Will my PSU handle a GPU Upgrade?

[Eirgorn]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if you could help me out. Id like to upgrade my system a notch to carry me into next year when I expect to build a new computer. ATM I am stuck with a:

Dell Dimension 8250
2.66 Mhz P4
768mb RDram
128mb 9500pro/9700 Radeon
170W PSU

I know Dell's are hard to upgrade, but I would like to get a bit more performance and life out of this system. Right now I am mainly considering upgrading to a 256mb vid card since rdram is soo expensive. Im just not sure what would be compatable with my current set up.

I read another post with a guy with a similiar system, but I think he had a better PSU.

Any help is welcomed, and let me know if more info is needed on my system specs!!!

Thanks,
Nate

 

[Pyrii]

Holy hell, how is that PC still running without crashing?

Most modern PCs need at least 300W or more. probably another case of Dell cutting costs?

 

[Eirgorn]

Im not 100% on the PSU, thats just the only xxxW I could see on the sticker on the bottom of it last night. Part of the label was obscured by a case fan, so Im not sure. Is there another way to tell?

I havent ever noticed any power/cooling problems with the machine in the 4.5 years Ive had it - so I figured as long as I replaced the GPU with one that has a comparable power load Id be ok - but Im a hardware novice, so I figured Id ask for help!

I know when I bought my PC online in 2002, I went through the build your own, and Im sure I opted for the cheaper PSU because at the time I didnt know that it was so important.

Thanks!
Nate

 

[Pyrii]

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/gpu-consumption2006.html

Quick google search brought that up, almost a year old, but gives you an idea of power consumption of such cards... scary thought.

 

[Eirgorn]

Thank you for the link!

After reading over that article, and searching a bit more I found out my current card consumes about 40-50W at full tilt. So I guess if I upgrade to something with similiar usage I should be ok right?

Im going to start a search for some 256 cards with about that intake now. Quick question: should I mainly just look for 256mb, or should I pay extra attn to # of pipes, clock speed, memory interface etc? I guess I need to make sure its directx 9.0+ too.

Also, since I have a Dell Dimension - I cant easily upgrade my PSU right? I looked some last night and only found one place with PSUs explicitly for a Dell 8250, but it was like $120.

Thanks!
nate

 

[imported_blacken]

Believe it or not, the PSUs they use in Dells and Gateways are actualy of high quality, huge circuts and coils. Heard of labratory Gateways being on for years 24/7 w/o a hitch. If you upgrade, make sure it's not a cheapo and has sufficient amps on the 12v rail(s). Got a Dell XPS 410 w/ a 375w psu with 30a on the 12v rails combined. It could probably handle a 8800GTS. In your case, you may just want to do a bottom>up upgrade if you want a mid-range to date graphics card.

 

[Eirgorn]

Thanks for the reply!!

I saw a Dell PSU last night while looking around. I think it listed at $120 - but I didnt really shop around.

Looking over the link from the x-bit labs, it seems that a few cards would have about the same load as my current card - so if I can upgrade to one of those and not have to spend money anywhere else on my system I would prefer it.

I just cant spend the money to build/buy an all new system right now, but if I can get a noticable boost in performance for $100-$150 or so upgrading my current pc I think that would hold me till late spring when I can just do a whole new system.

I am mainly concerned with performance on a MMORPG im testing, which stresses my system less than EQ2 (which would crash me sometimes) if that gives you an idea of where I need to be.

Thanks again,
Nate

 

[imported_blacken]

Well, you could always get a cheap 300 - 400w'er for 40 bucks (who cares if it burns out @ 40 bucks ) and get a 7600gs for around 110 bucks. That would be a good gain and about all that P4 could handle. Make sure you take measurements of the PSU encasement if you go that route. Dell, having good PSU's, also seem to be a smidged over priced :roll:

 

[Eirgorn]

I was just looking for some Dell PSU upgrades on EBay, and I think there may be some inexpensive alternatives there, Id just have to make sure it looks like it would fit right.

Here is the link to a 300W for only $27

http://cgi.ebay.com/Power-Supply-For-DE...12QQcategoryZ42019QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Specifications

This 300w Power Supply Replaces original:

Dell Power Supply 2N333, Dell Power supply DLP2007F3, Dell Power supply HP-P2507F3CP, NPS-250KB, HP-P2507F3C, NPS-250KBA, HP-P2507FW, NPS-250GB B, NPW-250GB, and others.

