Upgrade Dell E520 Video Card

[dynastyice]

Hello,

I currently run a Duo Core 1.86Ghz, 4GB Ram, 7300LE, 305W PSU. I am trying to play dragon age like on a medium setting an my video card isn't letting me play at medium, even at the lowest setting, the game is still a little choppy. So I was wondering what solution to go.

I know that this has been posted a couple times. Upgrading the video card on a E520. I went to Frys and I saw a video card on sale. It was the Geforce GT 240. The box said 300W or greater PSU. Would anyone recommend this card? Will this card work without switching out the PSU? http://www.frys.com/product/6119469?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

I also read that people been recommending the 9600GT. I can't seem to find the 300w version of this card anywhere now. Doesn't seem like newegg carries the lower wattage version in stock.

If I do switch out the PSU, which brand is a good brand to buy? How much more Watts should I get the PSU in?

Any other recommendation of Video cards or solutions please help.

Thanks

 

[mfarrukh]

Well,
For $50, I would recommend you to go for 4650 HD.
Good performance at 1280x1024, meaning you can maximize settings in most of the games including Dragon Age

For $65, I would recommend you to go for 4670 HD.
Good performance at 1680x1050, meaning you can maximize settings in most of the games including Dragon Age.



If you go for 4650 HD, you won't need to change your PSU.

If you go for 4670 HD, I think you won't be safe with 300W PSU

Forget about GT 240,

A 9800 GT for $90 will be great choice but then again your PSU ....


For PSU here is a recommendation:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371016

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139008


Both are excellent choices at the price point.
And will be good for any future CPU, Motherboard e.t.c. upgrades.


If you don't have the money yet, Dont make a stupid decision,
Wait a while, gather some money and then go for either of those PSU's and a 4670HD or may be 9800 GT


I would strongly recommend you to wait a bit if you don't have the money to those yet, but if you go with 4650, you won't need a new PSU




GooD LucK

 

[ayascool]

I would recommend you to go for 4670 HD.
Good performance at 1680x1050, meaning you can maximize settings in most of the games including Dragon Age

A 9800 GT for $90 will be great choice.but good PSU needed...

 

[dynastyice]

Like all the 4670 and 4650's that I have found, the back of the box says 400w or greater PSU. Would these work?

Or would I have to find one that says 300W or greater box.

Would any of these cards make my system shut down or cause harm in my computer without upgrading the PSU? Only thing I have connected will be a USB seagate docking port and ipod touch connector. That will be the only external powers I am using.

 

[dynastyice]

Best answer selected by dynastyice.