Which videocard should I get for my Dell?

[ChuChuX5]

My current setup is...Dell Dimension 8200:

Pentium 4 2.0GHz 400FSB, GeForce4 MX420 64MB AGP, 512MB PC800 RDRAM, Maxtor DiamondMax10 16MB cache 200GB HD Stock 250W PSU (+12V/14A).

I'm thinking of a 6600GT, and if I can't get that, a 6600, and at the very least, a 6200. Question, are Rosewill good videocard manufacturers? And how does 256MB VRAM compare to 128MB VRAM? Also, what do the "128-bit" mean?

 

[dunklegend]

The 128 bit is the memory interface. It's better to get a 128MB 256bit video card than a 256MB 128bit one. You can see that in the price.

Nothing is as easy as it looks

 

[ChuChuX5]

It appears that I'm getting a 6600GT, what are some signs that the videocard isn't running as it should be, or the power supply can't give enough power?

 

[dmroeder]

I don't think your power supply will cut it. Some of the 6600's require up to 350W. I would buy a decent 400W (or better) to be on the safe side. A cheap power supply will struggle to put out its rated power, so don't go cheap.

 

[umheint0]

You'll notice problems with the PSU when you try to turn the computer on with that video card. It won't. It'll start the fans spinning, then die because it can't supply enough juice.

Get a decent PSU, then go for the upgraded video. If not, you could seriously damage some components in your computer if the PSU cooks and sends some bad juice into the system.

umheint0's phat setup --> <A HREF="http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~umheint0/system.html" target="_new">http://home.cc.umanitoba.ca/~umheint0/system.html</A><--

 

[ChuChuX5]

Damn...I'm getting the videocard on my birthday and won't have enough money to get a new PSU

 

[riser]

Are you sure that Dell shipped with a 250W PSU?
That seems fairly low to be shipping.

I order Dell Dimension 3000/4800s and they don't ship with PSU's that low and the specs aren't any better except for a P4 3.0-3.2.

 

[ChuChuX5]

Absolutely sure, but it's been stated by Dell that their PSUs are rated differently and that the peak wattage is actually 345W. They say that 250W is the mean average, which should mean that 300W would still be quite stable

 

[davemar14]

I really wouldn't jump to conclusions about the PSU not being adequete. Remember he has a P4 @ 2Ghz, its not a Prescott @ 3.4 Ghz. Also, look at all the people running 6800's in SFF boxes. Those only have 250-265 watt PSU's. He only has 1 hard drive. It would be close, but I think it might work. Crashman would be the person to ask, as he has good experience with Dell.

My System:
<A HREF="http://amdgamingrig.dyndns.org" target="_new">http://amdgamingrig.dyndns.org</A>