New guy, need help buying/installing a video card

L

Landfill

New Member
I have no problem running and tweaking a computer on the software side of things however I have never opened a computer and messed with the hardware until now. I am looking to get a new CD/DVD drive because mine died and while I was at it I thought I might buy a graphics card. I have a Dell Studio 540 desktop with a 24" LCD monitor and I do a lot of video editing on Adobe premiere elements and play a little bit of Microsoft flight simulator X. My current video card is an ATI Radeon HD 3450. Both of these programs are a little sluggish on my current setup so I am looking to get a little more out of my computer. I started researching and realized I was in over my head with the thousands of options out there. I just want something cheap that plugs right in with as little hassle as possible. If that means I shouldn't be getting a video card let me know. I am eager to learn and any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

-Rourke
 
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You can find information about upgrading video cards with low-end non-gaming cards, including recommendations for specific cards here:

http://www.upgradevideocards.com/nongaming.html

Several things to consider:
1. MS Flight Simulator is a demeanding game - so don't expect too much unless you are willing to spend several hundred on a video card
2. If you want better performance than the cards listed on the page above, then you will need to spend more than $100 - and can continue on to the next page on that site for info on gaming cards. What is your budget?
3. Another issue is what size of power supply do you have? What is its make and model? Store bought systems - be they Dell, HP, eMachines, or any other brand normally only provide a PSU large enough handle the system they are selling so it can severly limit upgrading your video card. If you need help finding the PSU info, look at this page on the same site for help:

http://www.upgradevideocards.com/criteria.html

If you provide your PSU info and budget perhaps we can provide more help.
 
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