Considering GPU upgrade on Dell 0DR845 Mobo

Martin Vole

Honorable
Sep 3, 2013
5
0
10,520
A previous computer I had failed so I got a rebuilt Optiplex 755 desktop as a cheap replacement. Turns out, the GPU that came with it, a GeForce 7300 SE/7200 GS, is worse off than my Radeon HD 2400 Pro that burned out.

Anyways, all I want is a modest gamer PC, nothing fancy, just something that will run most games at passable levels. Added I have limited options due to hardware limitations.

Case: Optiplex 755 Desktop (size just under the biggest)
OS: Vista 64-bit Home Edition
Motherboard: 0DR845
Monitor: Acer 1280x800
HDD: Western Digital WD Black WD1002FAEX 1TB
PCI-Express: 1.0a
CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 (Will replace with an E6850 with no drawbacks on power consumption)
PSU: 280w (Specs: http://www.ctsestore.com/sites/default/files/styles/pic_wm/public/DELL_H280P_01_PowerSupply_2.jpg)
RAM: 4GBs


Now, as far as I have read the PSU cannot be changed out, planned obsolescence probably, but I have read a few places that a low-profile ATI Radeon HD 4650 would work and that card would fit well within all my needs and budget combined with the new CPU (roughly 52$ combined). I have a tight budget of around 70$ since I spent a bit on my previous desktop that unfortunately died, and of course the PSU limit. What other (preferably cheap) options do I have though?

Anyways, thanks for any suggestions!
 

Martin Vole

Honorable
Sep 3, 2013
5
0
10,520
Additional Info: My current GPU is a GeForce 7300 SE/7200 GS on the 280W, my old Radeon HD 2400 Pro on a 250W PSU could play most games like Borderlands 2, Mass Effect 1 and 2, and etc at decent standing without burning out. The 2400's wattage draw was around 20W, the current one is estimated around 23W.

All I want at least is a GPU that will run more games better, a modest gamer really, and be power and price efficient. Something that can play Arkham Asylum at a good pace and possibly Metal Gear Rising if I get that. The PSU is a bit crippling though but since I got good mileage from the 2400 HD Pro... may get lucky with anything better.

Again, I look forward to any suggestions you all may have! Just getting a new PC is not within my short-term plan due to the costs of the failed system.

Edit/Update: Short-term budget is 70$ maximum, long-term is more negotiable since I will be selling old parts from my old desktops. I know how to deal surf if I have info. An AMD 4650 was shown to run Arkham Origins at medium-to-high, and as such would well cover Arkham Asylum.