Dell optiplex MT 745 graphics

[swords1921]

Hello,
My graphics card is intel gma 3000. I have 2gb ddr2 and i might be upgradeing to 4gb. I have a Intel Pentium D running at 3.2ghz. However i was wondering what graphics card is good enough to run Left for dead, Crysis, Far cry or maybe even NBA 2K13 and i am right 17 years of age with no job. So i know this will be hard with the budget i have. My budget is 30-50$ and i was wonderingf there are any good graphics cards that can run those types of games in that budget that supports my PC.
Thank you
-Swords1921

 

[COLGeek]

For that budget and given your relatively weak system, you aren't going to be able to run any of those games at an acceptable level of performance. You really should consider saving your money (I know it is hard) to build a more modern and capable rig.

Adding a $30-50 GPU will not overcome this issue. Sorry.

 

[mjmacka]

Well, there are 4 models of this Dell PC. Only the Mini-tower has a full PCIEx16 slot. If you have a different model (Desktop or small form) you have to get a low profile card. If you have the ultra small form factor you can't upgrade it.

The Mini-tower has a 305 W power supply, the Desktop has a 280 W power supply, and the small factor form has a 275 W power supply. This means that you can't get a super powerful card.

Checked newegg for a cheap-o card:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103227
The one above is best... your PC is so old that they don't make PCI-E x16 cards much these days.

More info about your computer below:
https://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/opti_745techspecs.pdf

 

[Kisianik]

The best and the most "expensive" card your PC will fit is Sapphire 7750 low profile http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002 this card will let you play most of the modern games including BF3 on low to medium settings. All other choices are for watching HD videos, not really playing any respectable games.

 

[mjmacka]

His price range is $30-50.

There are nicer cards but you need to upgrade your power supply too.

Basically, you aren't going to be able to play those games without sinking between $130-$150 into that computer.

For about $500 you can buy an okay barebones PC and a decent graphics card.

 

[Kisianik]

His price range is $30-50.

There are nicer cards but you need to upgrade your power supply too.

Basically, you aren't going to be able to play those games without sinking between $130-$150 into that computer.

For about $500 you can buy an okay barebones PC and a decent graphics card.

Power supply fro Optiplex must be very short in length, not every standard ATX PSU will fit. Also, I found only 2 video card above 7750, which will fit inside with the strongest been 7770, he can use only Single bracket, very thin video card. Optiplex was designed with office use in mind, not PC gaming.

So far I found only one 7770 video card which will fit inside - PowerColor AX7770 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131477
From NVIDIA I only see SPARKLE 700025 (SX650TI1024KD) GeForce GTX 650 Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187200
which most likely will fit, but I can not recommend Sparkle since I have no clue who they are and what is their quality.
It will require power supply upgrade. Unless you come up with another single bracket video card, your choices stop here.

So for the better budget I would recommend stop at 7750.

 

[mjmacka]

His price range is $30-50.

There are nicer cards but you need to upgrade your power supply too.

Basically, you aren't going to be able to play those games without sinking between $130-$150 into that computer.

For about $500 you can buy an okay barebones PC and a decent graphics card.

Power supply fro Optiplex must be very short in length, not every standard ATX PSU will fit. Also, I found only 2 video card above 7750, which will fit inside with the strongest been 7770, he can use only Single bracket, very thin video card. Optiplex was designed with office use in mind, not PC gaming.

So far I found only one 7770 video card which will fit inside - PowerColor AX7770 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131477
From NVIDIA I only see SPARKLE 700025 (SX650TI1024KD) GeForce GTX 650 Ti http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814187200
which most likely will fit, but I can not recommend Sparkle since I have no clue who they are and what is their quality.
It will require power supply upgrade. Unless you come up with another single bracket video card, your choices stop here.

So for the better budget I would recommend stop at 7750.

Both cards posted above still require a 400/450 W power supply.

Short answer is that his budget won't support what he wants to do. If he has more money, this card: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131477 and a new power supply should work fine.