Looking For Best Graphics Card For Dell Inspiron 531

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elijahreadd

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Jan 12, 2014
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A few weeks ago my friend gave me his old computer. I didn't complain, because who doesn't like free stuff. The bad part is that it's an Inspiron 531, and the last time I checked, it is not for gaming. I have been doing a lot of research for a new graphics card that will fit, and work properly. I have read that an AMD Radeon HD 7750 (1GB GDDR5) will fit and a GeForce GTX 550 Ti (1GB GDDR5) . I am just making sure these two will work before i buy one, to find out it is two big or just won't work. I am also trying to find out if there is one that could be slightly better. It does not matter the cost of the card. I also plan on getting a new processor, power supply, and more ram. All answers will be helpful.

Thanks you for your time

Processor: AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5000+
Ram: 2.0 GB RAM
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-Bit
Current Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430

I will be using this computer for mostly gaming
Games Include: Minecraft, Dark Souls, Starbound, Terraria, Left 4 Dead 2, Team Fortress 2, and Modern Warfare 3.


 
Solution
clutchc
The old Dell has a small PSU. That will be the determining factor in getting the 'best' card. The HD 7750 would be your best option. And with the lowly dual core, that would be the fastest card that won't be bottle necked badly by the processor.

But if installing the new card leaves you with no video, that may be because you may first have to enter BIOS and enable the PCIe slot (or switch from integrated to PCIe) manually. On modern MBs that is done automatically. But some older MBs require you to do it manually.
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clutchc

clutchc

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Apr 22, 2009
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The old Dell has a small PSU. That will be the determining factor in getting the 'best' card. The HD 7750 would be your best option. And with the lowly dual core, that would be the fastest card that won't be bottle necked badly by the processor.

But if installing the new card leaves you with no video, that may be because you may first have to enter BIOS and enable the PCIe slot (or switch from integrated to PCIe) manually. On modern MBs that is done automatically. But some older MBs require you to do it manually.
 
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elijahreadd

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Jan 12, 2014
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Thank you for you answer clutchc! it will come in handy in the future. I was wondering if you could post another answer providing instructions on how to do so with the BIOS, and the other things you mentioned. It would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

 
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clutchc

clutchc

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That would be hard to do. I would have to see the BIOS screens and drill down to the actual setting. And it's hard to say which BIOS Dell used at that time. Try the card as is to start with. After installing the card, boot and see if you get a display. If you do, you are good to go. If not, go back to integrated video and snoop around in BIOS. No harm will be done just looking around. You can always exit without saving any changes. In fact, you may want to explore while you have time now. Look for something pertaining to video, graphics, or the PCIe slots.
 
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