Need a recommendation for an older system.

[ubercaffeinated]

I have a cheapo Dell box (SC420) running an ATI X700 pro from a few years back. The pcie slot runs only at 8x (it is just how the mobo is made). The system is dated, but the CPU is a 2.8 ghz pentium with hyperthreading iirc, and it's got 2 gigs of ram. PS is rated at 350.

Point made short, I want to revive it as the X700 is on it's way out. I just want it to play a few games and be able to drive a 24 inch monitor. I have no preference on brand, just something middle of the road decent. I realize this isn't gonna run anything high end and I don't intend it to. Just want an average box. Thanks in advance!

 

[mpilchfamily]

Basicly any video card will work in the system. Your only limitation is the stock PSU. So if you upgrade the PSU along with the card then the limit is only your budget.

 

[Whipped]

Like mpilchfamily said, your limitations are your power supply. I don't know your budget but I am assuming you do not want to spend a lot of money for your upgrade. I think $150.00 would be enough for a PSU and video card for your system, if you spend wisely. My suggestion would be (and this is just a suggestion):

I have one of these PSU's and have had no problem at all

Video card recommendation

The upgrade might not be able to play Crysis at 1920x1200 but it will still boost your performance greatly, for an inexpensive price.

 

[angry hampster]

I agree with whipped, except for the vid card. IMHO, the 9800GT is pointless. It's basically a rebadged 8800GT. On that note, get an 8800GT:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814121263

Your CPU may still limit you in some games, but this will be a great leap forward.

 

[RPatrick]

That system is a Dell server, and from what I have heard the power supplies for Dell servers are rated in a different way than usual. Rather than peak output, they are rated by max continuous output (pretty sure), so it can probably handle more than you might think. You could try googling for the sc420 system and see what others have tried. I do know that the sc400 comes with a "250 watt" supply that is much stronger than a standard 250 watt.