Need a graphics card guru :-)

[BadOgre]

I have a Dell 2350 with a Celeron 1.7 ghz, integrated graphics, no agp
slot, so if I add a card it has to be pci, and a 200 watt power
supply. I am not a gamer, but would like to improve my graphics
capability. In addition, I have just ordered the Dell 1905FP Ultra
Sharp and may actually need a card. Problem is, all of the cards I've
looked at require at least a 250 watt power supply. Couple of
questions: how critical is the power supply requirement? -- Are there
any decent cards out there that do NOT require 250 watt power supply?
-- Will the Dell 1905FP perform all right on my system as is? -- I
know, I know, I should have asked the question BEFORE I ordered the
monitor . Thanks in advance for any responses.

This is my first post on this BB. I first posted this question at
"Computer help desk". Sorry if I've goofed up.

 

[Bob Knowlden]

The display should work fine with the onboard video of your system, using
the analog VGA connection. The native resolution of the 1905FP Ultra is
1280X1024, at a maximum of 75 Hz, so that's not taxing.

Some people would rather die than use the VGA input to the monitor instead
of the DVI, but I've been impressed with the systems I've seen at work.
(They all use the analog inputs. That includes the Optiplex GX280 on my
desk, with a 17" FP monitor, at 1280X1024.)

I suggest that you try the monitor with your existing graphics for the time
being.

I also suggest saving for a new system, rather than a PCI graphics card. You
may not really need a new system, but hanging a $480 (US) monitor on a
feeble old 1.7 Celeron system strikes me as just not *right*. ;-)

Enjoy it.

Bob Knowlden

Address may be scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

 

[BadOgre]

I actually bought the monitor "spur of the moment". While visiting
this site for the first time yesterday, I found a post re: 40 % off
ecoupon at ecoupons.com. They were right, it worked and I used it!!
Paid $325.00 including tax and shipping. Otherwise you would be
right. Yeah, what I really WANT is a new system, but am trying to
"make do". Anyway thanks a lot for your input. Appreciate it.
By the By, you don't have any input on the rest of the post do you?
I.E. power supply requirements for cards? Thanks

 

[DaveW]

Yes, you really should have a 300 Watt power supply.

 

[Timbertea]

I have a Dell 2350 with a Celeron 1.7 ghz, integrated graphics, no agp
slot, so if I add a card it has to be pci, and a 200 watt power
supply. I am not a gamer, but would like to improve my graphics
capability. In addition, I have just ordered the Dell 1905FP Ultra
Sharp and may actually need a card. Problem is, all of the cards I've
looked at require at least a 250 watt power supply. Couple of
questions: how critical is the power supply requirement? -- Are there
any decent cards out there that do NOT require 250 watt power supply?
-- Will the Dell 1905FP perform all right on my system as is? -- I
know, I know, I should have asked the question BEFORE I ordered the
monitor . Thanks in advance for any responses.

This is my first post on this BB. I first posted this question at
"Computer help desk". Sorry if I've goofed up.

I would love to say go get a 5700LE (as it's about as good as you can
get in a PCI card), but the truth is, with only 200 watts you take your
chances. You probably have enough left on the 5vt rail to run a Matrox
G550 though, if you can find one.

 

[BadOgre]

Just want to say thanks for the responses to my post. I'm getting the
message, a graphics card is just not in the offing for this machine.
Will have to "make do" without it. On the bright side though, the
argument I can make to my wife for a new system is getting stronger
every day!