 Free Scan: Update Your PC's Outdated Drivers to Optimize Performance 
April 30th, 2008, 10:36 PM
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#1 (permalink)
| | Member
Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Warrin' Warren, VT
Posts: 192
|  Upgrading dell 8400
Hi, I was wondering what would be the best video card upgrade on a dell 8400.
Pentium 4 3.0ghz
512 mb ram
ATI x300
Nothing drastic, hopefully under $50. Also, I don't want to mess around with new power supplies, etc. So basically, check the power consumption. I just want to be able to run games of yesteryear more smoothly. Any ram upgrade ideas are welcome also.
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April 30th, 2008, 10:47 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Warrin' Warren, VT
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April 30th, 2008, 11:35 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 67
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This is a better 2600 Pro than the one you listed, and is cheaper. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814129093
It has a 128-bit memory bandwith as opposed to a 64-bit, which is vastly superior if you want to game.
That card will play the "games of yesteryear" with no problems whatsoever. And you don't need a power supply upgrade for it, either.
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May 1st, 2008, 12:04 AM
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#4 (permalink)
| | SoMuchAnime-SoLittleTime
Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Plymouth, WI
Posts: 13,702
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The ram you picked and the 2600 Pro HerosForGhosts picked would work nicely.
I do not know how well you would get by with your existing power supply however. What is rated wattage for it?
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May 1st, 2008, 07:56 AM
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#5 (permalink)
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Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Warrin' Warren, VT
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I plan on playing games such as BF2, Far Cry, and fear. The power supply is either 350w or 305w. I cannot check at the moment but will post it as soon as i can. Thanks for all the help. | |
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May 1st, 2008, 09:28 AM
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#6 (permalink)
| | Let's go, Hokies!
Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: South Jersey
Posts: 7,571
| Here are the specs for the D-8400 PSU. Note that the P10 connector is intended for use with PCI Express graphics cards that have power requirements exceeding 75 watts.
Dell PSUs are rated very conservatively as compared with other advertised specs and generally have no trouble handling video card upgrades. | |
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May 1st, 2008, 01:20 PM
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#7 (permalink)
| | SoMuchAnime-SoLittleTime
Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Plymouth, WI
Posts: 13,702
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If it is a 350, it should not be a problem, but a 305 I would watch it more.
If you install that all and some time down the line things start getting unstable, look to your power supply as the likely cause. | |
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May 1st, 2008, 04:45 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Warrin' Warren, VT
Posts: 192
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so my PSU is 350w, dual 12v. rails, and 28 amps combined.
Is the OCZ memory i listed second post compatible? | |
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May 1st, 2008, 05:00 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Warrin' Warren, VT
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May 1st, 2008, 06:23 PM
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#10 (permalink)
| | SoMuchAnime-SoLittleTime
Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Plymouth, WI
Posts: 13,702
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Which ever ends up costing less (don't forget shipping). | |
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