Graphic card upgrade for a 280w desktop

unclesam

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Mar 27, 2009
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Hi everyone, i'm using my old Dell Optiplex Gx620 desktop (P4 521 HT 2.80Ghz, 1G RAM, 280w PSU, awful DMA 950 onboard graphic) and i'm looking for a graphic upgrade to play some games like COD4 and Fear.
I've been searching around and i think i can go with the ATI 4350, 4550, Nvidia 8400GS, 9400GT or 9500GT cause they are all low profile cards.
So anyone can help me choose one of them and which brand is good for my upgrade? And i've heard that Nvida cards are better than ATI one in gaming (fresh images???), is that true?
Start saving money for the upgrade though.
 

indigoataxia

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Apr 22, 2008
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You are in luck my friend. Just yesterday the most powerful low profile, low wattage card was released in the US. I do hope your in the US.

SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 4650 512MB 128-bit GDDR2 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFire Supported Low Profile $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102829

Not only is the 4650 a bit more powerful than the 9500GT (assuming both are GDDR2, which you cant find a low profile GDDR3 of either), but it draws less power. I have been waiting for it for my wifes Dell Vostro 220slim, also 280w. And at $55, its cheaper than any low profile 9500gt I've ever seen.

Now if you want to upgrade your power supply, which im sure you dont, there are low profile 9600GT's and even a 9800GT which smoke the 4650 by alot.
 

unclesam

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Mar 27, 2009
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thank you very much for quick reply, i'll keep an eye on that card. It's time to save money.
That sapphire 4650 low profile doesn't appear on the manufacturer's website, that's weird. ATI says 4650 serie needs 350w PSU, and i've heard somewhere Dell PSU wattage is understated! Yay