Curse

randombuyer · Jan 11, 2009, 06:33 AM // 06:33

Im trying to upgrade my Dell Inspiron with a better graphics card so it can actually play higher quality games on well low to medium settings.

Currently I have an integrated GMA 3100...

Anyways my main question is does anyone know what graphics card my current power supply can actually supply. I dont mind switching my power supply also (don't need something monstrous)

Currently I have a Q600 Quad and 3GB of Ram int eh computer, along with a HD

I know im not being descriptive enough but could someone at least tell me what I need to find out before I can determine what my computer will need.

snaek · Jan 11, 2009, 07:00 AM // 07:00

inspiron 530s have the option for custom built to include a radeon 3450
i'd like to assume they provide that without a different powersupply

i'd like to think it can handle a radeon 4850

but if u wanna be on the safe side, then go wit a 4830, or even safer 4670

how much would u like to spend?

edit: did some googling and it read that the 530 comes wit a 375 or 300 watt psu
u -mite- be able to run a 4670...but i dunno
i think u'll have to upgrade the psu

randombuyer · Jan 11, 2009, 07:34 PM // 19:34

hmm thats a bummer, I heard most retail PSUs were not compatible with Dell computers

would a 375w be enough for a 4670?

Maverick2201 · Jan 11, 2009, 08:20 PM // 20:20

the wattage can be very deceiving... amperage on the +12v rail is what you should be interested in. You'd be better off getting a quality midrange 400W or 450W unit which will easily run a 4670 plus other hardware.

As far as compatibility, ensure you get a PSU that is ATX 12V 2.2 or higher and if its a standard size case, you should be able to install it physically. The only ones you should worry about are those Dell mini-towers, but I assume you don't have that with a Q6600.

Elder III · Jan 12, 2009, 12:29 AM // 00:29

the 4670 requires a 400 watt or greater PSU - manufacturer's specs.

Quaker · Jan 12, 2009, 03:34 PM // 15:34

You could go for an ATI 4550, I'm sure that works with a 300 watt PS and is still better than the GMA3100

Cyric The Liar · Jan 12, 2009, 04:32 PM // 16:32

I'm running an HD3850 in a Dell 530 with the stock power supply, no problems whatsoever.

randombuyer · Jan 13, 2009, 04:47 AM // 04:47

any chance something like this would work?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814131057

Quaker · Jan 14, 2009, 02:43 AM // 02:43

ATI/AMD recommend a 400watt power supply for the 2600, but you may get away with it.

Elder III · Jan 15, 2009, 02:04 AM // 02:04

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341012

fork over $25 for that PSU, and then all your problems are solved and you will be able to put in a decent video card of your choice.

Lord Sojar · Jan 15, 2009, 10:09 AM // 10:09

nope.... elder, you forget, Dell uses proprietary pins on the motherboard. You have to get a PSU through them.