In need of assistance

R

rvs053063

New Member
Hi. I have a Dell Inspiron 531 desktop computer. It has two open slots. Because the integrated network connection failed, one of these slots has a network card (I can't get a reliable wireless signal where the computer is). Because Dell doesn't support the integrated sound with a Windows 7 driver, I have a dedicated sound card in the second slot that powers my speakers and woofer. The computer otherwise works great, however I need to buy a decent video card, but I have no slots for it. One of my options is to buy a new motherboard for $129. Then I could remove the network card and open up a slot for the graphics/video card. However, I am also looking at just getting a video card with HDMI sound. My question is, is there any way to keep using my speakers or will I be limited to just using integrated speakers in the monitor? I see a ViewSonic monitor on ebay with HDMI but no speakers. So how would this all work? Thanks.
 
well you'd also have to get a new power supply to for about 50 normaly, give or take 10, also those add-on cards rin on pci slots and the gfx card uses a pci-e x16 slot, or an agp slot. and also why is it that you are looking for a gfx card?
 
Your computer has an open PCIexpress video card slot. You should have no problems getting a dedicated card for it and as said before, you would have to get a new power supply.
 
Thanks for the help. I don't know what the abbreviations mean, gfx, apg, I just know that I need a better solution because right now movies stutter and I get horrible resolution even though the monitor is capable of 1080p HD. How do I size the power supply to the card?
 
Every GPU has a different TDP, but a good quality 550W PSU will be able to power any GPU with enough headroom.
 
for what you need, unless you want to game at any good settings any time, you can just pick up something like a radeon hd5450 or hd6450, and a antec or corsair powersupply, like the corsair cx430 is prob the cheapest one with plenty of power, will end up aroung 80 i think but have a decent amount of mail in rebates. and also gfx is an abbreviation for graphics and agp is the label of the slot same as pci-e, it's just an older one than pci-e
 
So just to confirm, the cards that you mention will work in the slot in my computer, right? I assume these slots are whatever was standard a few years ago. Thanks.
 
yes, just look for a pci-e x16 card, if it is x16 2.0 or 2.1 those work too, the versions are inet-changable.
 
Now what?

Okay, so I picked up a Corsair CX430 power supply. The PS that came with the Dell has a 4 pin connector to the motherboard. The Corsair doesn't have a corresponding 4 pin connector. So now what do I do? Thanks.
 
it probably has a 8 pin, that disconnects into two four pins, for the 12v cpu, take a look, it probably splits, it will fit.
 
yeah it'll work that way, those are there for 125w proceaora like most phenom x4's and x6's along with the i5's and i7's mainly, but there are others and all too. but since those take more power they need the second line to get the correct power, so yes just ignore it basically, but i would try to tie it somwhere or something to keep it out of the way and all.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top