Need help with video card upgrade!!

K

KarmaKat

New Member
hello everyone, first time posting here and hoping to get some expert information! FYI - I'm pretty novice when it comes to computer lingo and all the techy stuff.

Ok, so my problem is that I want to upgrade my video card (sounds simple). I have a Dell XPS 420 desktop. My PSU is only 375W, here is more info that may help (I have no clue what it means)

input:
100-120V / 9A / 50-60Hz
200-240V / 4.5 A / 50-60Hz
output:
+5V / 22A Max
+5V (FP) / 2A Max
+12VA / 18A Max
-12V / 1A Max
+3.3V / 17A Max
+12VB / 18A Max

I've read in some forums that dell PSU are hard to upgrade, but they are usually of good quality. I've also read that they can handle good video cards. I've talked to Dell tech support and they said my system can only handle a 375 or 425W PSU w/o upgrading the motherboard. I just want a simple answer on what I can do!! I bought a Nvidia 9800 gtx+, but that recommends a 630W PSU (Yes, im doing research after the fact :mad:). Dell tech support suggested these 2 video cards w/ my current setup (not sure if they are good or what one is better):

1. radeon xstasy x1300 256MB PCIe
2. radeon x1300 256MB GDDR2 PCIe

Please, any help would be much appreciated...and keeping the lingo as simple as possible would also be helpful. Thanks a million ladies/gents!
 
Get a 4850 FTW. They don't require that much power and to be honest I think you could run the GTX+ you bought. Just try and if it doesn't work send it back and get another one.
 
not sure what a "4850" is?! also, i'd like to add that i wanted a new card for gaming. i tried to hook up that gtx+, but it needed 2 of those 6 pin connectors and i only had 1. i havent got into my psu to see if i can simple add another 6 pin wire or if it's even that simple.
 
I'm not sure about the power draw from a 4850 (ATi Radeon HD 4850) on there. I know for sure that a 9600GT would run on there and that would have no problem maxing most of your games. Tends to run a little bit cheaper than the 4850 too.
 
kookooshortman55 said:
I'm not sure about the power draw from a 4850 (ATi Radeon HD 4850) on there. I know for sure that a 9600GT would run on there and that would have no problem maxing most of your games. Tends to run a little bit cheaper than the 4850 too.
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That's true but the 4850 isn't that expensive and is better than a 9600GT easy. Heck even the 3850 is.
 
Well, the GTX 280 is better than all of those but it's unnecessary. If you're not running Crysis you don't really need the best stuff. It depends on what the budget is and what kind of games he is planning on running.

If you already have a 9800GTX+ then you don't need to consider a new video card. What are the dimensions of your power supply? It should be a standard ATX power supply, then you would only be looking at about a $60 upgrade.
 
kookooshortman55 said:
Well, the GTX 280 is better than all of those but it's unnecessary. If you're not running Crysis you don't really need the best stuff. It depends on what the budget is and what kind of games he is planning on running.

If you already have a 9800GTX+ then you don't need to consider a new video card. What are the dimensions of your power supply? It should be a standard ATX power supply, then you would only be looking at about a $60 upgrade.
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His 9800GTX+ didn't work he said so he rma'ed it. The 9800GTX+ is still not as good as the 4850 but its close enough. The 280 uses too much power and is too expensive for his system.
 
The 280 uses too much power and is too expensive for his system.
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That is my point. A 4850 might not be necessary at all, and may draw too much power, and might be too expensive. I agree that the 4850 is a good card and that it's better than a 9600GT, but if he only plans on playing Source games, a 9500GT would be sufficient.
 
kookooshortman55 said:
That is my point. A 4850 might not be necessary at all, and may draw too much power, and might be too expensive. I agree that the 4850 is a good card and that it's better than a 9600GT, but if he only plans on playing Source games, a 9500GT would be sufficient.
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Thats true. I am glad we came to some agreement. lol
 
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