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09-01-2007, 11:19 PM
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#1 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
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Video Card question
This is my first time trying to upgrade a computer and was wondering how you tell if a graphics card is compatible with the motherboard, etc.
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09-01-2007, 11:38 PM
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#2 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
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I'm assuming this is a pre-built (ie, Dell, HP, etc.) computer? If so, those typically can't handle an upgraded video card. You have to look for an AGP or PCI-Express slot for the video card. You could put in a PCI card if that's all you have, but that won't be much of an upgrade. (a lot of pre-builts don't have the former slots, just PCI) The next thing you have to look at is the strength of the power supply. If it is minimal for the original parts (most likely it is) it likely won't handle an upgraded video card because they tend to draw a lot of power.
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"It is the way of man to make monsters and it is the nature of monsters to destroy their makers." |
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09-02-2007, 12:26 AM
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#3 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
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I have a Dell Dimension E510 with a ATI Radeon X600 HyperMemory video card that came with it. It has a PCI Express x16 slot. How do I tell how much power a new card would need and how much power my current one is using?
Last edited by CaldaRaric; 09-02-2007 at 12:57 AM. |
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09-02-2007, 01:04 AM
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#4 |
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Tanker Yanker
Premium Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Lewisville TX
Posts: 2,920
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Look at the specs on the video card you plan on purchasing. I will say what size psu you need if there is a certain requirement.
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09-02-2007, 01:40 AM
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#5 |
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Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 236
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I have a Dell Dimension E520 and I assume its very similar in design, so that means you can NOT use a dual slotted card such as a 2900XT or 8800 GTS, GTX, or Ultra. There are still alot of very powerful single slotted cards.
What kind of video card were you thinking of upgrading to? What will you be using it for? What games/programs? If you tell us that, we can tell you if you will need a new power supply ect. |
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09-02-2007, 11:47 AM
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#6 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
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I don't know what kind of video card my computer will be compatible with. I will use it for games and maybe 3Ds Max.
BTW, my motherboard is the Intel 945G Express Chipset. Last edited by CaldaRaric; 09-02-2007 at 11:51 AM. |
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09-02-2007, 02:09 PM
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#7 |
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Wrench Bender
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Plymouth,MN
Posts: 5,961
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According to the specs for a E510 Dell, it has only a 300w PSU. So, that means your video card up-grade is going to be limited with out a PSU upgrade also.
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"When sliding down the banister of life; look out for splinters pointing up."
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09-02-2007, 02:45 PM
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#8 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
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Could you guys help me find a PSU that fits my computer also? Thanks for all the help!
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09-02-2007, 03:25 PM
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#9 |
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Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 236
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If you're going to want to game and use 3D intensive programs like AutoCad, Maya, ect ect your going to want to get a good single slot video card.
I recommend one of these video cards http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814143090 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814133186 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161071 (Has to be a single slot card because a dual slot card like a 8800 or 2900 will NOT fit in a del E510 because the CPU fan is blocking the second slot.) And I reccomend at least a 450 watt PSU for future upgrades. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104037 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139003 Just make sure you stick to a good brand like Corsair, Antec, OCZ, or FSP for a power supply, quality is everything when buying a power supply. |
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09-02-2007, 03:35 PM
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#10 |
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Wrench Bender
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Plymouth,MN
Posts: 5,961
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FSP, good quailty and good price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104953 or this one depending on the video card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817104954
For a video card a Nvidea 8600 GT may be the way to go budget wise. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150229 |
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09-02-2007, 03:35 PM
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#11 |
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Member (11 bit)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,044
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I dont think you can put a standard PSU in a Dell case. I am not expert but I have seen a lot of posts on special Dell PSU in the past so might check into that before you run out and buy one.
Kat |
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09-02-2007, 03:41 PM
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#12 |
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Wrench Bender
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Plymouth,MN
Posts: 5,961
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The 24 pin plug is standard ATX and looks like the screw holes are a standard layout. Only thing that looked different is the location of the power plug. The pictures on the Dell site shows the power plug on the right side of the PSU verses the left on regular PSUs. It does look like a regualr PSU will work due to the big opening in the case.
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09-02-2007, 06:32 PM
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#13 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
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Also is the Dell power supply a full sized ATX power supply as well?
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09-02-2007, 09:17 PM
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#14 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
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Can I use a DDR3 card in my Dell?
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09-02-2007, 09:37 PM
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#15 | |
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Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 236
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Quote:
@ CaldaRaric, you can use a DDR3 memory video card in your Dell, as long as it is on a PCIe x16 slot. But you can NOT use DDR3 Memory Sticks, at least with the stock motherboard. |
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09-03-2007, 09:36 PM
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#16 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
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Could I get the Nvidea 8600GT and only the 400W PSU, or would it need a bigger PSU?
And can I upgrade the motherboard in this or do I have to keep the stock one? If I can what are some good ones? Thanks for all the help Last edited by CaldaRaric; 09-03-2007 at 10:40 PM. |
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09-04-2007, 09:52 AM
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#17 |
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Wx geek
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Indiana
Posts: 6,638
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Looks like the requirement for the 8600GT is in the 300-350W range - I'd tend to lean towards the higher end. Does your motherboard have a PCI-e x16 slot? Careful about moving into motherboard replacements - if you start doing that things will snowball and you'll end up with a new computer in the end. Dell's are not easy to start swapping parts out in.
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09-04-2007, 10:03 AM
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#18 |
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Member (5 bit)
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Posts: 23
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Yeah my motherboard has a PCI-e x16 slot.
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09-04-2007, 02:55 PM
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#19 |
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Member (8 bit)
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 236
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The stock motherboard would be fine.
If you get a quality 400W PSU like a Corsair, Antec, OCZ, or FSP. It will easily power the 8600GT |
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