Upgrading a Dell

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Guest

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Asking for my brother as he is looking to upgrade his PC for FFXIV...I figure if he gets a new graphics card (GTX 460?) he would be fine with his remaining specs...had him run dxdiag and got the following:

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System Information
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Time of this report: 8/25/2010, 18:00:57
Machine name: STAVEN-PC
Operating System: Windows Vista™ Home Premium (6.0, Build 6002) Service Pack 2 (6002.vistasp2_gdr.100608-0458)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 518
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7400 @ 2.80GHz (2 CPUs), ~2.8GHz
Memory: 4094MB RAM
Page File: 1950MB used, 6461MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: None
DxDiag Version: 7.00.6002.18107 32bit Unicode

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DxDiag Notes
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Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Sound Tab 3: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

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DirectX Debug Levels
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Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

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Display Devices
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Card name: ATI Radeon HD 3450
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI Radeon Graphics Processor (0x95C5)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_95C5&SUBSYS_90181028&REV_00
Display Memory: 2042 MB
Dedicated Memory: 251 MB
Shared Memory: 1791 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
Driver Name: atidxx32,atidxx64.dll,atiumdag,atiumdva,atiumd64.dll,atiumd6a.dat,atitmm64.dll
Driver Version: 7.15.0010.0127 (English)
DDI Version: 10.1
BGRA Supported: No
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/29/2008 02:06:46, 1626624 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-D685-11CF-CD71-12B0A1C2CA35}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x95C5
SubSys ID: 0x90181028
Revision ID: 0x0000
Revision ID: 0x0000


Didn't copy the whole thing but I think this has the relevant info..my question is: would he be able to upgrade to a 460? Not sure how hard it is to upgrade a Dell...but I assume he would need a new power supply as well? How can I find out what is compatible and any suggestions?

 
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G

Guest

Guest
I believe it has a stock 300w crappy PSU...I assume he will need to get a new 500w PSU. What's the compatability issue with Dell and a PSU/card? If it fits in the case, is it compatible? Can someone direct me to a PSU that would work with this Dell Inspiron 518?
 
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unknown_13

unknown_13

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I believe it has a stock 300w crappy PSU...I assume he will need to get a new 500w PSU. What's the compatability issue with Dell and a PSU/card? If it fits in the case, is it compatible? Can someone direct me to a PSU that would work with this Dell Inspiron 518?
Click to expand...

Yes, you'll need to get a 500W PSU, but don't save money on the PSU! Get a quality PSU from a well-know manufacturer, such as Antec, Corsair, OCZ, CM etc. And also OC the CPU (there is a guide in the Intel OC section for OC'ing Core 2 CPU's if you dunno how). Other than that there'll be no issues with the GTX460. Oh, and what is your mobo? If you don't know, download Everest Ultimate, then post here.
 
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Guest

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I will have him download Everest and get his mobo specs. Am I right in assuming that for the most part, if the PSU/card fits in the case then it will be compatible?
 
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unknown_13

unknown_13

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if you have Intel or ATI integrated chipset then I'd go with an ATI card and not nVidia.
you can get a higher model 4000 series (47xx, 48xx) or even a 5000 series (56xx, 57xx), so on.
this is just my preference or my opinion, I just don't like to cross-over integration is all.
p.s.
I'm a Dell guy, it will be a solid machine either way you go.
Click to expand...

That doesn't make sense at all.
 
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namelessonez

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^Agree. Either card will do...nVidia or ATI. Which one, will be your preference. My suggestion on the GPU would depend on your budget. I would recommend the GTX470. If not, then the GTX460 is the best bang for the buck! Consider getting an MSI card....their cooling is much better and their noise levels are comparitively lower.

As for the PSU, I'll agree with unknown_13. Don't compromise on the PSU as its a very crusial bit of your rig. Many a times, a cheap quality PSU knocks of a usres rig, taking down most of the essential components with it. Go for any of the brands....Antec. Corsair, Coolermaster.
 
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unknown_13

unknown_13

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what you can't read.?
slow down and get a dictionary if needed, thesaurus even.
in simple terms just for you,,,,
depending on your integrated graphics, you know the m-o-t-h-e-r-b-o-a-r-d, then go with that manufacturer of the integration..
is that better for you.?
and I also said that this is my opinion (as well as a few others)..
now, what does not make sense.?
you.?
Click to expand...

The bolded in the quote doesn't make sense.

eg. if you have a 790GX mobo you don't have to go strictly with a ATI GPU, and opposite, if you had an Nvidia chipset with integrated Nvidia GPU, you can go with ATI, not just Nvidia. Both cards will work. It depends on your preference and/or the situation on the market.

It's your opinion, OK, i don't have anything against you, anybody can have their own opinion, but it's just an opinion, not a rule.
 
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Kraze7

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As for PSU in Dell case usually won't fit w/o some tweaking. Unless Dell changes their case design that allow 3rd party PSU to fit. I know the older case are like that and this might not apply to the new ones.

Like unknown_13 said don't gimped out on your PSU get a good one.

I'm planing to play FFXIV myself and I think I got my system ready for it. =)
 
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unknown_13

unknown_13

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Looks like it's a micro-ATX board according to:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/274962-30-intel-motherboard-question

Could someone link me to a quality PSU that will be compatible and fit in this case? Was looking at either a 5770 or a GTX460...or I can go for something cheap like a 4650 and just use the stock 300w PSU.
Click to expand...

Post the mobo model if you can:D

As for the PSU:
Antec earthwatts EA500 500W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.2 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC "Compatible with Core i7/Core i5" Power Supply
 
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G

Guest

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I will have him run Everest and get the mobo model. That looks like a decent enough PSU to purchase as he is trying to keep his cost down and it's only $65.
 
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