Making the best of a situation

[rivan]

So my buddy calls, says he bought Left4Dead and it plays like crap.

His stats:
Dell 530S
3G ram
xt2400
1280x1024 display

It's a slim case, with (I think) a non-standard shaped either 250 or 300 watt PSU - my googlefu's weak today.

So I think I need a low profile, low power card that will help him. Any suggestions? Advanced search on newegg shows an 8400GS is the best I can do for PCIe x16 low profile - and that can probably run on the terribad PSU.

Are there any better options?

 

[v8envy]

OEM rated PSUs are not like cheapie PSUs. Their ratings are rather accurate. Have your friend open the box up and read the ratings on the 12 volt rail. That may open up the options considerably.

That box is packing an E5300, a very frugal CPU from a power standpoint. Shoot for a real graphics card -- at least a 4670 or 9800GT "green", it'll be fine. Heck, this bad boy http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...554&CatId=3670 right here should work.

 

[dguy6789]

I have never seen a low profile 4670 before, just 4650s. That low profile 9800GT is definitely the best option. The next best option would be a low profile 9600GT. It might be more friendly with the really small power supply.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814500103

 

[Highmodulus]

How about a 5750? Looks like a real power sipper with good graphics power based on the Anand review.

 

[Denithor]

9800GT - seconded

 

[happy medium]

Same low profile 9800gt 10$ cheaper at newegg.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814187061

 

[pmv]

How do I delete this message? As opposed to just editting it to say 'How do I delete this message'. Can't see a delete button.