How good is my setup for gaming? New Graphics Card?

[erikriggleman]

How good is my PC for gaming?

SPECS:
Dell Inspiron 546
AMD Phenom(tm) 9750 Quad-Core Processor 2.40 GHz
4GB RAM
Windows 7 Home Premium - 64 Bit

DISPLAY:
Nvidia GeForce GT 220
1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60 Hz)
Dell E170S Monitor

How well would my computer would run high-end games? I have heard the Nvidia GeForce GT 220 isn't a great graphics card for hardcore gaming. What would be some suggestions as to what chip I should upgrade to in the near future? (Preferably under $300.00) Links to sites where I could purchase a better card would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Erik

 

[skolpo]

For that monitor resolution, (1280 x 1024) you have a lot of choices, but it is limited to what your power supply is. Dell setups usually have a 300w generic proprietary power supply, so I'm guessing that's what you have or something very similar. If you want upgrade your graphics card, I suggest you get a new power supply first. For that resolution, you can get a decent 450W power supply and pair it with a mid-end HD5xxx card. Here's a great 450W power supply:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139003

Paired with an HD5770 or even an HD 5750 and you're pretty much set.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102873&cm_re=hd_5770-_-14-102-873-_-Product

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102859&cm_re=hd_5750-_-14-102-859-_-Product

If you plan on upgrading your monitor that holds a higher native resolution, such as 1920x1080, then you'll need a graphics card more in the range of an HD 5830 or GTX 460. If not, that pair above would do you well.

 

[erikriggleman]

Best answer selected by erikriggleman.

 

[erikriggleman]

Thanks guys!

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey