DarakDJC Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 Hello All, My job gave me a slim Dell desktop tower and I'd like to upgrad the graphics card to run SWTOR. Canyourunit.com tells me the system checks out except for the video card. This slim tower has a single PCI slot for a graphics card to run it. I tried an older PNY GeForce 8400GS but that didn't work. Actually I that card is a dud becuase my system freezes if I open two or more tabs of Internet Explorer. Does anyone know what would be a good choice for a small case like that? $150 or less would be good. I don't know if it's related, but the current power supply is only about 300w. Recommendations? Thank you in advance.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgelling Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) I'm not a big hardware geek but already I saw a couple of things that'd be sending alarm bells off in my head about upgrading: slim case, low power supply, single regular(?!) PCI slot. I'd look around on Amazon, eg for one of the low-power using GeForce series, like you mentioned, but if you're not upgrading the powe supply watch your options carefully. I'd found one of the 8400 series a while back for an old box as an upgrade vs integrated graphics, and it worked fine despite a 300 W power supply, but I have no idea if a low power card is good enough for TOR. My actual gaming rig is taxed by it, so, really a new $500 cheapo gaming rig at newegg is always a good option too. I'd take a look at the GeForce 8400 or similar and see if that might work for you, assuming you don't want to get a gaming rig - look at new egg under the Gaming section if you go that route. Edited May 11, 2012 by jgelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khoryphos Posted May 11, 2012 Share Posted May 11, 2012 (edited) Do you know how old the computer is? I am assuming you mean a PCI-E slot (just making sure). 300w doesn't leave you much to work with. You will need a bigger one- if it will even fit in the case. You can get a Radeon 6850 in that price range if you get a bigger psu Edited May 11, 2012 by Khoryphos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgelling Posted May 12, 2012 Share Posted May 12, 2012 Just as a follow-up, I'd take a look at the Radeon 7750, which is supposed to be a very low-power graphics card with adequate performance for modern games - that may be your best bet in the market right now without upgrading your power supply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarakDJC Posted May 12, 2012 Author Share Posted May 12, 2012 Thank you for the tips! I just looked into the specs and it's a Dell Small Form Factor case with a 235w power supply. I believe that's the largest they make in that line, so I think I'm humped on this one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albertwang Posted May 13, 2012 Share Posted May 13, 2012 I would definitely go with a Nvidia GT440 which is really awesome. I use it on my LAN party rig with cheapo Raidmax 450W (really more like 250W) supply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightHawke Posted May 14, 2012 Share Posted May 14, 2012 (edited) Thank you for the tips! I just looked into the specs and it's a Dell Small Form Factor case with a 235w power supply. I believe that's the largest they make in that line, so I think I'm humped on this one... Yes, yes you are. What are you are going to need is around a 500w power supply minimum if you plan on doing any gaming now or in the future. Most modern cards required 400w PSU and that is not including anything else you have being juiced by your computer. Dells is rough with updating parts other than pci cards and ram... everything is custom fit for their model. Your options ( but not all ) are as follows: a. Buy another Dell/HP/ etc Consider what you are playing now, what you might play in the next 2-3 years and then check your budget. b. Find a computer boutique store and Consider what you are playing now, what you might play in the next 2-3 years and then check your budget. c. Shop for the parts yourself and build your computer also Consider what you are playing now, what you might play in the next 2-3 years and then check your budget. Edited May 14, 2012 by NightHawke Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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