Dell Precision t7400 graphics card upgrade...

[meathman 007]

Hi guys,

Some advice would be appreciated.

I have the following Dell PC:

Model: Dell Precision t7400 workstation
Processors: 2 x Intel Xeon E5420 quad core processors
Memory – 8GB (8X1024) 667 MHZ DDR2 QUAD Channel Ram
Hard Drives – 3 x 300GB 15000 RPM SAS hard drives. Model: Seagate ST3300655SS
OS: Windows 7 64 bit premium
Graphics Card: 512mb NVIDIA Quadro FX 1700
PSU: 980W

=====================================

The current graphics card is a low-mid range model aimed at CAD, photoshop etc.

I dont use any of those programs at the minute and have been considering upgrading the graphics card. My questions:

1. Considering the spec above, would there be any compatibility issues with any of the mainstream ATI and NVidia consumer graphics cards? I dont plan on doing any over-clocking etc.
2. I dont plan on doing any hardcore gaming. All I want is something good for HD video streaming, general Windows 7 tasks, video processing and running dual Dell 2408 monitors. With that in mind, my budget would be around £100 - £130. What would be my best options in that range?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Phatzy]

A decent GTX460 should be fine for your use.

 

[Strife212]

Serious question, how did you end up with such a PC for general tasks? :S

 

[Bizarre]

My questions:

1. Considering the spec above, would there be any issues with any of the mainstream ATI and NVidia consumer cards? I dont plan on doing any over-clocking etc.
2. I dont plan on doing any hardcore gaming. All I want is something good for HD video streaming, general Windows 7 tasks, video processing and running dual Dell 2408 monitors. With that in mind, my budget would be around £100 - £130. What would be my best options in that range?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

You shouldn't run into any compatibility issues with either ATI or NVidia's consumer cards.

If you prefer Nvidia then you won't go far wrong with a GTX460, although it's a little more than what you need it for, it's still priced just under your budget at £125.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-140-OK&groupid=701&catid=1914&subcat=1830

If you'd prefer to save a few quid then a HD 5830 Extreme 1024MB at £86 would still be more than enough for your needs.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-258-SP

 

[meathman 007]

Serious question, how did you end up with such a PC for general tasks? :S

Hi,

It was used for video/sound processing when I first got it for my business (Camtasia, Soundbooth etc).

Got a decent deal from Dell, so I went for fairly high spec in every area except the graphics card.

Great PC, but a bit loud in operation unfortunately (fans are always on, even though its in a well ventilated area).

 

[meathman 007]

Thanks for the other replys, the Gtx460 looks like it could be ideal.

Only issue is that I am currently using 2 x dual dvi for my Dell 2408 dual monitor setup (I bought some decent cabling recently as well). Would there be anything for a similar price that has 2 x dual dvi and hdmi connections?

Thanks.

 

[meathman 007]

Also for my needs that I listed above, which would be the better buy:

1/ nVidia Gtx460 as suggested above

2/ Ati Radeon HD 6850 or Ati Radeon HD 5870

Depending on the model, they seem to be similarly priced... I could probably stretch to £150 including delivery for the right card.

Any advice appreciated.

 

[meathman 007]

So I think I found the card to go for. It goes against some of what I said above, but I would rather spend a few extra pound then be disappointment in a few weeks time...

Card: XFX Radeon HD 6870 1gb Black (dual fan) edition

Unboxing here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcNfDlohwLk

Reviews here:

Review 1
Review 2

The 2nd written review makes particular reference to the noise levels.

I spent a few hours going through various reviews tonight and the 6870 seems to be very highly rated. The reason I think I will go for the XFX card is that according to the reviews, it runs quieter than any of the cards in its price range.

I can get it for about £185 including delivery to Ireland.

My main concern is the power supply to the card. It requires two connections into my PSU. I am not 100% my Dell power supply would have the necessary connections. Does anyone know if it would?

Good/Bad decision? Any advice appreciated...

 

[Bizarre]

What brand is the PSU and can you not check yourself to see how many PCI-E connectors it has? I'd have thought a 980 watt PSU would have at least two 6 pin PCI-E connectors, though.

Providing the PSU is up to the job, amperage wise, of running a 6870, then the worst case scenario is you may have to buy a couple of PCI-E adaptors (search the auction site for "4 Pin Molex to 6 Pin PCI-E") .

If you've set your heart on a 6870 then I suggest waiting 10 days and bagging the MSI HD 6870 OC HAWK which uses a similar cooler to the XFX Black Edition.

It's also £35 cheaper, factory overclocked, and comes bundled with the Lara Croft game - Guardian Of Light.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-126-MS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1866

 

[meathman 007]

What brand is the PSU and can you not check yourself to see how many PCI-E connectors it has? I'd have thought a 980 watt PSU would have at least two 6 pin PCI-E connectors, though.

Providing the PSU is up to the job, amperage wise, of running a 6870, then the worst case scenario is you may have to buy a couple of PCI-E adaptors (search the auction site for "4 Pin Molex to 6 Pin PCI-E") .

If you've set your heart on a 6870 then I suggest waiting 10 days and bagging the MSI HD 6870 OC HAWK which uses a similar cooler to the XFX Black Edition.

It's also £35 cheaper, factory overclocked, and comes bundled with the Lara Croft game - Guardian Of Light.

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-126-MS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1866

Thanks Bizarre.

Ill check the PSU in the morning, but I do remember it being hard to get access to it, unless I unscrew it and take it out. As you said, I am guessing it should have the requisite connections.

That MSI price is great, I think I might hold on for that. Hopefully it gets as good a reviews as the XFX has got...