Best Single Slot Video Card?

Technically speaking those are not single slot cards because the heatsink stick out and would block the next slot.

The following XFX HD 5770 is an example of a true single slot card. However, you must have a monitor with a DisplayPort connection to use it or you must buy an Active DisplayPort adapter to connect it to a monitor with a DVI port.

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name=XFX-577_5D&tit...

Yeah, after looking in my case I think those fans would hit the fan on my processor and not work for me. Thanks for the info, the search continues...

Here's the dual DVI version of the same card as I mentioned above:

http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?p=XFX-577MF3&c=fr&p...

There is hardly any difference between a HD 5770 and HD 6770. They are the same card with some minor differences like HDMI 1.4a connection instead of HDMI 1.3.

Here's a review of that XFX card:

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/1067/pg1/xfx-rade...

No, it will not. The video card fan will face downward away from your processor.

I guess you do not really mean you need a single slot video card but what you mean is that your motherboard only have 1 (single) PCIe slot and can accommodate only 1 video card.

So, therefore, you can install any video card that you like ( dual slot is okay ) and it will fit in your motherboard. In fact, the picture that you shared already have a dual slot video card.

Now, if you want to play on Ultra, the 6770 will not be enough if you have a 1920x1080 resolution specially for crysis.

Do avoid any assumption, please let us know the resolution of your monitor & if you have any intention to game using multiple monitor ( Eyefinity ).

OMG RandomKid, this is how newb I am. You just became my best friend. I didn't realize the cards would go into my system with the board ontop and all those things facing toward the bottom of the case!

So it looks like I can get one of the double layer cards, I can get pretty much any card I want that will be able to be powered with the 460W supply I have...

I will not be playing on multiple monitors, I just want the best card for my money

I think these are the specs you want, it is a Samsung Syncmaster T240HD, any video card will do good with it right?

Screen Size 24" Wide
Resolution 1920 x 1200
Brightness 300cd/m²
Contrast Ratio DC 10000:1 (Typ 1000:1)
Response time 5ms
Viewing Angle(Horizontal/Vertical) 160˚/160˚ (CR>10)
Color Supported 16.7M
Signal Input
Video Signal Analog RGB, DVI, HDMI, Component, TV (Digital TV / Analog TV)
Sync. Signal Separate H/V, Composite
Connector 15pin D-sub, DVI-D, 2HDMI, Component, DTV Tuner, Optical Out

Got one last question, for now at least, does the picture below mean I have dual power connectors?

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/270860_1...

^The 1920x1200 resolution of your monitor will put a heavy demand on your video card so it must be at least middle end ( HD5770/6770). But regretfully, these cards will also need a good PSU & I doubt whether your Dell PSU will be good. Remember it is not intended to supply a discrete video card with PCIe power requirement.

However it may be able to support such cards as HD5670 or 6670 which do not require PCIe power cable. But it can only play in 1920x1200 with lowered detail in most games. Maybe good but not "ultra".

So, if your budget is really limited to <$100, then the HD5670 or 6670 is for you. Done Deal.

But if you want great 1920x1200 with high settings and willing to spend around $60-80 for the power supply & $120-$200 for the video card, then it is another story and this thread will go on...

You decide.  

I guess it is time to figure out how to change out a power supply and what will fit in my computer.

Thanks!

what are the specs of your psu?

Sorry, I did not notice that you posted this. It looks like you do have the PCIe power cables so it appears Dell gave some provision for upgrade. In this case, you may get an HD5770 or HD6770.

its better to check the psu specs before upgrading

Hey MJ: It is a 460W PSU that is said to peak at over 500W due to Dell's quality vs. a generic PSU. I only have the one cable with two connectors on it that randomkid quoted about right under your message.

Randomkid: Good to know, these cards will probably do what I want them to I assume? I started looking at PSUs and came across a good deal for a 750W but don't know how to tell if it will fit in my system. I wish I could find the dimensions of my current PSU.

You must want more information than just the wattage, but I am not sure what you are asking me for. The computer is a Dell XPS 8300, with said wattage. I can open up the computer and get whatever information you'd like.

So nice having people that know what they are doing at your fingertips. Thanks for the help.

just wattage won't do much it depends on how many wattage you have on +12v rail
Single GPU 5770

* System in IDLE = 228 Watts
* System with GPU in FULL Stress = 321 Watts
* Difference (GPU load) = 93 Watt

you also need 40 amps on the +12Rail.

http://guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5770-review-test/11

i think you should be fine with that dell psu you have now.
go for 5770 or 6770 both are fine on that psu  

The way I see it, you do not need a new Power Supply. But to be sure, you can open up the case, and check the PSU. You should find some printed information on it that appears like this:

also you can use this to get some idea about the psu requirements
http://www.extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

PowerColor Radeon HD6850 is the best I've seen.

Dell uses power supplies manufactured by FSP who are known of good quality. Additionally, Dell generally under rates their power supplies to provide a buffer as a safety measure.

You should have no problems with the HD 5770 / HD 6770 even if you have a Core i7-2600 CPU in your Dell.

Thanks, I will look for a decent deal on either one of those cards. I have the i5 2500 or 2300 forget which.