Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question
Solved

Help with my first upgrade: inexpensive and 300W

Tags:
  • dell inspiron 580
  • 300w
  • GPUs
  • Graphics Cards
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
Share
November 12, 2013 6:29:21 PM

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE:
this month, preferably

BUDGET RANGE:
less than $75 (if at all possible, less than $50)
I know how expensive these things can get, but maybe the usage of the card will be reasonable.

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT:
Sims 2 on medium settings (with University, Open for Business, Pets, and Nightlife)
Infrequent video editing with Adobe Premiere and After Effects
Civ V on medium settings
Portal on medium/low settings
Roller Coaster Tycoon 3 on medium settings
Minecraft on normal settings (right now I'm running very low specs for Minecraft, even without high res texture packs)

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: =
Integrated IntelHD Graphics
300 Watts (?)

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS:
ftp://ftp.dell.com/Manuals/all-products/esuprt_desktop/...
Dell Inspiron 580
Intel Core i3 - 550 @ 3.20 GHz
6GB RAM (5.8GB usable)
64-bit OS - Windows 7 Home Premium

300 Watt Power Supply (?)
Can someone confirm that for me?

I'm not sure whether I have PCI or PCIe.
I'm avoiding opening the case until I have to. I hope the link above to the manual will help.
I know it's important to distinguish PCI from PCIe. But, correct me if I'm wrong, PCIe cards and slots are all compatible with one another, from what I've learned this week.

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS:
I'm new to upgrading computer hardware. What do the veterans recommend?
(I've been browsing Newegg, though.)

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
PARTS PREFERENCES:
Maybe someone can tell me if I want preferences for these.

OVERCLOCKING:
No, I want to play it safe for our home computer.
SLI OR CROSSFIRE:
No.

MONITOR RESOLUTION:
2048 x 1152
(I am fine playing games in windowed mode.)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:
There is some ventilation. This is a home computer that is placed in a desk compartment.
This needs to be compatible with the craziness that is the Sims 2. While I don't play it often, I still want to be able to play it.
Compatibility chart: http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:System_Re...

I had been looking at GeForce 210, 610, and 620.
I know that they are rather weak on the spectrum.

Any advice is very appreciated.


Update:

I installed PC Wizard. It gave me the following readings.

PCI-Express Information :
Number of connectors : 3
PCI-Express Base : 0xE000000

Bus PCI-Express :
Device : 5 Series/3400 Serie
Version : 2.0
Port : 1
Physical Slot : #16
Slot Populated : No
Link Width : max. x1
Link Speed : 2.5 GB/s

Bus PCI-Express :
Device : 5 Series/3400 Serie
Version : 2.0
Port : 5
Physical Slot : #16
Slot Populated : Yes
Link Width : x1 (max. x1)
Link Speed : 2.5 GB/s

Bus PCI-Express :
Device : 5 Series/3400 Serie
Version : 2.0
Port : 6
Physical Slot : Integrated
Link Width : x1 (max. x1)
Link Speed : 2.5 GB/s

More about : upgrade inexpensive 300w

Best solution

a b U Graphics card
November 14, 2013 8:16:29 AM

The HD7750 in your other thread, would be the best card for your needs. The 300w from that Dell machine should be able to run it.
The card at full load draws around 216w and it doesn't even need a 6 pin power connector. The PCIe x16 slot will provide enough power to run the card.


Here is a PSU
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $19.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-14 11:15 EST-0500)
Share
November 14, 2013 9:58:36 AM

lp231 said:
The HD7750 in your other thread, would be the best card for your needs. The 300w from that Dell machine should be able to run it.
The card at full load draws around 216w and it doesn't even need a 6 pin power connector. The PCIe x16 slot will provide enough power to run the card.


Here is a PSU
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 430W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($19.99 @ Microcenter)
Total: $19.99
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-14 11:15 EST-0500)


Just being careful here. So...

AMD says they reccommend a 400 watt power supply. I won't fry my computer will I?
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/7000/77...

I'm not sure if you can answer, but do you know if there are compatibility issues with the Sims 2 and the HD 7750?
Somewhere at the bottom it says Radeon 7000 series isn't supported...
http://simswiki.info/wiki.php?title=Game_Help:System_Re...

Am I okay not upgrading my power supply?
m
0
l
Related resources
a b U Graphics card
November 14, 2013 10:14:53 AM

The Corsair will provide plenty of power with your setup and with that card, so no worries.
That Radeon 7000 is the ancient 7000 series card, it runs on AGP not PCI Express.
Current card is Radeon HD 7000 series.
The HD7750 will run fine with that game, although there might be a slight issue, but it's a easy fix.
http://modthesims.info/t/478423
m
0
l
November 16, 2013 1:37:23 PM

lp231 said:
The Corsair will provide plenty of power with your setup and with that card, so no worries.
That Radeon 7000 is the ancient 7000 series card, it runs on AGP not PCI Express.
Current card is Radeon HD 7000 series.
The HD7750 will run fine with that game, although there might be a slight issue, but it's a easy fix.
http://modthesims.info/t/478423


A power supply and that card might put me over my desired budget. Thank you for your response, however. I'll take it into consideration.

After a bit more research, I'm at a crossroads again. You seem to know what you're talking about.
Would the GeForce GT 640 or 430 be viable options for me?
m
0
l
a b U Graphics card
November 16, 2013 1:49:58 PM

The HD7750 would be your best option as it's faster than both GT 640 and 430.
Also as I've posted earlier, your PSU should be able to handle it because full load is about 216w and that card does not even need the extra 6 pin from the power supply.
What is the maximum amount you would like to spend on a new graphic card?
m
0
l
a c 156 U Graphics card
November 16, 2013 2:11:52 PM

I would recommend the Radeon HD 6570. Even the HD 5450 will play Sims 3 decently but Civilization V is the big wild-card you have here. AMD recommends a 400W PSU but they're expecting you to tax the card which from the sounds of things is not something you're planning to do. The HD 6570 is $45 and you can send in for a $20 rebate. If it should come to pass that your PSU isn't doing the job you need it to do, you will still have enough left in your budget for that $20 Corsair PSU which will definitely run the card well. Here's a link to the card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
I hope this helps you. I think it's your best bet considering your requirements. Keep in mind that the HD 6570 can even run Aliens vs Predator in DX11 mode with decent frame rates at 1440x900 which means even this lowly card is overkill for what you need:

Chart is from Hardware Canucks.
m
0
l
November 16, 2013 5:33:27 PM

lp231 said:
The HD7750 would be your best option as it's faster than both GT 640 and 430.
Also as I've posted earlier, your PSU should be able to handle it because full load is about 216w and that card does not even need the extra 6 pin from the power supply.
What is the maximum amount you would like to spend on a new graphic card?


I'd jump for anything under $50 (potentially after rebates...)
m
0
l
November 16, 2013 5:36:57 PM

Avro Arrow said:
I would recommend the Radeon HD 6570. Even the HD 5450 will play Sims 3 decently but Civilization V is the big wild-card you have here. AMD recommends a 400W PSU but they're expecting you to tax the card which from the sounds of things is not something you're planning to do. The HD 6570 is $45 and you can send in for a $20 rebate. If it should come to pass that your PSU isn't doing the job you need it to do, you will still have enough left in your budget for that $20 Corsair PSU which will definitely run the card well. Here's a link to the card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
I hope this helps you. I think it's your best bet considering your requirements. Keep in mind that the HD 6570 can even run Aliens vs Predator in DX11 mode with decent frame rates at 1440x900 which means even this lowly card is overkill for what you need:

Chart is from Hardware Canucks.


Between the HD 6570 or HD 7750 would there be noticeable power consumption differences? If I want to play it safe, knowing AMD "recommends 400 watt"...
m
0
l
a c 156 U Graphics card
November 16, 2013 6:00:59 PM

maggie15 said:
Between the HD 6570 or HD 7750 would there be noticeable power consumption differences? If I want to play it safe, knowing AMD "recommends 400 watt"...

Very difficult to say. If there is a difference, it would be a matter of maybe 2-3A, not enough to really matter. I do know that you're probably safe because according to HardwareCanucks, the entire system with the HD 6570 installed uses a total of only 202W under load and 165W when idle. That's far below the 300W specified on your PSU. I think you'll be ok, and of course, the price is right too eh? LOL

Their test system is much more power-hungry than yours as well, which only means that you'll be using even less than they did:
CPU - Intel i7-920 overclocked to 4GHz
RAM - 3 x 2GB sticks (Tri-channel)
HDD - Western Digital Black 640GB

Those parts alone probably use more power than your entire system. LOL
m
0
l
November 16, 2013 6:11:22 PM

Ive got a Gigabyte 7770 for sale 2months old like new hardly used only sellin due to getting the 7950 and im from uk btw so postage wud also be on your end
m
0
l
November 16, 2013 6:18:32 PM

Avro Arrow said:
maggie15 said:
Between the HD 6570 or HD 7750 would there be noticeable power consumption differences? If I want to play it safe, knowing AMD "recommends 400 watt"...

Very difficult to say. If there is a difference, it would be a matter of maybe 2-3A, not enough to really matter. I do know that you're probably safe because according to HardwareCanucks, the entire system with the HD 6570 installed uses a total of only 202W under load and 165W when idle. That's far below the 300W specified on your PSU. I think you'll be ok, and of course, the price is right too eh? LOL

Their test system is much more power-hungry than yours as well, which only means that you'll be using even less than they did:
CPU - Intel i7-920 overclocked to 4GHz
RAM - 3 x 2GB sticks (Tri-channel)
HDD - Western Digital Black 640GB

Those parts alone probably use more power than your entire system. LOL


Interesting. You can't believe how helpful you've been.

I may just go with the HD 6570. It works with the Sims, and is incredibly priced. I don't know how I overlooked it. I know I read about the 7750, but somehow I hadn't seen the 6570.

Last thought:
I've seen moderate responses to PowerColor. Do you have any opinion on them?
m
0
l
a c 365 U Graphics card
November 16, 2013 6:47:22 PM

The Radeon HD 7750 will run will fine on a 300w PSU. It only consumes peak / maximum 43w when running Crysis 2 and FurMark which is a GPU torture test benchmark used for stress testing beyond what any games can actually do. Dell actually under-rates their PSUs a 300w PSU in a Dell PC can actually provide a little more power. This was confirmed by a former forum member who used to work at Dell. It could probably output 320w - 325w.

To confirm your Dell 580 has a 300w PSU simply remove the side panel on the PC case and read the sticker on the PSU.

The Radeon HD 7750 DDR5 is actually equal to the Radeon HD 5770 in performance. So buying the HD 7750 will mean you do not have to worry about upgrading for some time as long as the games you play are not very demanding. And it will be fine for the Sims 4.

Powercolor is a decent brand, not really meant for overclocking though. In fact here are two Powercolor cards:

Radeon HD 7750 DDR5 = $65 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Radeon HD 7750 DDR3 = $50 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

There are no reviews for the DDR3 version. It is cheaper because the RAM is not as fast as DDR5, thus less expensive. It's performance is likely between the Radeon HD 6670 and Radeon HD 6750. Note that the Radeon HD 6750 is simply the Radeon HD 5750 with a different name.


Radeon HD 7750 DDR5 Review and game benchmarks:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/ASUS/HD_7750/24.html




m
0
l
!