Upgrading GPU on a Dell Optiplex 745

driypyj · Apr 10, 2013

Im trying to find a new video card for my computer to play a few games, I don't do any serious gaming the only games I even want the card for are Fallout 3 and Fallout New Vegas. My computer is a Dell OptiPlex 745 I believe its the DT model and has a 250w PSU, and before anyone tries to bash me or change my mind, That's not what im asking. The built in graphics suck and wont even open fallout because of the lack of shader model 3.0. I have 6gb RAM, 160gb HDD, Core 2 Duo 2.4ghz. I know its not a gaming computer at all.. but! considering Fallout New Vegas only recommends a 512mb card max and 256mb min. I figure there has to be a card out there for my computer, even with the 250w PSU. I am looking to spend up to $50 on the card itself and need a slim mount because of the size of my computer so any of you genius's out there that can help me out and point me in the right direction, its greatly appreciated. I don't have the money or the need to upgrade anything else, I only use this computer for the basic needs.. Besides the want to play Fallout occasionally. Thanks

narcoleptic · Apr 10, 2013

driypyj :

I know the card is ancient itself, but I've put 8400GSes in desktop 745s and they've worked with the stock PSU. These were just for supporting dual monitors, not sure how something that old would work for Fallout.

k1114 · Apr 10, 2013

You could go with a 6570. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102994 The dell spec sheet says the desktop version has a 280w psu so you could go with a higher card but you don't want to spend more.

driypyj · Apr 10, 2013

k1114 :

Thanks for the reply and the correction on the wattage. I notice the 6570 is recommended 400w min. PSU, Do you think it would suffice with my measly 280w ? I don't mean to be a bother but as long as the card has shader 3.0 and 256mb it should in theory run Fallout on low settings at least is that correct ?

Few Oranges · Apr 10, 2013

driypyj :

Dell computers, while having a "standard build," are in fact designed by users, so an optiplex in can have an i5 processor or in your case a core 2 duo. This being the case if you want the absolute best answer from us we will need a little more info such as the model of the core 2 duo you have (for wattage calculating purposes) as well as an idea of if your motherboard will even support a graphics card capable of supporting a "new" gpu. Specifically on your motherboard can you upload a picture or tell us if there is a "pci express 2.0 slot" assuming 3.o would be out of the question. When AMD recommends a minimum power supply its a recommendation base on the entirety of the system not just the power needed for the gpu. Believe it or not the power supplies that dell equips their home use computers aren't all that bad.

jessterman21 · Apr 10, 2013

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102994

This is the best you can do at that price range - should give you decent playability, and will work fine with your system unless you've been using the computer every day since you got it 6 years ago... In that case, you might consider a new PSU and hard drive - we have them at my work, and they're starting to die

driypyj · Apr 10, 2013

Few Oranges :

driypyj :

Dell computers, while having a "standard build," are in fact designed by users, so an optiplex in can have an i5 processor or in your case a core 2 duo. This being the case if you want the absolute best answer from us we will need a little more info such as the model of the core 2 duo you have (for wattage calculating purposes) as well as an idea of if your motherboard will even support a graphics card capable of supporting a "new" gpu. Specifically on your motherboard can you upload a picture or tell us if there is a "pci express 2.0 slot" assuming 3.o would be out of the question. When AMD recommends a minimum power supply its a recommendation base on the entirety of the system not just the power needed for the gpu. Believe it or not the power supplies that dell equips their home use computers aren't all that bad.

E660. 2.4ghz
1 low-profile PCIe x16 graphics
-(H: 2.5" X L: 6.6")
Im just having a hard time believing a 6570 1gb video card would work on this computer, kinda crazy
http://i1100.photobucket.com/albums/g404/driypyj925/CAM00068.jpg
I forgot to mention im running win7 64 bit premium and my monitor supports dvi

driypyj · Apr 10, 2013

How would this compare to what you guys are suggesting ?
http://www.notebooknerds.com/amd-radeon-hd-6450-512mb-ddr3-pci-express-pcie-dvi-video-card-w-hdmi-hdcp-support/?gclid=CPWszeLZwbYCFSpxQgod1RQAjg

Or this, I notice it says power saver not sure if that applies to the power it needs
http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATI-Radeon-2GB-DDR3-PCI-Express-Video-Graphics-Card-HMDI-Windows-7-Vista-XP-NEW-/190812233832?_trksid=p2047675.m2109&_trkparms=aid%3D555003%26algo%3DPW.CAT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D142%26meid%3D6877917586106453062%26pid%3D100010%26prg%3D1076%26rk%3D4%26sd%3D161000038008%26

Few Oranges · Apr 11, 2013

driypyj :

nah to be honest a 6570 is the ideal card for your setup and it will definitely fit in your system. The other cards you listed are not of comparison to the 6570, theyre really just for watching hd video on the computer and such, i would stick with the 6570 if was you

driypyj · Apr 11, 2013

Few Oranges :

driypyj :

nah to be honest a 6570 is the ideal card for your setup and it will definitely fit in your system. The other cards you listed are not of comparison to the 6570, theyre really just for watching hd video on the computer and such, i would stick with the 6570 if was you

Thanks for your answer. Do you think it matter if I were to buy a generic one? Ive been browsing since I posted and I can see they make generic branded cards for like $20 less

Few Oranges · Apr 11, 2013

driypyj :

yes it will matter, its not going to give you the performance of the 6570, looking at what are called "stream processors" on these various cards its a good indication of the computing power the card will give you. I think you are better off getting the 6570 with the 1 gb of vram and being "future proof" in regards to your wants, instead of getting a generic card that may be a disappointment for the whole process.

driypyj · Apr 11, 2013

Few Oranges :

driypyj :

yes it will matter, its not going to give you the performance of the 6570, looking at what are called "stream processors" on these various cards its a good indication of the computing power the card will give you. I think you are better off getting the 6570 with the 1 gb of vram and being "future proof" in regards to your wants, instead of getting a generic card that may be a disappointment for the whole process.

Whats your opinion on this one ? I think it matches up nicely and I don't particularly need vga and my monitor supports dvi
http://www.notebooknerds.com/amd-radeon-hd-6570-1gb-ddr3-pci-express-pcie-dvi-video-card-w-hdmi-hdcp-support/?gclid=CMybiIPmwbYCFULZQgodCxAAXA

Few Oranges · Apr 11, 2013

I think its spot on, 480 stream processors, dx11 support, low power consumption, not large and best of all (in my opinion) it has an HDMI port so you can use virtually any newer screen/monitor as a display for your computer. For example I use a 32' TV as one of my monitors for my computer and love it. It serves as a great way to watch media, play games and read fonts on various websites. I think that would be a solid choice.

driypyj · Apr 11, 2013

Few Oranges :

Thanks for all the help its right in my price range too
I give the solution to you

Few Oranges · Apr 11, 2013

driypyj :

Few Oranges :

Thanks for all the help its right in my price range too
I give the solution to you

Best of luck to you, let us know how it goes!

k1114 · Apr 11, 2013

The 6570 tdp is 60w, your cpu is 65w, and adding the other components will be still be under 200w total. I am not going to suggest something that wouldn't work/be safe.

jessterman21 · Apr 11, 2013

driypyj :

WOW that's nice and clean inside. All the ones that pass my desk here at work are crammed full of dust. Anyway, yes you definitely want the HD 6570 1GB - that one you found on sale will do great for you.

Upgrading GPU on a Dell Optiplex 745

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