Tom's Hardware > Forum > Graphic & Displays > Graphics Cards > Dell Dimension E520
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firesky124   07-03-2007 at 05:31:10 AM

Hey guys I just bought a Dell Dimension E520 and upgraded it as much as I could but the graphics card options were not the best. I got a NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE at 256MB and I definitely need to upgrade. I play games like Empire at War and Command and Conquer and want to run them on full graphics. Right now they are running in the mid range. I am a big gamer but not really familiar with the technical side of it all. It has a dual core processor at 2.13GH and 4GB of RAM. It also has Vista. I really don't want to spend more than $350-$400 either. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

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lostandwandering   07-03-2007 at 06:40:41 AM
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Dell PSU's are under-rated, but don't supply the amps to support higher end cards so you are limited in your choices. Ones that should work and would give you better performance are: 7600GT, 7900GS, 7950GT and the 8600GTS or lower.

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Valerarren   07-03-2007 at 06:49:13 AM
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In terms of PSU, it looks like the Dimensino 520 has a 305 watt powersupply (not 350, three-zero-five). It sells on Dell's website for $28.64 (refurbished). This might be your big limiting factor.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna [...] sisid=8246

But a 7900GS or equivalent might still work.

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kpo6969   07-03-2007 at 07:48:21 AM
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If somebody blows out their psu on a E520/521 they probably were doing something they weren't supposed to. I would stay away from that. Anyway the stock psu can run anything that will fit in it with the execption of the higher X1xxx's. Nvidia series up to 7900GS and 8600GTS are ok.

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Xazax310   07-03-2007 at 12:52:57 PM
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8600GTS wins my vote 200$ and it only uses the PCI-E slot power supply no need to connect anything to it.

No need to swap out your PSU and you got yourself a very nice card that OCs very well.

8600GTS Pre-OCED 2.26Ghz and 730Mhz Core XFX great company owned a 7900GT OCed from them never once had a problem for it and i had it for years even more OCed
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814150226

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firesky124   07-03-2007 at 05:53:00 PM
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So I wouldn't be able to run the 8800GTS then?

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lostandwandering   07-03-2007 at 06:18:22 PM
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No, unless you upgrade the PSU. The Stock PSU you have is 305 watts with 22 amps on the +12v rails. The 8800GTS need around 26 amps and 400watts. You're a bit short in both categories.

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firesky124   07-03-2007 at 06:21:56 PM
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ok thanks. i have been reading up on the 8600GTS and it seems like it would work for me anyway

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Delluser1   07-03-2007 at 06:50:58 PM
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Quote :

So I wouldn't be able to run the 8800GTS then?


It has actually been done. There were modifications made to the case and heatsink shroud to allow the card to fit and it was powered up with the stock psu. According to the guy who did it he had no problems running the card full tilt and overclocked.
The 8600 is the better option, not requiring any case mods or having the fear that the psu may crap out and take other components with it.

Reply to Delluser1
lostandwandering   07-03-2007 at 09:08:58 PM
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Quote :

So I wouldn't be able to run the 8800GTS then?


It has actually been done. There were modifications made to the case and heatsink shroud to allow the card to fit and it was powered up with the stock psu. According to the guy who did it he had no problems running the card full tilt and overclocked.
The 8600 is the better option, not requiring any case mods or having the fear that the psu may crap out and take other components with it.

I thought it was done on a 350 or 375 watt unit. Those I would believe. I have a harder time with it working on a 305.

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firesky124   07-03-2007 at 09:22:33 PM
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Ok I went ahead and ordered the 8600GTS from the link the guy posted above. thanks for everyone's help!

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Xazax310   07-04-2007 at 01:18:54 AM
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NO problem whats THG forums are for to HELP THE NEEDY! :D

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Delluser1   07-04-2007 at 01:29:48 AM
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Quote :

So I wouldn't be able to run the 8800GTS then?


It has actually been done. There were modifications made to the case and heatsink shroud to allow the card to fit and it was powered up with the stock psu. According to the guy who did it he had no problems running the card full tilt and overclocked.
The 8600 is the better option, not requiring any case mods or having the fear that the psu may crap out and take other components with it.

I thought it was done on a 350 or 375 watt unit. Those I would believe. I have a harder time with it working on a 305.

Big thread on the DCF about it, the guy was told it wouldn't work and he set out to prove people wrong. Anyone out of warranty or willing to void the warranty by cutting up the case should be able to do the same.

Reply to Delluser1
kpo6969   07-04-2007 at 07:41:57 AM
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Quote :

Ok I went ahead and ordered the 8600GTS from the link the guy posted above. thanks for everyone's help!


Good luck with the card. One thing though, with your psu you need a connection from the card to the psu with the GTS. The GT you don't.

Reply to kpo6969
Anonymous   10-26-2009 at 10:34:08 AM
- -1 +

get a cooler master 500w psu - $50
get a ATi Radeon hd 4850 - $140

both fit the e520 perfectly - temps also run low.

Reply to Anonymous
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