Need help with ati HD 4650

[dynastyice]

Which version or brand is needed for 305w psu? Is there only 1 version? Boxes stating only 400w or greater psu box version? Can't seem to find a300w greater version on newegg.

 

[EXT64]

Could you please list the full specifications of the computer you are trying to upgrade (and the previous GPU if there was one). The requirement on the box is often a little exaggerated to accommodate cheap PSUs that don't put out their rated power. The 4650 is a very low power GPU and has a good chance of running in your system. All of the 4650s use about the same power (so the box reqs should all be about the same).

 

[dynastyice]

Duo core 1.86, 4 gb ram, 305w psu, only USB being powered is seagste dock and iPod. previous gpu was an 7300le. And pci-e

 

[EXT64]

What Brand is the PSU (or Computer if this was a Prebuilt PC)?

Looking at my magical GPU power chart, it looks like a 7300LE uses on average 10-20W(max) while a 4650 uses 30-40W(max). So, the 4650 will use a bit more power, but not much more, and the rest of the system is fairly low power. So, assuming that is at least a mediocre 300W PSU and it is in good working order (not too old) I think that should work fine.

 

[dynastyice]

Its a dell computer. The computer was built in 11/06. So like a little over 3 years. Which one would work? Does this one work? Or would I have to find a description on the box that says 300W or greater required.

http://www.frys.com/product/5995734?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Thanks

 

[jyjjy]

There is no difference, all HD4650 use the same power. Any HD4650 should be fine for that PSU but I would recommend an HD4670 instead as it's a much better card for not much more money.

 

[dynastyice]

Yeah, for jyjjy, Doesn't the 4670 use much more power?

And if they all use the same power, but the box indicates 400w (this won't blow my system right?), should I get ATI, Diamond, of XFX? Which has less of a footprint? Or less heat also.

 

[mfarrukh]

Well,
All performs the same.
So get the cheapest one .
It will be good for you
and give you good performance upto 1680x1050



GooD LucK

 

[jyjjy]

It does use more power but they both use a rather small amount. The power requirements listed by the manufacturer are ALWAYS highly inflated and never have much to do with reality. Dell PSUs are high quality and either the HD4650 or HD4670 should be fine.
As I said earlier brand does not matter. All of the cards use the same amount of power. The main difference between brands will be the fan/heatsink, warranty and price. Also you would need a much more power hungry card before you should start worrying about the heat given off.

 

[dynastyice]

So does the 4670 use the same amount of power as the 4650? Or will I be better off using the 4650 if the 4650 has a low power consumption than the 4670?

 

[mfarrukh]

4650 draws vry slightly low power than 4670
So, In a scense 4670 is a better choice

I would suggest you to go for 4670

 

[dynastyice]

Is there a way to see how much your system is using? Like a program that can be ran? Or do I have to add up all the watts that the computer is using by hand?

Thanks

 

[jyjjy]

No. There are vague estimators based on configuration but Dell rates their PSUs differently from other manufacturers so they wouldn't be accurate.
We've said your PSU is fine for those cards. Just buy one.

 

[dynastyice]

OK, thanks for all your help. Much appreciated

 

[EXT64]

From my chart, it looks like the 4670 draws at max about 20W more than a 4650, and while that is a large percentage increase, that Dell PSU (at least decent to good quality) should do fine.

 

[dynastyice]

Oh, another question. Would I have to worry about CPU bottleneck with this card in this machine? If I don't push the card to the max on settings, would I have to worry about bottleneck on either the 4650 or 4670?

Thanks again

dell dimension e520
intel core 2 duo 6300 @1.86ghz
4gb DDR2 ram
XP SP3
integrated sound
PSU @ 305W

 

[EXT64]

No, I think a 4670 (or 4650) would be a great match for a C2D 6300. Neither is extremely better than the other or would be held back by the other in most situations.

 

[aylafan]

I also have a Dell Dimension E520 and I have been running a HD 3850 on it since 2007 with the same 305W powersupply. It is still running perfectly fine.

Go with the HD 4670. It uses less power and performs slightly better than my HD 3850.

 

[dynastyice]

Hello,
Still deciding which brand is better to get. I read reviews on newegg. I know that cards are the same, but the fans are different. Which ones have better fans? Sapphire, HIS, Powercolor, or ATI's version. Any one company better than the other?

Thanks

 

[JofaMang]

I have installed several Sapphire DDR3 4670s in friends computers and while the fan wasn't silent, it wasn't super loud either.

 

[dynastyice]

After Looking at newegg, I am between the sapphire brand, and HIS brand. LOL

 

[EXT64]

Both are major brands and thus about equal (assuming reference coolers).

 

[junbow]

Well,
All performs the same.
So get the cheapest one .
It will be good for you
and give you good performance upto 1680x1050



GooD LucK

i agree with you for i like HD4670 and 4650 . They consume/eat up less power.

 

[junbow]

Which version or brand is needed for 305w psu? Is there only 1 version? Boxes stating only 400w or greater psu box version? Can't seem to find a300w greater version on newegg.

hello

 

[junbow]

Hello,
Still deciding which brand is better to get. I read reviews on newegg. I know that cards are the same, but the fans are different. Which ones have better fans? Sapphire, HIS, Powercolor, or ATI's version. Any one company better than the other?

Thanks

Sapphire is better, I think. Good luck!