Need help getting a graphic card for my "Awesome"computer.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · November 12, 2010, 01:26 PM

Hello,I would like to say, that I am not tech savvy, and I only know the barley minimum of a computer, so, sorry if I don't understand your questions/etc. Anyway, I have a Dell Inspiron 531.
Here what it look like.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

Here what it look like inside.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read:

And here the spec.
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...m/appendix.htm

And my current Graphic card is a Nvida Geforce 6150 SE nforce 430.
I want to get a NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT, Is it possible? Or will I need to gut my computer and play Frankenstein with it?

**irishron** · November 12, 2010, 01:38 PM

You have a slot for it.

You only have 300w power supply, though.

My experience says plan on upgrading both and better airflow for both.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · November 12, 2010, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by irishron

You have a slot for it.

You only have 300w power supply, though.

My experience says plan on upgrading both and better airflow for both.

Ahh, thank you.
Can you point to what you suggest of buying? So, I may broaden my search better, so I can find one, that is right for me.

**CoconutFred** · November 12, 2010, 04:18 PM

Originally Posted by EvilNelson666

I want to get a NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT, Is it possible? Or will I need to gut my computer and play Frankenstein with it?

The 8800 GT is practically ancient, it's far obsolete compared to today's standards. I would advise intead getting a more up-to-date card such as the Radeon 5770, which supports DX11 and is a great choice for price-performance value.

But if you really do want that card, it is very possible. It looks strangely like the machine I upgraded a year ago...

huh.

However, you do need to take into consideration the fact that the expansion slot on your motherboard is a PCI Express 1.0A, and the 8800 GT. It will run fine, but just know that it will run at only half of it's potential. Also, you will need at least a 400 Watt Power Supply.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · November 12, 2010, 05:37 PM

Originally Posted by CoconutFred

The 8800 GT is practically ancient, it's far obsolete compared to today's standards. I would advise intead getting a more up-to-date card such as the Radeon 5770, which supports DX11 and is a great choice for price-performance value.

But if you really do want that card, it is very possible. It looks strangely like the machine I upgraded a year ago...

huh.

However, you do need to take into consideration the fact that the expansion slot on your motherboard is a PCI Express 1.0A, and the 8800 GT. It will run fine, but just know that it will run at only half of it's potential. Also, you will need at least a 400 Watt Power Supply.

8800 GT Is god, compare to my 6150FE, it not ancient...too me.
And yes, I'm fully aware of the 400 watt power.....man, I hope my parent are very considered this X-Mas....

**mrcrusty** · November 12, 2010, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by EvilNelson666

8800 GT Is god, compare to my 6150FE, it not ancient...too me.
And yes, I'm fully aware of the 400 watt power.....man, I hope my parent are very considered this X-Mas....

This and this and you'll be all set to go.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · November 12, 2010, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by mrcrusty

This and this and you'll be all set to go.

I don't think, I will be needing two graphic card, but I will take this as consideration.

**mrcrusty** · November 12, 2010, 07:26 PM

No, I mean getting that instead of the 8800GT. The 8800GT is a decent card, but the GTS 450 is superior in every way. Unless you're getting the 8800GT for free, I don't see the reason to get it over better cards.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · November 12, 2010, 07:33 PM

Originally Posted by mrcrusty

No, I mean getting that instead of the 8800GT. The 8800GT is a decent card, but the GTS 450 is superior in every way. Unless you're getting the 8800GT for free, I don't see the reason to get it over better cards.

I see, like I said, I'll take it consideration, since I first need a proper power supply, then I can pick a card.

**mrcrusty** · November 12, 2010, 07:48 PM

Oh lol, I linked twice to the same graphics card, my bad.

I actually meant to link to this.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · November 12, 2010, 07:55 PM

Originally Posted by mrcrusty

Oh lol, I linked twice to the same graphics card, my bad.

I actually meant to link to this.

Yeah, that is what I mean about two graphic card post.

Anyway, thank for link, all I need now is to buy it, and then "gut" my computer.
Then hopefully, I can finally get a graphic card, too, though, it seem unlikely.
However, I will post, when I get it(Which won't be till X-mas, I'm sure)in case I have a problem.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · November 13, 2010, 05:07 PM

It seem the link with the graphic card, mrcursty posted is sold out.

Can you give me another link?

I was looking around and found this...will this do?(I mean compare to the link mrcrusty posted/)
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-PNY-VCGGTS45...item5d2bdd962c

**mrcrusty** · November 13, 2010, 09:22 PM

Well, in reality no. The cooler is different, but it makes no difference in performance. But you can find cards on newegg for slightly cheaper and they come with a free game.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · December 02, 2010, 03:12 PM

Update: I brought of what Mrcrusty recommenced: SeaSonic S12II 430B 430W ATX12V V2.3/EPS12V 80, and the GeForce GTS 450.

Now, I need to know how to put in since, I got scared from doing it the first time, and do not know which parts, are which.

**Sphere** · December 02, 2010, 03:41 PM

Now, I need to know how to put in since, I got scared from doing it the first time, and do not know which parts, are which.

Just unplug the compy, put it on a non-static surface to avoid damage (wood table works, avoid fabrics) disconnect the plugs to your internal components (Drives, Video card, mother board, possibly fans), remove the 4-5 phillips head screws holding the PS to the case and pull it out. Screw your new PS into the same spot and reconnect all the plugs. They are shape coordinated so you cannot physically mess it up.

The Video card is easy, unscrew the old card and pull it out (sometimes there is a plastic latch you also have to release). Put the new one in in the same spot (don't put it in one of the other PCI slots), give it a power line and you are set.

**Arbitrary Crusader** · December 02, 2010, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by Sphere

Just unplug the compy, put it on a non-static surface to avoid damage (wood table works, avoid fabrics) disconnect the plugs to your internal components (Drives, Video card, mother board, possibly fans), remove the 4-5 phillips head screws holding the PS to the case and pull it out. Screw your new PS into the same spot and reconnect all the plugs. They are shape coordinated so you cannot physically mess it up.

The Video card is easy, unscrew the old card and pull it out (sometimes there is a plastic latch you also have to release). Put the new one in in the same spot (don't put it in one of the other PCI slots), give it a power line and you are set.

Thank you, will try this.