Recommend me the most suitable graphics card for a Dell pc

PraxxtorCruel

PraxxtorCruel

PraxxtorCruel

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The pc is Dell Dimension 8400.

Detailed PC specs in this link: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/specs.htm

The pc has a 350 watt psu, was looking for ati x1950xt, but noticed they recommended above 400 watt. My current but on its way out graphics card is Ati X850XT Platinum edition. The card causes discolouring streaks across the screen on the background of the screen, I have tested and it is not the screen but the card. I'm a little confused with the whole x-something slots. This pc has

PCI 2.3
PCI Express x1 and x16

Bus speed


PCI: 33 MHz

PCI Express:

x1 slot bidirectional speed — 500 MB/s

x16 slot bidirectional speed — 8 GB/s

Does the above mean it only has one slot at x16 and is compatible with graphics cards upto the interface of PCI 2.3? So there is a possibility 5 series cards will be compatible but most likely not due to a 350 watt psu.
 
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Orcvader said:
Will you be gaming? Or just something to fix the strange streaks? What's your budget?
Click to expand...

Yeah gaming, would be looking to play to The Witcher Enhanced if even possible on this pc perhaps a little Rail Simulator too :D. I'd be looking at a second hand card of ebay so upto £50? Is that even possible haha. God that amount sounds so puny lol.
 
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You'll be wanting a PCI-E card in the 16x slot.

GPUs always overestimate the amount of power they need, but chances are that your 350w won't be enough. What you'll be able to get will depend on your budget and you'll probably have to allow for a new PSU as well.
 
Then that's pretty tricky, since I recommend to replace the PSU as well to get a nice decent midrange graphics card. But the annoying thing is some older Dell PCs don't even follow the normal ATX standard, so other PSUs might not even fit.

Looking at the X1950XT, the official recommend PSU is 450w. So assuming your PSU "might" be able to handle it, maybe go for this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-258-AS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1983

Although, that CPU of yours will be a major bottleneck, as well as your RAM. How much RAM do you have?
 
Orcvader said:
Then that's pretty tricky, since I recommend to replace the PSU as well to get a nice decent midrange graphics card. But the annoying thing is some older Dell PCs don't even follow the normal ATX standard, so other PSUs might not even fit.

Looking at the X1950XT, the official recommend PSU is 450w. So assuming your PSU "might" be able to handle it, maybe go for this: http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-258-AS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=1983

Although, that CPU of yours will be a major bottleneck, as well as your RAM. How much RAM do you have?
Click to expand...

4GB installed but of course only 3GB available, at 533mhz.
 
Well from googling, it's really hard to see if the PSU is a Dell custom or ATX standard. How much are you willing to spend?
 
Okay thanks will look into it. When this happened the computer would not boot to windows desktop for about 2 days, then suddenly it booted to windows, most likely overheating and permanent damage at that.
 
Will there actually be enough space in the case to fit a modern GPU? I though Dell restricted case size/space so you had to buy certain components through them?
 
The problem is power you so confined as it does not have any 6 pin connecters and its 350w :P Keep around the £30 - £60 mark and check the power requirements.
 
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