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Old 02-11-2012, 02:50 PM   #1
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Putting a new graphics card in an older computer

Hello! I am currently using a Optiplex 745 with all the original components. It currently runs using this Dell ATI-102-A924(B) Radeon X1300 Pro PCI-E 256MB full height with DMS-59 andS-Video - New - Video Card and the information on the computer is here http://www.dell.com/downloads/global...5techspecs.pdf for those who want it. I just want to know what cards would be best to run. I'm not looking to do any high end gaming, but an upgrade would be awesome. cheers!
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Old 02-11-2012, 03:12 PM   #2
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You are going to be limited by the physical size of the card and by its power requirements. The factory power supply can't handle a very strong card.
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Old 02-11-2012, 03:53 PM   #3
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haha yeah i know :P. I just want to get the best I can.
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Old 02-11-2012, 05:02 PM   #4
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Newegg.com - ASUS ENGT440/DI/1GD5 GeForce GT 440 (Fermi) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
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Old 02-11-2012, 07:19 PM   #5
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Looks good! Do you think my computer has the wattage to handle it fine? Also, any other recommendations you have for upgrades on this computer?
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Old 02-11-2012, 07:30 PM   #6
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Nvidia recommends a 300 watt minimum PSU.
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Old 02-11-2012, 08:24 PM   #7
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According to the spec sheet, my computer runs at 275
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Old 02-11-2012, 09:43 PM   #8
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I was also thinking of this card Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GV-R645OC-1GI Radeon HD 6450 1GB 64-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Ready Video Card
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Old 02-12-2012, 01:36 AM   #9
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AMD recommends 400 watts for that card. It's also a very weak gamer.
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Old 02-12-2012, 10:50 AM   #10
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It appears that you are going to need an aftermarket PSU with more power that will also work with your computer if you want to have a decent gaming computer.
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Old 02-12-2012, 11:07 AM   #11
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Dell power supplies are somewhat underrated - I think the GT 440 would be okay.

Which form factor is your Optiplex? Can you open the case and read the model of the PSU on the label?
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Old 02-12-2012, 12:38 PM   #12
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Okey Doke Here are the current specs and some other info


Dell Optiplex 745 (Desktop Version) 280W

Intel (R) Pentium (R) D CPU 3.00 GHz (2CPUs)

2046 MB RAM

2287 USED, 1650 MB remaining

ATI Radeon x1300/x1550 (256 MB)

Microsoft Windows XP Professional

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global...5techspecs.pdf
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Old 02-12-2012, 12:40 PM   #13
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Also the GT 440 does seem like the best option so far since trying to find a power upgrade for this model is a nightmare.
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Old 02-12-2012, 03:34 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glc View Post
Can you open the case and read the model of the PSU on the label?
Please?

Desktop form factor? If so, I'm assuming the video card is on a riser card - is there enough room for that dual slot card?

Last edited by glc; 02-12-2012 at 03:38 PM.
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Old 02-12-2012, 03:51 PM   #15
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Sure. The info on the PSU on the label is:

Model NO: L280P-01
Dell P/N MH596
P/N: PS-5281-5DF-LF
DC Output 280W
Serial NO. BO1788579 Level 3

Also I have a picture album with pics and some more specifications. I would definitley consider upgrading my power supply, but from what I can tell, the highest I'd be able to get would be 305-350.

Here's the picture album
Computer - Imgur
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Old 02-12-2012, 04:11 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by glc View Post
Please?

Desktop form factor? If so, I'm assuming the video card is on a riser card - is there enough room for that dual slot card?
I have the low profile of this Dell ATI-102-A924(B) Radeon X1300 Pro PCI-E 256MB full height with DMS-59 andS-Video - New - Video Card

So I do not know. is there a way I can find out?
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Old 02-12-2012, 06:10 PM   #17
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OH!

That changes everything - you need a SFX form factor power supply and a low profile video card with a half-height bracket. These are the best you can do:

Newegg.com - SILVERSTONE ST45SF 450W SFX12V 80 PLUS BRONZE Certified Active PFC Power Supply

Newegg.com - SAPPHIRE 100326LP Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card
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Old 02-12-2012, 06:16 PM   #18
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This looks nice. Are you sure this power supply will fit? The old one is a goofy L shape. All in all it looks pretty good.
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Old 02-12-2012, 06:34 PM   #19
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Dig out your ruler:

Quote:
Dimensions
4.92" x 2.5" x 3.94"
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Old 02-12-2012, 10:43 PM   #20
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Well, assuming you mean LxWxH, the box should be able to fit fairly well.
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Old 02-17-2012, 07:38 PM   #21
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Bah! the old graphics card appears to have sold out. What about these?

Newegg.com - MSI R6570-MD2GD3/LP Radeon HD 6570 2GB 128-bit DDR3 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Low Profile Video Card

Newegg.com - ASUS EAH6670/DIS/1GD5 Radeon HD 6670 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.1 x16 HDCP Ready Video Card
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Old 02-17-2012, 08:42 PM   #22
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The Asus 6670 is not a low profile card. The MSI 6570 will work.

PLEASE NOTE that the low profile bracket option is 2 brackets - do you have a second slot to install the second bracket in?
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Old 02-17-2012, 08:54 PM   #23
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Damn. It doesn't look like it.
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Old 02-18-2012, 06:14 AM   #24
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That will limit you to DVI or HDMI, the VGA port is not usable without the second bracket in place.
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Old 02-18-2012, 08:08 AM   #25
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hmmm... do you at least think my gaming will increase for now with an upgraded PSU and RAM?
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Old 02-18-2012, 11:13 AM   #26
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No, not unless the games you are playing require more ram than you have - and even then, the improvements will be minimal due to your old video card.

You just don't have the right system for gaming. The Optiplex is sold as a business computer. If you had the minitower, your upgrade path would be much greater, the small form factors are not the right tool for the job.
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