What Graphics Card can I put in a Dell E510?

[JJordan]

I ordered the computer today and need to upgrade the video card. I do NOT understand the differences in these cards. I see for example an ATI X850 XT for $200 and then I see it for $469 and cannot figure out the diffenreces. Yes, I am an idiot.

What is recommended for this computer. I think it only has a Dell 305 Watt power supply. I want to be able to play BF2 for example with no problems. The computer is a P4 3.2 Ht with 1 gig RAM. I like NVidia and ATI cards so I am not biased personally either way........ I would like the best card for this computer at $300 or less but could go to $350.

Oh, and I need it to pretty much run right out of the box - do not want to overclock and jury rig on this computer since it is not one I will be using personally every day and do not want a lot of calls from kids saying "Daddy it don't work." :laugh:

 

[nitromullet]

The important thing is that you have a PCIe x 16 in that computer...

Slots
- 2 PCI slots
- 1 PCIe x 1 slot
- 1 PCIe x 16 (graphics) slot

That's covered... So, in your price range I would recommend either a GeForce 7900GT or a Radeon X1800XT (512 MB if possible). Generally, if you see a price discrepency between the EXACT same card (pay attention to part numbers) and both retailers are reputable, go with the cheaper one. Be very careful though to make sure that the two cards being compared are exactly identical. If not, chances are the cheaper one is a watered down version. If you find two cards like that, post them here and I'm sure you'll get an answer.

 

[996GT2]

On newegg, I know what you are talking about with the X850XTs. The sapphire ones are arguably better (quality wise) but cost a lot less. I guess that's the way it is. But yeah, for $300 definitely get a 7900GT or X1800XT. If you get a 7900GT get eVGA because they have excellent prices, already OC'd cards, excellent warranties and you can even "step up" your card within 3 months if you want to (idk why you would).

Personally, I think the 7900GT is better because it is 90nm and therefore is quieter and uses less power, which could be a problem on your Dell PSU.