Adding a graphics card to a dell studio slim 540s

[astrial]

I have a regular dell studio slim 540s
processor : intel core 2 quad CPU Q8200 @ 2.33 GHz
ram : 3.00 GB DDR2
32 bit
250 W power supply

i dont know much about computers but i know all i have right now is a g45/g43 express chipset

Are there any graphics card that will work with a 250w power supply?
I do not intend on replacing my current power supply; I just want a card i can stick in and use.
Thanks in advance.

 

[fuggles]

no

 

[Wolfshadw]

The real question is "WHY?". What do you expect to be able to do? If you're looking to significantly improve gaming or other graphically intensive functions, then the answer would be not really. If you're just looking for something that will aid in HD Video viewing, then yes.

Look for PCI-Ex16 cards where the second digit of the model number is between "2" and "4". For instance the Geforce GT220 or the Radeon HD6450.

Also remember that your card needs to be "low-profile" or "Half Height".

-Wolf sends

 

[Michilius]

best low profile available

http://www.amazon.com/HIS-Express-Profile-Graphics-H667FN1G/dp/B0062HIQLU

 

[astrial]

so would a geforce gt 430 or a geforce 520 work?

i would just like something that would enhance video watching and improve fps for casual gaming.

 

[Wolfshadw]

That may be the best low profile card, but I'm doubtful it will run on a 250 watt power supply.

-Wolf sends

 

[astrial]

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1436/16/
it says here with the geforce gt 430 the system only consumed 176 watts?

so wouldnt a 250w be adequate enough?

 

[LtnCharles]

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1436/16/
it says here with the geforce gt 430 the system only consumed 176 watts?

so wouldnt a 250w be adequate enough?

All depends on the quality of the PSU (Power supply unit) to be honest, but I suppose Dell wouldn't give you a too shabby one?

 

[astrial]

i cant seem to find a rather cheap geforce 220 on amazon, tigerdirect, or newegg :/ (that also includes the low profile brackets)

so i was thinking about buying a geforce 520, it seems that it consumes less power than the 220 according to
http://ht4u.net/reviews/2011/amd_radeon_hd_6570_hd_6670_turks_im_test/index30.php

and comparing power consumption
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Inno3D/GeForce_GT_220/28.html
vs
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Zotac/GeForce_GT_520/21.html

so would a geforce gt 520 be best?

 

[astrial]

any input before i buy this?

 

[phastphill]

Hi folks,

I know this is an old thread, but I want to share my recent experience for anyone out there still squeezing life out of an old Dell Studio Slim 540s.

I wanted to add a video card to my 540s because the intel chipset doesn't scale properly for my plasma TV.

I chose the 6450 based mostly on its low power consumption and decent power consumption vs. performance.

I installed it without upgrading my power supply, and the power supply failed. So I replaced the power supply with a 300W supply. I don't want to add too much power because the machine is in a cabinet and heat could become an issue.

Even with a 300W power supply the 6450 failed to work. The computer won't boot, with the card inserted. The machine boots fine once I remove the card.

I'll either have to swap out for a 400W supply or find an even lower power HDMI card -- probably a 6350. The stock system had an option for a 3450; I might hunt one of them down. Either should be fine for HTPC purposes.

-Phill

 

[astrial]

Hi folks,

I know this is an old thread, but I want to share my recent experience for anyone out there still squeezing life out of an old Dell Studio Slim 540s.

I wanted to add a video card to my 540s because the intel chipset doesn't scale properly for my plasma TV.

I chose the 6450 based mostly on its low power consumption and decent power consumption vs. performance.

I installed it without upgrading my power supply, and the power supply failed. So I replaced the power supply with a 300W supply. I don't want to add too much power because the machine is in a cabinet and heat could become an issue.

Even with a 300W power supply the 6450 failed to work. The computer won't boot, with the card inserted. The machine boots fine once I remove the card.

I'll either have to swap out for a 400W supply or find an even lower power HDMI card -- probably a 6350. The stock system had an option for a 3450; I might hunt one of them down. Either should be fine for HTPC purposes.

-Phill

well i bought a geforce gt 520 and it works just fine with the 250w default power supply in the studio slim 540s, ive had it for almost a year now since i bought it after i made this thread. Hope that helps

 

[phastphill]

well i bought a geforce gt 520 and it works just fine with the 250w default power supply in the studio slim 540s, ive had it for almost a year now since i bought it after i made this thread. Hope that helps

Wow, thanks for replying after all this time! That's really useful information; I just bought a 520 also and will install it tomorrow. Woot!

 

[astrial]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133386

ive been using this, also make sure the card you bought is low profile for it to fit in the case

hope it works

 

[timwolverson]

I upgraded my Dell Studio 540s recently with a be quiet 300W power supply unit to power a low profile ASUS GT430 graphics card. I use the 540s as a media center running MediaPortal and XBMC. It runs HD content very well indeed.
Full details here:

http://timwolverson.wordpress.com/2013/07/30/review-bequiet-300w-tfx-power-supply-unit-bn136-upgrade-for-dell-studio-540s/

http://timwolverson.wordpress.com/category/reviews/graphics-cards/