Basic GPU question for new PC

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RobS10

RobS10

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Feb 24, 2010
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Hi guys,
I'm going to be ordering a new computer next week and need a little perspective on the video card (or lack there of) choice. I'n not going to build my own this time around, so please don't suggest it ;-).

The CPU is an i2500, 4GB RAM. The monitor is an Ultrasharp U2311H 1920X1089. The PSU is 350W (Dell always claims there PSUs are under-rated. My options for the GPU are:

Obviously none, going with the integrated Intel 2000 on the Sandybridge processor.
The next step up is a Radeon 1 GB 6450 for $60.00
Next step up is the NVIDIA 1GB Geforce GT420 for $145 over Integrated
Top rung in what's offered is the 1GB Radeon 6670, for $195.00 over Integrated

My uses for the computer are basic internet, photo editing ala Photoshop Elements, CorelDraw or other vector graphics program, DVD movie watching during lunch, maybe a little video editing and website development. I don't do any gaming, and one of my top priorities is clear fonts, lines and so forth. I do drawings and want as sharpest detail possible (I read a while back that some of the 3D or gaming oriented GPUs were not real great at 2D graphics and clean lines). Good quality/speed for website-imbedded video or Netflix streaming would be nice too.

I know little about video cards, or the real capabilities of the Integrated video on the new Sandybridge processors. Some people say it's fine for what I need and if I change my mind, I can always add one later (especially given that I know Dell tends to overcharge for their upgrades). But these cards are OEM and don't seem to be available for purchase after I get the computer. I'm just a little apprehensive about adding a different aftermarket card being compatible with the PSU. Would like to get this right from the beginning if possible.

Thanks!
 
cusideabelincoln

cusideabelincoln

Diamond Member
Aug 3, 2008
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There are retail cards available that are similar to those OEM. Also, Dell will probably upgrade the power supply if you choose the 6670. I'm sure it's a hidden cost.

Anyway, Integrated will be fine. Instead of going for a dedicated card, add more RAM to the machine. You'll want more than 4GB for the things you're doing.

If you then find you are lacking video performance, then you can always add a dedicated card on your own. It's not really a big deal. There are plenty of cards available that will work with that 350W power supply just fine.
 
RobS10

RobS10

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Feb 24, 2010
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cusideabelincoln said:
There are retail cards available that are similar to those OEM. Also, Dell will probably upgrade the power supply if you choose the 6670. I'm sure it's a hidden cost.
Click to expand...
Didn't think about that, but the general specs don't show anything higher than 350W total for PSU. I'll ask though.

cusideabelincoln said:
Anyway, Integrated will be fine. Instead of going for a dedicated card, add more RAM to the machine. You'll want more than 4GB for the things you're doing.
Click to expand...
Probably one of the first things I do, but the configuration comes with 4GB and I know I can get more RAM cheaper after purchase, even from Dell ;-).

cusideabelincoln said:
If you then find you are lacking video performance, then you can always add a dedicated card on your own. It's not really a big deal. There are plenty of cards available that will work with that 350W power supply just fine.
Click to expand...
This is probably a really stupid question, but what exactly is the symptom of not adequate enough GPU, as opposed to something else like the CPU?
 
Madcatatlas

Madcatatlas

Golden Member
Feb 22, 2010
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Holy bees, they still sell 350W PSUs?... Do yourself a favor and overdo the PSU, always.

If you need 450W, get atleast a 550W etc etc

personal opinion
 
RobS10

RobS10

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Feb 24, 2010
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Madcatatlas said:
Holy bees, they still sell 350W PSUs?... Do yourself a favor and overdo the PSU, always.

If you need 450W, get atleast a 550W etc etc

personal opinion
Click to expand...
It's what comes on the computer I'm ordering. If I were rolling my own, it wouldn't be a question.
Before I get carried away with buying a new power supply so I can run a not yet chosen GPU, I'm trying to determine if this range of cards will be sufficient for my needs. Not knowing much about video cards, it's tough for me to tell until I get the thing and use it a while ;-)
 
biostud

biostud

Lifer
Feb 27, 2003
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For your purpose just stick with integrated, the upgrade prices at dell for a videocard are very expensive, you can always buy one down the road and plug it in yourself.
 
I

iCyborg

Golden Member
Aug 8, 2008
1,344
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Is there an option to go i2500K? It has a beefed up IGP compared to i2500, and in retail it's only about $20 more, Dell shouldn't charge much more.
 
aphelion02

aphelion02

Senior member
Dec 26, 2010
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Those video card prices are completely obscene. Go with integrated, and buy an better graphics card for half the cost yourself if you really need it.
 
RobS10

RobS10

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Feb 24, 2010
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iCyborg said:
Is there an option to go i2500K? It has a beefed up IGP compared to i2500, and in retail it's only about $20 more, Dell shouldn't charge much more.
Click to expand...
Naw, Dell doesn't give that option, unfortunately. I think the idea is to push you into the overpriced GPU ;-)
 
notty22

notty22

Diamond Member
Jan 1, 2010
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Reviews show the SB cpu's help contribute to lower watts consumed, by a notable amount. Very green :)
 
cusideabelincoln

cusideabelincoln

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Aug 3, 2008
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RobS10 said:
This is probably a really stupid question, but what exactly is the symptom of not adequate enough GPU, as opposed to something else like the CPU?
Click to expand...

