Upgrading GPU in a dell Studio 540

[odeezy2ez]

I'm looking to upgrade my current GPU, a geforece 8400 GS, to something a bit more powerfull. i'm using a Dell Studio 540 full size desktop with a 350 W power supply. i want to find the fastest single slotted GPU that is compatible with my motherboard PCIe 2.0 and my power supply.

Aslo i'm currently looking at the Geforce GT 640 as a strong option. i want to know if there are any power requirements that would stop this PCIe 3.0 card from working in a PCIe 2.0 slot. the card needs 350W power supply and i read somthing about PCIe 2.0 having a 300W max power limit.

please correct me if i am mistaken. any help would be appreciated.

 

[koudou]

For that price, and those power constraints, I would instead suggest the 7750. It positively sips power and is more powerful than the 640. There should also be no problem using a PCIe 3.0 in a PCIe 2.0. It shouldn't be anywhere close to bottlenecking.

 

[odeezy2ez]

For that price, and those power constraints, I would instead suggest the 7750. It positively sips power and is more powerful than the 640. There should also be no problem using a PCIe 3.0 in a PCIe 2.0. It shouldn't be anywhere close to bottlenecking.

Thanks for the quick response. i'm sorry but u have to be a little more specific when you say 7750. i'm assuming it’s a radeon gpu? if you say it’ll do the job I’ll check one out. I know that other companies make remakes of the cards and overclock them and add memory ect.. I am definitely looking for the fastest option possible so would you have a certain card and maker in mind or do you feel any 7750 will do? Also an HDMI port is a must.

 

[odeezy2ez]

Also i'm looking on the AMD website and it says AMD Radeon™ HD 7750 Graphics 400W power supply recommended. Is it right to assume you’re thinking it won’t make a difference?

 

[koudou]

Also i'm looking on the AMD website and it says AMD Radeon™ HD 7750 Graphics 400W power supply recommended. Is it right to assume you’re thinking it won’t make a difference?

The radeon 7750 uses very little power, and its estimated to use about 45 watts at max stress, which is only slightly more than your current graphics card. I'm certain that you'll be fine with your current PSU. I would personally suggest http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150612 due to its low profile and game coupon for dirt3.

 

[odeezy2ez]

excellent answer guys thanks. one last question if i may. i was reading the reviews on the cards and saw something bout pcie 3.0 compatibility with older motherboards is sketchy. anyone able to find any conformation of this in the case of my Studio 540

 

[koudou]

The only backwards compatibility issue that I've heard of with PCI-e is with PCI-e 2.1. I haven't heard of any issues with 3.0 being backwards compatible, and there's no chance that you'll max out the bandwidth of even a PCI-e 1.0 x16 slot. You shouldn't see any problems.

Best of luck on your purchase!