light video card upgrade suggestions

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CrazyMrB

Gawd
Joined
Jul 24, 2002
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522
I've recently gotten back into light (open source) first person shooters, and want a decent experience. I'd like to upgrade my stock 3450 to something beefier without having to replace my psu (I bought a dell because I'm tired of building my own, and did not have the intention to play video games when I bought it).

I have a standard Dell Studio with C2Q 8300, 8GB ram, 2x640gb 7200rpm hard drives, 1 dvd burner, and a wireless network card (g).

What should I upgrade to that would increase performance without compromising stability?

EDIT: I would prefer to have 2 DVI ports rather than VGA + DVI mix in case I decide to add an additional monitor. My current resolution is 1920 x 1200.
 
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I just checked on the 9600gt, and it recommends to have 18a on the +12v rail. My PSU is listed with an 18a max (on the +12vB). I'm guessing that's the second 12v. It also comes with a 6pin PCIE plug. The PSU is a Lite-On 350W. Would that be sufficient for the 9600gt? If so, would it have enough juice to power a 4770?
 
Depending on your first 12v rail, you should be just fine up to a single 9800GTX, though that would be straining the PSU. Honestly, getting a 9800GT or an HD4770 would be a great buy and would not strain the PSU.
 
CrazyMrB said:
I just checked on the 9600gt, and it recommends to have 18a on the +12v rail. My PSU is listed with an 18a max (on the +12vB). I'm guessing that's the second 12v. It also comes with a 6pin PCIE plug. The PSU is a Lite-On 350W. Would that be sufficient for the 9600gt? If so, would it have enough juice to power a 4770?
Click to expand...

The EVGA 9600 GT Energy Efficient doesn't require a six pin, only the PCI-E slot. 300W minimum recommended - you're Dell will be fine.
 
I went ahead and dropped the hammer.

I got an Antec TruePower New 650W psu and an EVGA 9800 GTX+ 512MB card.
 
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