Need help with video card upgrade

Sticky_52

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Jan 21, 2009
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18,510
I want to upgrade the graphics card in this computer but I don't know exactly which ones will work in it. I will be using this computer for gaming primarily. I want to be able to play games like COD4 and of course any newer games that are released in the near future that catch my attention! I do not know what kind of power supply or slots this computer has because I have not received it yet, but would like to have a new graphics card in hand when it arrives if possible. I have a budget of up to 350.00 for card and PSU(if needed).

Specs:
Studio XPS 435 Desktop: Intel Core i7-920 Processor (8MB L3 Cache, 1MB L2 Cache, 2.66GHz)
640 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
256MB ATI Radeon HD 3450 supporting HDMI
6 GB Tri-Channel DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz (6 DIMMs)
Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit

I also asked in the Dell forum if this is a computer that I will be happy with for a while or if I would be happier with the performance of a Q9x00 chip since I primarily just game. Any thoughts on this? I grabbed this for 679.00 but have been having second thoughts on whether I should have just went for a quad.


 
Did you get it from Dell?
Did you buy it over the `net?
What country are you in?
On the UK Dell site it is possible to customise this system with a HD4850 and this would have been by far the best option.
Opening the case and doing a upgrade yourself will almost certainly void the warranty.
If you live in the UK and bought it over the `net you can return it witout giving any reason under the Distaince Selling Regulations;

http://www.oft.gov.uk/advice_and_resources/resource_base/legal/distance-selling-regulations/

Dell, like most builders usually do n`t put big PSUs` in their systems so if you intend to do an upgrade yourself I`s suggest waiting until it arrives so you can see exactly which PSU it has installed and then repost.
 
Ok first off the i7 IS a quad core chip. It is actually a Hyperthreading Quad core which so windows will see it as 8 cores. Trust me you did best by getting the i7, it rocks the hot totty.

Looking at the XPS Studio PC's i see they package either a 3450 or 4850 card with these desktops. I am assuming since you want to upgrade you are getting the 3450 card. The Specs state they have a 360W power supply. I am ALSO assuming this is across their entire line of XPS Studio PC's. Assuming this, I would say it is safe to install a 4850 card in this machine since they already offer this as an option. 360W is not alot to work with but obviously they have tested this with a 4850 already and sell this option.

I would get a factory clocked (non OC) 4850 card. It is your safest bet. It will have NO issues running COD4. I built a machine with a 4670 and it ran COD4 maxed, but no AA smooth as butter. A 4850 will do you well. They are about $150. I wouldn't try anything more unless you upgrade your PSU.

My real suggestion would had been NOT to get a studio PC but rather one of their XPS standard desktop. They come with a 375 or 425W PSU. Or at least get the PC with the 4850 option already, at least Dell would follow through with a warranty.
 

Sticky_52

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Jan 21, 2009
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I purchased this at the Dell Outlet in the US. I still could cancel as it has not shipped out yet. If I just upgrade for now with the 4850, will that run me for awhile? Or should I just head back to rummage around again for something that would be better suited for me? It seemed like a good price for an i7 but I wasn't confident that it would run games as well as say the Q9x50 for example.
 
Cancel and reorder with the HD4850.
If I was buying a Dell, which I never will (it`s much more fun to build your own:) ) I`d go for the Studio, despite its other shortcomings, because it has the i7 and 6Gb of memory. As a core system it`s going to be good for a long while to come.
 
^ jay2tall hit it just right, go with a HD4850 on the stock Dell 360w power supply. Unless you're a hard core gamer you should be set for most games at reasonable resolutions and settings. If after a month or 3 you're not happy with the performance you can upgrade the power supply and graphic card. If you want top end performance right from the start this ugly 750w power supply for $70 after rebate
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341011
Since the motherboard for the XPS 435 only has one PCIex16 socket this HD4850x2 would be your best bet at about your budget with the above listed PSU.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102809
 

Sticky_52

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Jan 21, 2009
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18,510
Thanks guys for all the information, it helped more than you could imagine! I have decided to go ahead with a HD4850 and see how it goes from there. If I'm not happy with it, I will definately be picking up the ugly PSU and HD4850x2 later on.