GPU to Upgrade an Inspiron 530s

[ewatts]

I need a graphics card for a Dell Inspiron 530s. I play video games but I'm not looking for something to get all high graphics on the newest Crysis or Battlefront or whatever. I previously ordered a nVidia GeForce 8400GS but I returned that because I hadn't realized I needed a low profile card when I bought it.

What suggestions do you guys have for a card? My budget is around $100 or less.

 

[lonewolf7]

No, the video card's DDRX memory is nothing to do with your physical memory(RAM). They are different things altogether. So in other words you can use any GPU having any DDRXXX memory, with your current physical RAM.

What is the budget for GPU ?

Things to consider : PSU : PCI-E x2 slot : So please post your full PC Specs.

You can go for GTX 650 TI or Radeon 7750. Both are good cards. Sorry I don't know the exact price.

 

[ewatts]

No, the video card's DDRX memory is nothing to do with your physical memory(RAM). They are different things altogether. So in other words you can use any GPU having any DDRXXX memory, with your current physical RAM.

What is the budget for GPU ?

Things to consider : PSU : PCI-E x2 slot : So please post your full PC Specs.

You can go for GTX 650 TI or Radeon 7750. Both are good cards. Sorry I don't know the exact price.

CPU: Pentium Dual E2140 1.60GHz (Thinking about an upgrade here as well)
Memory: 2.5 GB
GPU: Intel GMA 3100
PSU: 250W
Expansion: 1 PCIe 1x, 1 PCIe 2.0 16x, 2 PCI

 

[Kisianik]

You have just a few choices due to low profile limitations first, Sapphire 7750 low profile http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002
Second Zotac 650 low profile http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500290

Unfortunately there are no stronger low profile cards, which can fit in your case.
Now a few words about CPU. Most likely your top CPU is E8600, no quad, only Core 2 Duo. You may check your motherboard model just in case, I need model printed in white letters and numbers on actual motherboard, it is Foxxcon and model number, software would not help in this case, if you model number ends on 2, only Core 2 Duo, if it ends on 3, then Quad is OK!
Power supply is upgradable, however no need to upgrade for above mentioned video cards!

Can I help you with anything else?

 

[ewatts]

You have just a few choices due to low profile limitations first, Sapphire 7750 low profile http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202002
Second Zotac 650 low profile http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500290

Unfortunately there are no stronger low profile cards, which can fit in your case.
Now a few words about CPU. Most likely your top CPU is E8600, no quad, only Core 2 Duo. You may check your motherboard model just in case, I need model printed in white letters and numbers on actual motherboard, it is Foxxcon and model number, software would not help in this case, if you model number ends on 2, only Core 2 Duo, if it ends on 3, then Quad is OK!
Power supply is upgradable, however no need to upgrade for above mentioned video cards!

Can I help you with anything else?

If I got a processor like the E8600 would I have to go up to 300W PSU?

 

[Kisianik]

No original power supply is OK E2140 65 watt http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Pentium_Dual-Core/Intel-Pentium%20Dual-Core%20E2140%20HH80557PG0251M%20%28BX80557E2140%20-%20BXC80557E2140%29.html
E8600 is 65 watt as well http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_2/Intel-Core%202%20Duo%20E8600%20AT80570PJ0936M%20%28BX80570E8600%20-%20BXC80570E8600%29.html

This is article about your processor choice, note that Inspiron 530 and 530S share the same motherboard family

The Inspiron 530 has two variants of motherboards, both made by Foxconn and based on the G33M series. The G33M02 which supports up to Core 2 Duo processors (the e8600 is the fastest compatible cpu)and the DG33M03, which supports up to Core 2 Quad processors. Inspiron 530 systems sold with Pentium Dual-Core or Core 2 Duo processors can not be upgraded to Core 2 Quad processors without adding at least a 350W power supply and swapping motherboards to the DG33M03 motherboard. The reason the G33M02 doesn't support Core 2 Quad processors is because it only has 6 voltage regulator ICs, the DG33M03 has 11

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dell_Inspiron#Inspiron_530

Unless you like NVIDIA, Sapphire 7750 low profile was reported working on smaller power supplies than yours, just look through reviews for this card on newegg, you will see yourself.

Can I help you with anything else?