Your symptoms could be RAM related, not necessarily GPU performance related. The Intel integrated is going to steal system RAM. So if you are using a program that needs lots of VRAM as well as general purpose system RAM, you would benefit by adding a dedicated card that has its own VRAM.
 
tweakboy

tweakboy

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2010
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www.hammiestudios.com
RobS10 said:
Hi guys,
I'm going to be ordering a new computer next week and need a little perspective on the video card (or lack there of) choice. I'n not going to build my own this time around, so please don't suggest it ;-).

The CPU is an i2500, 4GB RAM. The monitor is an Ultrasharp U2311H 1920X1089. The PSU is 350W (Dell always claims there PSUs are under-rated. My options for the GPU are:

Obviously none, going with the integrated Intel 2000 on the Sandybridge processor.
The next step up is a Radeon 1 GB 6450 for $60.00
Next step up is the NVIDIA 1GB Geforce GT420 for $145 over Integrated
Top rung in what's offered is the 1GB Radeon 6670, for $195.00 over Integrated

My uses for the computer are basic internet, photo editing ala Photoshop Elements, CorelDraw or other vector graphics program, DVD movie watching during lunch, maybe a little video editing and website development. I don't do any gaming, and one of my top priorities is clear fonts, lines and so forth. I do drawings and want as sharpest detail possible (I read a while back that some of the 3D or gaming oriented GPUs were not real great at 2D graphics and clean lines). Good quality/speed for website-imbedded video or Netflix streaming would be nice too.

I know little about video cards, or the real capabilities of the Integrated video on the new Sandybridge processors. Some people say it's fine for what I need and if I change my mind, I can always add one later (especially given that I know Dell tends to overcharge for their upgrades). But these cards are OEM and don't seem to be available for purchase after I get the computer. I'm just a little apprehensive about adding a different aftermarket card being compatible with the PSU. Would like to get this right from the beginning if possible.

Thanks!
Click to expand...


That PSU is gonna blow, take cover! lol

Get the K version, unless you plan on NOT OVERCLOCKing nothing!
 
tweakboy

tweakboy

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2010
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www.hammiestudios.com
Grab a 460 1GB and call it a day. Trust me youll thank me for it.

Also I urge you if you have money to buy the K version 2600k ,, Who knows maybe in 10 years if your computer gets slow you can do a upgrade with me LOL

The K stands for unlocked multi and OC

the 2600 vanilla is just as fast, but loses out since you cant get a good overclock on it.
 
Last edited:
RobS10

RobS10

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Feb 24, 2010
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tweakboy said:
Grab a 460 1GB and call it a day. Trust me youll thank me for it.

Also I urge you if you have money to buy the K version 2600k ,, Who knows maybe in 10 years if your computer gets slow you can do a upgrade with me LOL

The K stands for unlocked multi and OC

the 2600 vanilla is just as fast, but loses out since you cant get a good overclock on it.
Click to expand...
Again, Dell doesn't offer the K series. Someone suggested saving the $100 and going with the i5 2400, since it's not that much faster than the 2300. I just have a reflex against getting the slowest processor since I tend to keep things a while.
 
cusideabelincoln

cusideabelincoln

Diamond Member
Aug 3, 2008
3,275
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It's $100 to upgrade from the 2300/2400 to 2500? LOL, you could get the 2300, sell it, and put in a 2500 for less than that upgrade.
 
I

iCyborg

Golden Member
Aug 8, 2008
1,344
61
91
Yeah, I'd also recommend sticking to i5 2400, $100 is not worth it.
Dell has decent deals on sales and specials, but their upgrades are typically ripoffs, sometimes an upgrade from X to Y costs more than Y in retail...
 
Termie

Termie

Diamond Member
Aug 17, 2005
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www.techbuyersguru.com
OP - you don't need a new PSU, you don't need a dedicated graphics card, you probably do need at least 6GB of ram, and you could probably go with a 2400 instead of a 2500, as others have mentioned, and never experience any significant difference in performance or longevity.

And yes, those dedicated card prices are twice what the equivalent aftermarket card would be. I assume memory upgrades are similarly overpriced. You should have four ram slots in that computer (unless it's a compact model, in which case Dell probably gives you only two). I'd look into that, and if you have four slots, buy 4GB of DDR3-1333 aftermarket for $40: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231396
 
D

deimos3428

Senior member
Mar 6, 2009
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I would not buy a discrete card for the uses described above, and would recommend adding a retail card later on if required.
 
RobS10

RobS10

Member
Feb 24, 2010
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OK, consensus is no video card at purchase ;-). Still have that reflex to go with the i2500 CPU over the i2400 though for some stupid reason...
 
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