Also replaces Dell Part No: 2N333, 4G456, HP-P2507F3C, and others

Typically Used In:

Dell Dimension 2200, 2300, 2350, 2400, 3000, 4300, 4400, 4500, 4550, 8200, 8250, 8300; OptiPlex GX60, GX150, GX240, GX260, GX270; PowerEdge 600SC, WorkStation 340

This power unit has (1) ATX connector, (1) auxiliary power connector, (1) ATX12V connector, (5) peripheral power connectors, and (2) DC connectors.

Model: ATX-300GU
300W ATX12V 2.03v
ATX 12V
High reliability
Low acoustic noise
6 outputs (+/-12V, +/-5V, +3.3V, 5VSB)
Fuse Rating: 6.3A 250V-(+3.3v &5v=175w Max
Connectors:
4 x 4 pin peripheral plug
2 x 4 pin Floppy plug
1 x 4 pins extended ATX 12V power plug for Pentium 4 or above
1 x 6 pins Auxiliary plug
1 x 20 pins ATX motherboard adaptor

Input Voltage: 115V AC/230V AC
Dimensions: 5.9 W x 3.4 H x 5.5 D - Inches

 

[Eirgorn]

Originally posted by: blacken
and get a 7600gs for around 110 bucks.

I just browsed for an AGP 7600gs on newegg, and there seem to be alot of different versions from $120-$160 - some 256mb and some 512mb, different clock speeds etc.

Anyone in particular that you recommend, or just go for the most mb,mhz,pipes I can afford?

 

[imported_blacken]

XFX: Great cards, pre-overclocked, and overclock (more) well.
BFG / 3D Fusion: Overclock well.

Hmm, I'd message the seller if you can't get a straight answer on the 12v rating. If I recall right, the 7600GS calls for 18 or 19 amps on the 12v+ rail and 300w at the least.

 

[imported_blacken]

If your gonna get another rig in a year or so, I'd stick with the 256mb version.
Free UPS ground / Insurence on a XFX 117$ : pricewatch.com/video_cards/
Don't know how secure or reliable that is but it's cheap and silent with passive cooling.

 

[Eirgorn]

Thanks so much for looking into this for me. Im checking those PSUs on ebay more now to make sure the 12V line has a high enough A capacity.

 

[thegimp03]

I had a Dell Dimension 8100 a couple of years ago and considered upgrading my PSU. I remember reading that the older Dells had different wiring for their PSU's, so make sure the PSU you do buy supports Dell, and isn't any old Antec. I remember also reading and posting on the Dell forums, and a lot of people were suggesting the PC Power and Cooling Silencers because they could be fitted with the wiring harness to support Dells. Just my thought.

 

[Eirgorn]

Yeah Ive seen alot about the PC Power and Cooling being compatible in my recent searches, its just that they are over $100.

However, I was looking on the Dell forums and a Dell Rep confirmed they size thier PS's on median wattage, so a 250W unit is actually 345W by others standards.

Some posts said that a 7600gs would run fine on the stock, but Im going to double check the label on mine when I get home to make sure it has enough A on the 12V line.

 

[Eirgorn]

Ok I checked the PSU again and it is 250W - supposedly equivalent of a 345W, the 170W rating I saw the day before was for the +3V and +5V lines max.

So I think I have a good number of options to choose from now. I just know I need AGP (x4/x8 I think) and I need to just compare memory, clock speeds and pipes!

Time to do some shopping, once I find a few I'll post them here for comments.

Thanks again for the help everyone!


EDIT: So I dont triple post lol. I found this list of compatible cards on Dell's forums (user made list)

http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums...e?board.id=dim_video&message.id=142118

4600, 8100, 8200, 8250, 8300, XPS Gen 1, XPS Gen 2 AGP video card

GeForce 7800 GS
GeForce 6800 Ultra
GeForce 6800 GT
Radeon X850 XT PE
Radeon X850 XT
GeForce 6800 GS
Radeon X800 XT
Radeon X800 XL
Radeon X800 Pro
GeForce 6800

Just putting this here for my sake to compare, notate and edit!!

 

[BassBomb]

Most if not all of those cards would probably cave your psu

 

[Eirgorn]

What about a 7600GS then? I dont see anything on newegg for the power req's for it, will 345W be ok?