Want to put an 8800GT into a new Dell Vostro 200MT is it possible?

[Rawplug]

Ok I've just bought a Vostro 200 Mini Tower off Dell, Can't find any info on the motherboard so am unsure whats going to fit in it...
I went with the onboard graphics so i could upgrade was looking at getting the new 8800 512 GTS but i have a feeling that definetly wont fit so was looking at the 8800GT single slot. What needs upgrading to make it work? How easy is it and where is the cheapest place i can find it...
From what i've heard the Vostro doesnt have a PCI-e power? does it have the molex plugs cause some cards come with power adaptors...

Thanks for your help

 

[nitromullet]

If you can fit an 8800GT in there, you can fit an 8800GTS 512 as well. The only difference in size is the dual slot cooler, and I doubt that any of the other add-on slots are populated in the Vostro. Judging from the pic on this page http://www.pcworld.com/article...esktoppcs/article.html it doesn't look like you'll have any issues fitting either an 8800GT or GTS 512 in there.

I have no idea what kind of PSU that thing comes with though... So, you're on your own there.

 

[eBauer]

The Vostro 200 does not have a PCI-e power connector (the Vostro 400 on the other hand does)

You will need to upgrade the power supply though - the stock unit simply isn't strong enough.

 

[Rawplug]

Any suggestions as to what wattage to go for and what models will fit. Think i'm possible going a bit ott with my budget for the GTS 512.
Thanks

 

[Creig]

Originally posted by: eBauer
The Vostro 200 does not have a PCI-e power connector (the Vostro 400 on the other hand does)

You will need to upgrade the power supply though - the stock unit simply isn't strong enough.

I put an ATI 3870 into a Vostro 200 for a friend of mine a few days ago and it has nearly the same power draw as an 8800GT. The downside was that I needed to buy two SATA => Molex adapters and one dual Molex => 6 pin PCIe adapter in order to feed the card. But it's 100% stable running through FarCry, Crysis, HL2, etc. And that's with the stock Dell 300w power supply.

I'm pretty sure the Vostro 400 has a 300w power supply as well, and somebody here had an 8800GT in it. The 400 power supply has the PCIe power adapter on it already, but the output should be the same.

I wouldn't recommend adding any additional drives to the system however, just to be safe.

 

[Rawplug]

Worrying about potentially overloading the stock PSU does anyone have any advice for a replacement. I've read that some Dell PSUs can be odd shapes/sizes... Not sure about this till it arrives.

Thanks for your help btw

 

[Syntax Error]

Upgradeability on a Dell desktop is gambling...often components are skimped and corners are cut because the customer didn't order the part (I had a Dell desktop with no AGP slot, though I could see where it could've been soldered on, but it wasn't because I didn't order a 9700 Pro on configuration). Their parts and cases are also often proprietary, and their power supplies usually support a bare-minimum to cut manufacturing and parts purchasing costs.

There's no guarantee if it's upgradeable, but if it is, you've lucked out.

 

[nitromullet]

CORSAIR CMPSU-450VX ATX12V V2.2 450W is probably the best PSU for the money if that Dell will accept a standard ATX PSU. I have one of these in one of my systems, and it not only a highly rated unit, but it's well built and quiet.

I bought mine on Jonny Guru's recommendation, and I'm quite pleased with it.