Graphics/video card help

im not really comfortable opening the pc. I have no idea what im doing. But i read from a review about this compupter that it only has a 250w power supply. Im thinking of getting a new one to support the graphics card. thanks for all the help so far. I would of just bought one and figured it out it didn't work after spending $200
 
Guitar said:
im not really comfortable opening the pc. I have no idea what im doing. But i read from a review about this compupter that it only has a 250w power supply. Im thinking of getting a new one to support the graphics card. thanks for all the help so far. I would of just bought one and figured it out it didn't work after spending $200
Click to expand...

250w isn't going to power much of anything your going to need a new power supply which will mean you won't have as much to spend on the Graphics card.

I recommend this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394
&
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189014

that about $197+shipping that probably the best you can get for $200 there is a lot cheaper power supplies out there but when buying a power supply you don't wont to go cheap because if your power supply breaks it usually takes the whole computer with it.
 
After researching your computer some more I found out that you do not have a PCIe x16 2.0 only a PCIe x16 this is terrible news. Because of this you are pretty much restricted to about 10 different graphics cards most of them is no better then your onboard graphics. If you ever want to have a good GPU then your going to need a new motherboard or computer. If you still won't to get one the best I can find is this.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814162022

I would still get a better power supply http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371005
 
how expensive are motherboards? the graphics card and power supply were going to be a gift. I can dig into my own funds if there not that expensive. Im not going to install these myself, would big retail stores be able to do this?
 
A new motherboard will cost any where from $50+ then only thing with that is if you get a new motherboard then your probably going to have to get a new CPU also. What kind of CPU do you have maybe I can find a motherboard that will work with it that also has a PCIe x16 2.0 slot. To tell you the truth you would probably come out better buying a whole new computer because after buying PSU,MOBO,CPU,GPU then you have basically bought everything but case,HDD,ODD. I'm pretty sure best buy will put everything in for you but it won't be cheap. Call around to some of you local computer shop and ask them about it. Before you do any thing you should give DELL a call and ask them if your computer will support a PCI express x16 2.0 graphics card. You don't won't to go through all this trouble unless your absolutely sure you have to,
 
Wait, back up guys. We've already been through this on page two. I was thinking the same thing, but needed CardboardSword to remind me that PCI-E 2.0 is backward compatible. 2.0 cards will work in 1.0 slots.
 
There are a number of things to take into account in adding a GPU. Compatibility, power requirements, and the physical size all have to be considered. The more powerful cards are really big - They take up two slots and are as long as your MB is wide, (about 9-1/2"). Looking at a diagram of your MB -

Motherboard.jpg


A higher end double slot card is going to cover up SATA connectors 3 & 4 for sure, probably some of 2 as well. You could work around this by choosing a single slot card or a double slot card in which the fan shroud doesn't extend all the way to the back of the card. Also a SATA cable with a 90 degree connector would probably allow you to use SATA connector 2 with one of the big cards, (SATA 2 is probably where your disk drive plugs in). A double slot card will also cover the PCI-EX slot and half of the NIVIDA heatsink, though again not necessarily an issue unless you're using the EX slot.

I do think it's possible to fit one of the big cards in your computer, but you will likely have to make some minor modifications to do so. Just want to make sure you're aware of what you'll have to deal with if you order one of the big cards. :)
 
jevery said:
Wait, back up guys. We've already been through this on page two. I was thinking the same thing, but needed CardboardSword to remind me that PCI-E 2.0 is backward compatible. 2.0 cards will work in 1.0 slots.
Click to expand...

That is really good to know I always thought only 1.0 was compatible with 2.0I didn't know it worked the other way around to. Well I guess he is pretty much all set all he needs to do is pick hes GPU and PSU. Also I believe he is not installing the components his self but will be paying somebody to do it for him.
 
He still is going to need a new PSU. Probably a 450w to run a 8600GTS efficiently.

Well, here are some options.

PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817812002

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

GPU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434

As a previous member post, pointed out a possible conflict, these cards arent exactly space friendly. It will completely cover your PCI-E x1 Slot and possible additional slots.

I also reccomend a modular PSU because you will notice an increase of case temps with the addition of any graphics card. This helps with cable management, which allows more air flow.

Chris
 
MixedLogik said:
He still is going to need a new PSU. Probably a 450w to run a 8600GTS efficiently.

Well, here are some options.

PSU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817812002

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341010

GPU

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130339

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130325

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434

As a previous member post, pointed out a possible conflict, these cards arent exactly space friendly. It will completely cover your PCI-E x1 Slot and possible additional slots.

I also recommend a modular PSU because you will notice an increase of case temps with the addition of any graphics card. This helps with cable management, which allows more air flow.

Chris
Click to expand...

Why did you pick Nvidia ATI is much cheaper and you get more.

Guitar before I recommend a graphics card I need to know what it is your be using it for. If you going to be doing some lite gaming then you don't need anything spectacular but If you game a lot then your going to need something better might cost you a little over $200 but probably by only $10-$15.
 
Guitar before I recommend a graphics card I need to know what it is your be using it for. If you going to be doing some lite gaming then you don't need anything spectacular but If you game a lot then your going to need something better might cost you a little over $200 but probably by only $10-$15.
Click to expand...

Its at the begining of the thread. I will be using it for moderate gaming.
 
Guitar said:
Its at the begining of the thread. I will be using it for moderate gaming.
Click to expand...

OK then go with what I said first the 4870 they have on that is only $135.

This 4870 is $135-$10 rebate=$125 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102810

This 4870 is $147 no rebate but you get a Double Lifetime Manufacture Warranty http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150394

Choose one of these PSU
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817189014

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371007

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008 if you use this PSU you will have to use one of the 4pin to 6pin PCIe connectors that comes with your card.
 
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