GPU Upgrade for Dell Dimension 9100 (I know, old...)

[mach90]

Hey Guys,

So I have an old Dell Dimension 9100, and I'm looking to upgrade the GPU with a card I will be able to carry over to my first custom build I will be starting in a few months. Waiting to see more news about Broadwell and still saving up my budget.

Specs:

LGA 775
CPU: Pentium D 945 (3.4 Ghz)
4096 MB DDR2 RAM 667 Mhz
I have the latest BIOS available for it: A03
400 W PSU (6 pin power adapter available)

Current GPU (PNY 9800 GT XLR8) - Works good no issues. (PCIe x16)

I keep finding mixed answers on which card will or will not work.

Based on my research I think I can get this old setup to run a HD 7770 or a GTX 650 Ti.

I know they're not the best, but decent, and will suffice when I carry over to my new build until I save enough to get the GTX 780 Ti for it.

So please, any advice will help, and what the best GPUs my MOBO can handle, even if they are not running at 100% of their ability (I know it will be limited bc of CPU), just enough to get by with internet, streaming, and maybe some games here and there.

Thanks a lot guys in advance!

Mach

 

[Falcon5850]

yes, both of these HD 7770 or a GTX 650 Ti are good choices because they don't require the gaming power supplies or a ton of room in the case, and they are very powerful. Straight plug n play cards.

 

[mach90]

yes, both of these HD 7770 or a GTX 650 Ti are good choices because they don't require the gaming power supplies or a ton of room in the case, and they are very powerful. Straight plug n play cards.

Thanks! I figured either one would be decent. Do you feel a GTX 660 would be pushing it?

 

[BlacKHawK3]

The 9100 appears to be a BTX layout, which can cause issues with double-height card coolers. You can for sure run a 650 Ti or 7770 as long as the length and height will fit in your case and not hit anything on the motherboard. If you need a single-slot card, look at the 750 Ti and HD 7750.

You have enough power to run a 7790 (requires Windows 7 or later) and possibly even a HD 7850 or GTX 660, which as GPUs I'd heartily recommend over the 7770 or 650. However you are also CPU limited, so you might not notice a difference.

 

[mach90]

The 9100 appears to be a BTX layout, which can cause issues with double-height card coolers. You can for sure run a 650 Ti or 7770 as long as the length and height will fit in your case and not hit anything on the motherboard. If you need a single-slot card, look at the 750 Ti and HD 7750.

You have enough power to run a 7790 (requires Windows 7 or later) and possibly even a HD 7850 or GTX 660, which as GPUs I'd heartily recommend over the 7770 or 650. However you are also CPU limited, so you might not notice a difference.

Thanks alot! I was just about to add a comment that I've seen claims of someone running a 750 Ti as well, that cards look pretty solid. I think it going to be the 750 Ti then!