Best Vid Card for my Dimension 9100 ??

[davuswho]

I'm currently using a stock Dell Dimension 9100 system.
P4 3.0GHZ single core, 2gb Ram, nvidia 6800GT and a 375watt PSU
the only extra item ive added is a 300gb sata drive.

I've had other dimension 9100 users confirm the nvidia 7950GT card is working just fine for them and that the PSU is running like a 500watt one. Another user reported reading forums that the 7950GTX would work also.

I've been wanting to upgrade my video card for a while now.
I'm currently looking at around a $500 budget. I'm just desperately seeking some advice before I go out and spend a huge chunk of change, being disabled and on a fixed income.. even a 10% restocking fee can put a big dent in my pocket.

I play an online MMORPG, no FPS games for me. I'm looking for the best bang for my buck, with out power, heating, cooling, crashing, PSU issues.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated... I would prefer to just get a good card... but if have to get a PSU also with a dx10 compat card, that would be fine too. In about a year or so, I'll be able to completely upgrade my entire system.. so im also looking for something I can add to my new system next year via Dual SLI. So trying to shop smart, w/o ripping myself a new one when I fully upgrade next year

Should I just stop drooling over these new 8800 cards.. and concentrate on the 7950GT or GTX.

Please Assist !

Signed,
Dazed & Confused

 

[31computers]

That 375W PSU looks small to me, whatever video card you for, you'll need to definitely upgrade that.

 

[megame255]

From what I've heard, Dell PSUs are rated for continuous output while most other PSUs are rated for the max output. I'd think as long as you have at least 2 12v rails, you should be able run a 7950GT just fine.

However, I really don't think I'd try a 8800 series card with it.

 

[bliq]

I'm thinking for an MMORPG, are you really going to realize a worthwhile gain? Most of them are designed relatively low graphics requirements to appeal to the broadest audience. You might want to just hold off and upgrade the whole rig next year. With the money you save, you might be able to upgrade sooner or upgrade to better gear.

 

[davuswho]

From what I've heard, Dell PSUs are rated for continuous output while most other PSUs are rated for the max output. I'd think as long as you have at least 2 12v rails, you should be able run a 7950GT just fine.

However, I really don't think I'd try a 8800 series card with it.

Thanks for your quick input btw. I'm hoping to get this settled and installed before christmas.

Should I even worry about this whole "old" dx9 cards vs the new dx10 cards??

I'm not too sure if my PSU has two(2) 12v rails or not... here is what I found as far as specs go... maybe you could tell me ? I've been browsing the forums of dell and ive heard people mention my PSU maxes out at around 500.


1 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
2 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
3 COM Black 18-AWG
4 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
5 COM Black 18-AWG
6 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
7 COM Black 18-AWG
8 POK Gray 18-AWG
9 +5 VFP Purple 18-AWG
10 +12 VB DC White 18-AWG
11 +12VB DC White 18-AWG
12 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
13 +3.3 VDC Orange 18-AWG
14 -12 VDC Blue 18-AWG
15 COM Black 18-AWG
16 PS-ON Green 18-AWG
17 COM Black 18-AWG
18 COM Black 18-AWG
19 COM Black 18-AWG
20 N/C N/C 18-AWG
21 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
22 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
23 +5 VDC Red 18-AWG
24 COM Black 18-AWG



Regarding the post above this about poor quality graphics on mmorpg games, the graphics are really vivid, and stunning on highest quality. I just can't move my character (and Vanguard is coming out soon too)