I just got a Dell OptiPlex 3020 with Intel integrated graphics. The display is not nearly as clear as I remember it from a previous OptiPlex (now dead) with a Radeon HD 3450 card, so I am considering purchasing a graphics card. The only ones that Dell says are compatible are the Radeon HD 8490 and the HD 8570. The 8490 gets really mediocre reviews (and AMD doesn't even list it on its website), but it is widely available from online sellers. I have been trying for a long time to find the supposedly better card (the 8570) for sale, but with no luck. I wish there were other graphics options, but I guess I have to go with what Dell says. Does anyone have an idea of where to look for the 8570 for sale? Any help will be appreciated.
Where to Purchase Radeon HD 8570
- Thread starter Jim D
- Start date
- Jul 27, 2011
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Is this a laptop or a desktop? If it's a laptop you're SOL - the components on a laptop are made to work with that laptop only, you can't modify them the way you can with desktops.
Reason for an unclear picture typically is the use of VGA (analog) connection for the monitor. Change that to a digital connection (DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort) or change the VGA cable at least an the picture will get better. You may even what to check that the resolution is set to the physical resolution of the screen first.
The computer offers only VGA output (the salesman assured me that Intel integrated graphics are so much better these days that I would be happier than I was with the graphics card in the previous computer). The monitor has two connectors, one DVI, the other VGA. I thought that if the computer offers just VGA, converting that (by cable) to DVI wouldn't make a difference since the output is still VGA.
As far as resolution goes, I have tried all the options available in Windows--except the highest one, which was not available because Windows said a digital connection was required. That was when I started thinking about a discrete graphics card so that I could have a digital connection.
- Jul 27, 2011
- 42,538
- 815
- 104,940
Yeah the Radeon 8XXX series are laptop only GPUs. The desktop equivalents that you're looking at are the Radeon R7-260X or the R9-270X. You can buy those at just about any place that sells desktop GPU components.
With all due respect, I don't think your statement about the 8XXX series is correct. The Dell OptiPlex 9020 (a small form factor desktop, like my computer, definitely not a laptop) comes with the Radeon I am asking about. Exact specs from the Dell site are: Video Card: AMD Radeon™ HD 8570, 1GB DDR3, LP, 1 DP 1 DVI.
- Jul 27, 2011
- 42,538
- 815
- 104,940
That's half true. I think that the Radeon 8XXX series are only sold by OEMs like Dell, Gateway, Asus, Acer, Sony, etc. They're not available to the general public. What we're able to buy is the Radeon R7 and R9 series. The only thing I found on a Google search relating to the Radeon 8570 is this: http://www.notebookcheck.net/AMD-Radeon-HD-8570M.86985.0.html
Radeon 8xxx series is actually OEM only, that is why you cannot find them retail.
They do not even have AMD part numbers yet.
You should not limit yourself to the HD 8570 and consider other cards.
The key is to look at the technology step. The easy check is the newer GPUs are PCI-E 3.0.
GDDR5 is an absolute must.
For example the HD 7570 is PCI-E 2.0 while the HD 7750 is PCI-E 3.0
Both cards are available as low profile for a SFF case, but are still just as powerful as the full height version.
That HD 8490 you mentioned has poor reviews because it is a LP 64-bit card with an older GPU and just GDDR3 memory, with a bandwidth fine for a business or checking email. I bought two of them for $30 (total with shipping) pulled from new Dells.
Why I mentioned "newer technology" - the cards also use significantly less power, eliminating the usual cry for you to junk that Dell PSU and drop $$ on a new one.
If you must have a HD 8570, as usual the HP version is a dog, with 2GB of DDR3 memory on a full height card, a joke, the same as the HP version of the HD 7570. Found it on Amazon.
They do not even have AMD part numbers yet.
You should not limit yourself to the HD 8570 and consider other cards.
The key is to look at the technology step. The easy check is the newer GPUs are PCI-E 3.0.
GDDR5 is an absolute must.
For example the HD 7570 is PCI-E 2.0 while the HD 7750 is PCI-E 3.0
Both cards are available as low profile for a SFF case, but are still just as powerful as the full height version.
That HD 8490 you mentioned has poor reviews because it is a LP 64-bit card with an older GPU and just GDDR3 memory, with a bandwidth fine for a business or checking email. I bought two of them for $30 (total with shipping) pulled from new Dells.
Why I mentioned "newer technology" - the cards also use significantly less power, eliminating the usual cry for you to junk that Dell PSU and drop $$ on a new one.
If you must have a HD 8570, as usual the HP version is a dog, with 2GB of DDR3 memory on a full height card, a joke, the same as the HP version of the HD 7570. Found it on Amazon.
To Caramac: Thanks for that info. According to Dell, only the two cards I mentioned are compatible with my system. Can anyone explain why this is true--or if it is true? If not, why would Dell say this? I would gladly go with a better adapter, but don't want to return cards (have already done that twice). If I could find another adapter at a place with good tech support (does that exist these days?), that would be great.
Initially the Radeon HD 7750 was recommended by a tech at Dell. It led to no video at all, then I was informed it was not compatible with the system. I finally got the HD 8570 from Dell--it was refurbished (a fact I was not told), no manual, no installation disk, not any identification as to the model. After much guesswork I got the driver installed (from Dell's site) and hooked up a DVI cable, only to find the screen totally dark (I can hear Windows start, but can't see it, the card's fan is working). If I add a DVI-to-VGA adapter, Windows will start (visibly), but the whole point of this exercise was to get better resolution. I spent 1 hour+ yesterday talking to a tech at Dell, but honestly I think she was just reading from a check list and was of no help. I am just about ready to give up and go with the built-in Intel graphics.
So I'm thinking any assurance that other cards will work is really important. My experience with the HD 7750 not working would tend to support Dell's statement that only the 2 adapters mentioned are OK. In installation of a new adapter, is it necessary first to disable the Intel built-in driver? I thought this would happen automatically--but as I say, I did not have a manual.
Any further info would be appreciated.
Initially the Radeon HD 7750 was recommended by a tech at Dell. It led to no video at all, then I was informed it was not compatible with the system. I finally got the HD 8570 from Dell--it was refurbished (a fact I was not told), no manual, no installation disk, not any identification as to the model. After much guesswork I got the driver installed (from Dell's site) and hooked up a DVI cable, only to find the screen totally dark (I can hear Windows start, but can't see it, the card's fan is working). If I add a DVI-to-VGA adapter, Windows will start (visibly), but the whole point of this exercise was to get better resolution. I spent 1 hour+ yesterday talking to a tech at Dell, but honestly I think she was just reading from a check list and was of no help. I am just about ready to give up and go with the built-in Intel graphics.
So I'm thinking any assurance that other cards will work is really important. My experience with the HD 7750 not working would tend to support Dell's statement that only the 2 adapters mentioned are OK. In installation of a new adapter, is it necessary first to disable the Intel built-in driver? I thought this would happen automatically--but as I say, I did not have a manual.
Any further info would be appreciated.
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