Dell Dimension 8300

[Dawson Price]

Looking for advice on upgrading the video card on my 5 year old DD 8300.
Current is radeon 9800 Pro 128mb AGP. Computer is currently used for basic
home use (internet, word docs, watch dvd's) and gaming (WoW, Call of Duty,
Medal of Honor and other FP shooters).

was looking at an X1950pro, but wondering if my powersupply would we able to
handle this card. Mainly just looking for a card to get me through another 2
year or so on this computer, but still be able to play some of the current
and up coming games. Running games at max Res. insn't necc. but a decent one
is.

Anybody offer and advice or recomendations?

 

[Augustus]

Looking for advice on upgrading the video card on my 5 year old DD 8300.
Current is radeon 9800 Pro 128mb AGP. Computer is currently used for basic
home use (internet, word docs, watch dvd's) and gaming (WoW, Call of Duty,
Medal of Honor and other FP shooters).

was looking at an X1950pro, but wondering if my powersupply would we able
to handle this card. Mainly just looking for a card to get me through
another 2 year or so on this computer, but still be able to play some of
the current and up coming games. Running games at max Res. insn't necc.
but a decent one is.

The X1950Pro is a good choice. You MAY need to replace the p/s. There are
several high quality units out there specifically for your box. This is one
that would be good.
http://www.pcpower.com/products/viewproduct.php?show=S41D2

However, before I ordered it I would first install and try out the X1950 Pro
AGP unit under load for a while and see what happens. Dell p/s are not rated
very high in terms of power output ( yours may be a 220 or 250W) however,
they perform very well under load. Far better than the average generic. Try
it and see first. An X1950 Pro consumes 65W max under full 3D load.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/x1950pro-gf7900gs_6.html#sect0

 

[Dawson Price]

Hi,

Thanks for the info and links. I have heard confilicting stories on teh p/s
on the dell machines. Most have confirmed what you indicates. That the the
wattage is tyically understated/reported compared to what they actually are
and thus can perform very well under loads as you mentioned.