Need a new graphics card!

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 12:28 AM

all i need is a graphics card that will run empire total war on med/high settings or cod mw2 but i keep getting different suggestions. i just need a graphics card that wont empty my wallet.

**JPMiller** · May 23rd, 2011, 02:02 AM

Then you my friend, NEED to give us more INFO...
Cuz I looked into my crystal ball and I just couldn't make out your ....
Budget... (how much before your wallet isnt empty?)
Specs... (use Speccy if you dont know)
Power Supply... (you have to take the side off and read the sticker)

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 05:43 PM

I dont really know what info you need about specs since its my first time doing this so im going to put it all
Operating System
MS Windows XP Home 32-bit SP3
CPU
AMD Sempron LE-1300
Sparta 65nm Technology
RAM
2.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 330MHz (5-5-5-15)
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0RY206 (Socket AM2 )
Graphics
DELL E198WFP (1360x768@60Hz)
64MB GeForce 6150SE nForce 430 (Dell)
Hard Drives
156GB Western Digital WDC WD1600AAJS-75WAA0 (SATA)
Budget: I wont go over $150
Power Supply: 250w
Im not looking for a hardcore gamer grapics card, i just need one for casual gaming.

**JPMiller** · May 23rd, 2011, 05:59 PM

Originally Posted by 1234569

all i need is a graphics card that will run empire total war on med/high settings or cod mw2

Thats not exactly casual gaming..
You need a new Power supply as well.
So it looks like you have a Dell, what model?
And is this a regular tower or a slimline version?

**ShyguyXPC** · May 23rd, 2011, 06:03 PM

Well, you listed Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and that sort of contradicts the definition of a Casual Gamer.

I know with that game alone, your CPU is holding you back significantly, besides the Video card (its only a lowly 2.3GHz Single Core CPU, If I'm not Mistaken, MW2 recommends a Dual Core. But lists a 3GHz-ish (Pentium 4 3GHz, or Athlon 64 3200+) Single core as minimum for CPU.

But for GPU, we would need the Power supply Specs, Speccy will not give that info, you will need to open the case and look for the specs on the Power Supply Sticker, find the +12V Amp or Wattage Rating.

More than likely you may need to upgrade the Power supply in that PC.

Whats the Model number of the Dell PC you are using? (need to look it up and find out if its a regular size case/system or a Slim Style System)

**ShyguyXPC** · May 23rd, 2011, 06:04 PM

LOL, JP beat me to all of it, I was typing it out when he submitted his reply, basically all the same exact things said.

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 06:16 PM

i have a dell inspiron 531s (slimline version) and as i sasid before, i dont really need a super awesome external powered $500 card. i just need something to boost its performance to handle better games.

**ShyguyXPC** · May 23rd, 2011, 06:34 PM

Did we say a $500 card? Did we say Externally Powered? No.

You have No idea of what is required to run a better card. If your Power supply is Underpowered for a new card, beyond the Onboard graphics you are using now, you can overload the Power supply and fry your entire system.

THIS IS WHY WE ARE ASKING FOR THE POWER SUPPLY SPECS.

So we can recommend a card for with in the specs.

Or whether you would need to upgrade the Power supply.

Since this is a Slim Style of the system, Power supplies for upgrading are going to be slim to none.

Also you will be needing a Half height card, which should help narrow things down as well.

but still need those PSU specs. (your going to have to open the case to install the card anyways, so might as well open it up and get the info)

In all Honesty, after this GPU upgrade I wouldn't spend anymore on the PC, but save up and buy a newer more expandable/upgradable system to better handle better/newer games.

While you have the PC opened up, find the slot the video card will be installed in, the PCI Express x16 slot, and see if you have an open additional slot next to it, in case the video card needs a dual slot cooler or extra room if the cooler is a bit wider than a single slot.

For example, this card has a dual slot cooler on it, its not a full 2 slots wide, but it needs a 2nd slot next to the main one, to fit it in the PC.

Newegg.com - MSI R6570-MD1GD3/LP Radeon HD 6570 1GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card

Thats just an example, and actually is probably one of the few decent cards that would work in your PC, but we need those PSU specs.

This Radeon 5670, though one series older, actually outperforms the 6570 above, by a hair: Newegg.com - MSI R5670-PD512 Radeon HD 5670 512MB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card with Eyefinity

(faster Clock speeds, and runs faster GDDR5 instead of GDDR3 (more memory bandwidth))

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 06:45 PM

i know i sound dumb but what exactly is the power supply and where would i find it inside my computer?

**ShyguyXPC** · May 23rd, 2011, 06:53 PM

your kidding...

... Its what the power plug from the wall plugs into that powers the entire PC. Pretty self explanatory.

as has been said, there should be a sticker on it, with the info listed, find the Amp rating for the +12V power (there will be 3.3V, 5V, and 12V, we need the +12V info)

**ShyguyXPC** · May 23rd, 2011, 06:58 PM

did a quick google image search for your PC, found this pic, attached below (Power supply should be the Box thing in the upper left corner with the big visible sticker on it)

Also in that pic, the first of 4 Slots (top one), is the PCI Express x16 slot, the 2nd below it, really short one, a bit over an inch in length is the PCI Express x1 slot, check to see if it is empty in your PC, or if there is a card plugged into it or not. (this is what I was asking about earlier for a dual slot cooler video card)

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 07:15 PM

asdfghjkl;'

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 07:16 PM

ahhhhh

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 07:18 PM

lol sorry well the one I have says +12v/ 17 amps

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 07:26 PM

and no there is nothing in it

**JPMiller** · May 23rd, 2011, 08:03 PM

I'm suggesting you scrap this idea altogether...
Sell it the way it is and save up for something that's upgradeable...
Your just wasting money in my opinion because the upgrade will not be worth the small difference it will make, or the chance you take it screwing this up, or the chance it will ruin the system when the power supply blows...
Its not just weak, but old, and probably dust covered since I doubt you've ever opened the case before this...

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 08:09 PM

i did think about selling it but i doubt i will even get anywhere near $100 for this "thing". thats why i thought it might be worth a try to at least upgrade it.

**JPMiller** · May 23rd, 2011, 08:12 PM

Hey Shy, I dont think thats the inside of the slimline, note the orientatation of the optical drive and the venting...
Thats the standard type , not his...

To be "able" to upgrade means having parts that are standard and easily accessible...
The slimline means poor ventilation, non-standard parts, little room, and limited options...
You have no experience, but that doesnt mean you cant learn...
You may want to consider reusing SOME parts and building your own...
Youd be surprised at what you can afford.

**1234569** · May 23rd, 2011, 08:27 PM

oh well, i guess this means a new computer for me. anyways thanks a lot for your time ShyguyXPC and JPMiller, i appreciate your advice.

**ShyguyXPC** · May 24th, 2011, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by JPMiller

Hey Shy, I dont think thats the inside of the slimline, note the orientatation of the optical drive and the venting...
Thats the standard type , not his...

To be "able" to upgrade means having part that are standard and easily accessible...
The slimline means poor ventilation, non-standard parts, little room, and limited options...
You have no experience, but that doesnt mean you cant learn...
You may want to consider reusing SOME parts and building your own...
Youd be surprised at what you can afford.

Meh, in any case, it at least showed where to look and what to look for in regards to the PSU.