card, or several other kinds of expansion options.

do check this out and find out what cards fit in ok

 

[wally1324]

on Radeon's site it said "Low profile graphics card, perfect for small form factor or home theater PCs " does that mean it will fit

 

[brianzion]

i put a search in for half-height graphic cards

Google

 

[brianzion]

on Radeon's site it said "Low profile graphics card, perfect for small form factor or home theater PCs " does that mean it will fit

the card i have what you are thinking of will not fit a slim machine i tried before with a slim dell optiflex 520 but no go

 

[wally1324]

do you know what the dementions of the card are

 

[brianzion]

have a look here see if you can get some info Newegg.com - SPARKLE SXS2501024D3L-NM GeForce GTS 250 1GB 256-bit GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

 

[wally1324]

is that card my only option

 

[brianzion]

do you know what the dementions of the card are

not without taking it out of the pc sorry i will see if i can get them for you though its the back plate that's smaller look on your pc at the expansion slots and you will see what i mean

 

[bobkn]

I hope that "Wally1324" is feeling lucky.

On the one hand, there are Radeon HD 5550 and 5570 half-height cards out there that are supposed to need little electrical power.

On the other hand, one manufacturer brags about the low power requirements but still lists a 400W PSU as the minimum:

SAPPHIRE- HOME

The 250W Dell PSU is probably conservatively rated, compared to a cheap generic 400W PSU, but it's still a bit nervous-making.

I still believe that upgrading a slim appliance PC is not the best use of time or money. However, it may be worth the risk of $50 or so for a graphics card.

 

[brianzion]

is that card my only option

no i don't think so there must be half sized decent cards if you search

 

[brianzion]

on Radeon's site it said "Low profile graphics card, perfect for small form factor or home theater PCs " does that mean it will fit

much to long for you

 

[brianzion]

even this looks to long

 

[wally1324]

I didnt see any half hight that had more than 32mb or memory

 

[brianzion]

yes i no look at these in the list Newegg.com - graphic card pci

 

[brianzion]

ZOTAC ION-GPU-A-E ION Graphics Processor 512MB DDR3 PCI Express x1 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card

you could always contact Newegg and have a chat im in England united kingdom so i dont no much about your stores
Newegg.com - graphic card pci


FULL SPEC THIS LOOKS OK http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...cm_re=graphic_card_pci-_-14-500-164-_-Product


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Image...s x1 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card

 

[wally1324]

I spoke with dell and they gave me this ling with compatible cards

Graphics Cards : Computer Components | Dell