Ok so I have a Dell Optiplex and I want to put a better GPU in it but it has to be a single slot card. Right now I have a 9400GT in it but want something better. There is another problem, I think the heatsink cover could be in the way but I might be able to remove it. So anyone have any good recommendations?
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What single slot card?
- Thread starter Josh123
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shadow_419
Gawd
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What's the budget and what does the rest of the Dell system look like?
stateofjermaine
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"Better" and "good" are very vague terms. 
Is this for gaming? What games do you play, and at what resolution? More information is needed.
Is this for gaming? What games do you play, and at what resolution? More information is needed.
First off, thanks for the quick replies. Ok, the PC has 2gb PC2-6400 with an E8400 proc so it's a pretty sweet little rig other than the fact that my GF is the one using it lol. We would like to be able to run Modern Warfare 1 and 2 on it with everything maxed, those would be the most demanding games.
As far as budget I would say anywhere around $100.
As far as budget I would say anywhere around $100.
shadow_419
Gawd
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I'd suggest a Ati 4770 if you have room in the adjacent slot for the stock cooler. I know you said single slot, but unfortunately there aren't many true single slot cards made for gaming. You can still find the 9800gt in single slot but at the $100 price the 4770 is a better card. It's a very low power card so no need to worry about psu issues.
That sounds like a great idea the only thing is it's a BTX style mobo/case so it might just fit. It being a low power card is a plus since Dell usually puts a low watt PSU in a lot of their PCs if I correct.
I just looked at some benchmarks and the 4770 and the 9800GT are pretty much dead even so I may just stick with eVGA and grab a 9800GT SC. I hate having to go strickly with a single slot card since there are better cards out there for almost the same price but dual slot.
The 4770 is about the same speed as the 9800gt (the 4770 is slightly faster overall, but some games prefer nvidia and thus in those games the 9800gt is better)
The 4770 though requires less power. Both need the 6 pin, but the 4770 requires 25 watts less power compared to the 55nm 9800gt, and 45 watts less power compared to the 65 nm version (you won't get a 65 nm version now a days unless you buy used). The 4770 requires 80 watts of power, and most pci express x16 slots can only provide 75 watts of power
The 4770 though requires less power. Both need the 6 pin, but the 4770 requires 25 watts less power compared to the 55nm 9800gt, and 45 watts less power compared to the 65 nm version (you won't get a 65 nm version now a days unless you buy used). The 4770 requires 80 watts of power, and most pci express x16 slots can only provide 75 watts of power
What about this guys?
4850
The other thing I would be worried about is the PSU. I believe the Dell has a 300watt PSU or something but I have an Antec 450 PSU laying around that I might try replacing it with if I can. Here is a pic of the inside.
Dell Optiplex
4850
The other thing I would be worried about is the PSU. I believe the Dell has a 300watt PSU or something but I have an Antec 450 PSU laying around that I might try replacing it with if I can. Here is a pic of the inside.
Dell Optiplex