Video Upgrade

[Frivero]

I want to buy a graphics card for a Dell Dimension 4700. Wich is the best one for this system?

 

[alex3003]

what is the purpose of you to go for a new GFX card? gaming? 3D animation and industry based stuff?

 

[jay2tall]

You have a PCI-E x16 slot and a 305W PSU. The most you could get away with in that without replacing the PSU is probably a 4670. If you are intending to do alot of multimedia or light gaming, this is what I would get.

 

[Frivero]

Ill be using this pc for gaming mostly.... Eve and WoW. Im already upgrading memory to 4GB, but still think on getting a graphic card so games go as flawless as possible.

 

[alex3003]

I recommend go to nVidia family. something around nVidia 9800GTX is cool. but it depends on your budget. If you are having PCI express 2.o slot, go for a PCI version 2.o graphic card for sure. it gives twice performance.(2x data transfer rate).

 

[warmon6]

You have a PCI-E x16 slot and a 305W PSU. The most you could get away with in that without replacing the PSU is probably a 4670. If you are intending to do alot of multimedia or light gaming, this is what I would get.

Ill be using this pc for gaming mostly.... Eve and WoW. Im already upgrading memory to 4GB, but still think on getting a graphic card so games go as flawless as possible.

Yeah then you probably going to want a 400 to 500 watt psu if you want a powerful GPU.

Question: What your resolution. this will help us find a good graphic card for your resolution. We dont want to recommend gtx 295 for a 1280 x 1024 resolution.

 

[jay2tall]

With your current setup, at 4670 is the best you can do. If you want something better, you will need to upgrade your PSU. What is your budget, and what resolution display are you using as asked above.

 

[Frivero]

My resolution is 1280x1024. The budget i have is $150. Ive been looking at the 4670 and at the specs it says that it recomends 400w PSU... u think my pc can handle it? also its PCI-E 2.0 x16..... is this compatible with PCI-E x16?

 

[jay2tall]

Here are your psu specs: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/techov.htm#wp1053452

It is a little know fact that the Dell 305 PSU's are pretty solid for what they are. You can run a 4670 at most as it does not require a PCI-E connector and draws relatively low power. Anything lower PSU wise I would not recommend it.

Ok so your budget is $150. I have 2 recommendations for your, one being $190 total, but for $40 you get ALOT)

1) Get a new PSU ($45 Antec Earthwatt 430W) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
And a new GPU ($100 Sapphire 4770) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102853&cm_re=4770-_-14-102-853-_-Product

2) Get the new PSU ($45 Antec Earthwatt 430W) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
But then get a new 5750 (XFX 5750 $145) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150448&cm_re=5750-_-14-150-448-_-Product

At you resolution a 5750 will pretty much run anything. The ONLY drawback would be that you have a P4 CPU. That might hurt you a little in the gaming arena. But if you get a PSU and card, you can always transfer that to a new system if this is replaced. Just keep the old stuff.

 

[Frivero]

Here are your psu specs: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4700/sm/techov.htm#wp1053452

It is a little know fact that the Dell 305 PSU's are pretty solid for what they are. You can run a 4670 at most as it does not require a PCI-E connector and draws relatively low power. Anything lower PSU wise I would not recommend it.

Ok so your budget is $150. I have 2 recommendations for your, one being $190 total, but for $40 you get ALOT)

1) Get a new PSU ($45 Antec Earthwatt 430W) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
And a new GPU ($100 Sapphire 4770) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102853&cm_re=4770-_-14-102-853-_-Product

2) Get the new PSU ($45 Antec Earthwatt 430W) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006
But then get a new 5750 (XFX 5750 $145) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150448&cm_re=5750-_-14-150-448-_-Product

At you resolution a 5750 will pretty much run anything. The ONLY drawback would be that you have a P4 CPU. That might hurt you a little in the gaming arena. But if you get a PSU and card, you can always transfer that to a new system if this is replaced. Just keep the old stuff.

I notticed both cards are ATI... are they better than Nvidia? They also have a minimum 450w power supply requirement..... Will the 430w PSU make them work without problems?

 

[jay2tall]

The Antec 430w is ROCK solid