Trying to Upgrade my GPU

[fconti89]

I have a Dell Studio XPS, it is about two years old and I am trying to upgrade the GPU to handle newer games coming out. Here are the specs--

Dell Studio XPS 435MT
Windows 7 64 bit
Intel Core Quad i7 2.8ghz
8 gb ram (probably upgrading to 12gb or 16gb though)
Radeon 4850 HD
750gb HD
my Dell service tag is 51LNNK1
I think the PS is only 300 watt this is the model # PS-5361-2 ; which I am sure is going to be a problem.

The computer runs great but recently the video card has been overheating and it causes my PC to automatically turn off especially in heated moments of battle. I want another tier 1 video card preferably one I could play games on higher settings. Games I play are Battlefield 2, 3 when it comes out, Team Fortress 2, Call of Duty Black Ops, Starcraft 2, World of Warcraft. Most games run well on medium-high settings but the Ultra Settings would be great. I can spend 150-400 but prefer to keep it around 300. It would be awesome if the card ran quiet too because the Radeon 4850 HD is so loud when I play games or watch HD videos.

Any Suggestions on how I should go about upgrading the last Dell I will every buy?

 

[eleclerc]

You should buy something like this one.

HD 6950 - 270$
http://www.amd.com/us/products/desktop/graphics/amd-radeon-hd-6000/hd-6950/Pages/amd-radeon-hd-6950-overview.aspx

Also, you need another PSU :
500 Watt or greater power supply with two 75W 6-pin PCI Express® power connectors recommended

For your new PSU,
- 2 connectors PCI-E with 75W
- 500W or +
- Active PFC

Like this one : Seasonic SS-560KM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151098
or
this one, CORSAIR Gaming Series GS600 600W
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139023

 

[purple stain]

If it's only a Dell 300watt PSU then the 4850 probably isn't getting enough power.

Unless you have lots and lots of Windows/Applications open then theirs no need for more than 8GB of RAM.

Either a GTX560ti or a 6950 will fit in your $300 budget but you could get a GTX570 if you really wanted to stretch it to the full $400.The GTX570 can be had for $280 after MIR and it's probably your best performance per cost ratio you can get.With either choice your going to need a new PSU.The PSU that eleclerc suggested is good but it's a bit pricey and doesn't have enough wattage for future upgrades.

Antec 750watt

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371049

 

[psyxix]

Also, there are the XFX 650W core edition and XFX 750W core edition. They both provide great/stable power at a very good price.

 

[zyoncarlos]

Well whats you Budegt
iand we can narrow it down

 

[purple stain]

OP's budget is around $300 but $400 is possible it just needs to be justifiable.

 

[psyxix]

my suggestion :

XFX 750W core edition costs about 80$ with rebates
1 X GTX 570 300-320$

400$ total

or

XFX 750W core edition costs about 80$ with rebates
1 X Ati 6950 2gb 250-280$

330$-360$

 

[fconti89]

Thanks everyone I am gonna look into everything suggested, appreciate the help

 

[purple stain]

6950 looks like the winner.