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Can I upgrade from an integrated graphics card?

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  • Computers
  • Graphics Cards
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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September 2, 2014 9:23:56 PM

I don't know much about computers, but I want to add a graphics card, if possible, to my computer which already has an integrated graphics card.

Here's some of my computer information:
System: Dell Inspiron 3647
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) CPU G3220 @ 3.00 GHz (2 CPUs)
BIOS: A04
Graphics Card: Intel(R) HD Family
DAC Type: Internal

I want to know if i can even add a graphics and how would I do it? What graphics cards would be compatible with my computer?

If you need anymore information about my computer just tell me.

Thanks.

More about : upgrade integrated graphics card

a b U Graphics card
September 2, 2014 9:32:06 PM

Yes you can buy a GPU and any should be compatible as long as it fits in the case. It would plug into the PCI slot (those long horizontal slots).
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September 2, 2014 9:40:10 PM

byza said:
Yes you can buy a GPU and any should be compatible as long as it fits in the case. It would plug into the PCI slot (those long horizontal slots).


How would I know if it fits and how would I set it up?
and what would be a good cheap graphics card if I want to play games like counter strike global offense?

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a b U Graphics card
September 2, 2014 9:40:25 PM

You have a PCIe x16 slot, so you can add a discrete GPU. Be careful what you choose, though, the clearance to the wall of the case is really tight on that model, so you may be extremely limited in what you can install due to thickness issues. If you're not sure how to go about the installation, the owner's manual does a fairly good job explaining the steps involved.

Addendum: You're going to want a single slot. Absolutely has to be. Moreover, any sort of heat sink that extends past the width of the slot is probably going to make it impossible to fit. You're probably limited to something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... on the higher end of things, unless 750 coolers are getting tiny.
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a b U Graphics card
September 2, 2014 9:47:17 PM

You'll need to measure yourself how much space is around the top PCI slot. All you would need to do is install the card in the PCI slot, and install the latest drivers from Nvidea or AMD depending on your card. You may need to plug in a power cord depending on the card. Sometimes you also need to reset the CMOS on the motherboard but that is very easy too.

You may need a higher wattage power supply too if you plan on adding a GPU. Chances are that the standard PSU won't have enough juice, and may not even have the required cables. This might seem complicated but it's really very simple and will probably take under 5 minutes for you to do if you don't need to change the PSU. Maybe 15 minutes if you need to change the PSU.

What is your budget for upgrades?
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September 2, 2014 9:53:15 PM

I was thinking around $200 or lower

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September 2, 2014 10:02:45 PM

viewtyjoe said:
You have a PCIe x16 slot, so you can add a discrete GPU. Be careful what you choose, though, the clearance to the wall of the case is really tight on that model, so you may be extremely limited in what you can install due to thickness issues. If you're not sure how to go about the installation, the owner's manual does a fairly good job explaining the steps involved.

Addendum: You're going to want a single slot. Absolutely has to be. Moreover, any sort of heat sink that extends past the width of the slot is probably going to make it impossible to fit. You're probably limited to something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... on the higher end of things, unless 750 coolers are getting tiny.


what are other cards that are similar to that one but cheaper?

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a b U Graphics card
September 2, 2014 10:21:20 PM

ChickensX said:
viewtyjoe said:
You have a PCIe x16 slot, so you can add a discrete GPU. Be careful what you choose, though, the clearance to the wall of the case is really tight on that model, so you may be extremely limited in what you can install due to thickness issues. If you're not sure how to go about the installation, the owner's manual does a fairly good job explaining the steps involved.

Addendum: You're going to want a single slot. Absolutely has to be. Moreover, any sort of heat sink that extends past the width of the slot is probably going to make it impossible to fit. You're probably limited to something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... on the higher end of things, unless 750 coolers are getting tiny.


what are other cards that are similar to that one but cheaper?



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168... USD 90, somewhat lower performance, I think, but in general, any single slot card that doesn't extend past the I/O slot should be okay. From what I can tell, I think the Inspiron 3647 is full height, but I'd want to double check that before going and getting a full-height card.
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September 3, 2014 4:45:43 AM

so would I have to buy a new power supply because in the manual it says the computer has a power rating of 220 W, and that graphics cards needs a minimum of 450 W?

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a b U Graphics card
September 3, 2014 6:35:43 PM

You're going to need a better PSU. If you can measure the space you're going to have for the GPU I can recommend a good one. Need the length and width. What sort of games do you want to play?
There is a good deal on this PSU at the moment.
http://pcpartpicker.com/part/xfx-power-supply-xfxts550w
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