Graphics card for a Dell Inspiron 620 S

[imj0257]

Hello everyone. My first post here and was hoping you could help me out

I have had my computer since 2001 and it literally is a slow dinosaur so I finally bought a new one because I couldn't take the slowness anymore.

I just purchased a Dell Inspiron 620 Slim Tower and need help finding a graphics card that not only will work with my computer but also fit in it.

Here is some info...

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: within the next 2 weeks BUDGET RANGE: $100-$150 max

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming (ONLY Counter-Strike though, yes the old school original CS, which worked with my dinosaur somehow), browsing the net, watching videos and pictures

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: Intel® HD Graphics (integrated), 250 Watt TFX12V Power Supply

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Dell Inspiron 620 S, 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ i5-2320 processor (3.0GHz with 6MB Cache), 8GB Dual Channel DDR3 SDRAM at 1333MHz - 2 DIMMs

PREFERRED WEBSITE(S) FOR PARTS: newegg, frys (only I know of)

PARTS PREFERENCES: don't care

OVERCLOCKING: No

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1600x1200

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The slim tower's dimensions are:

Height: 37.79cm (14.9")
Width: 10.6cm (4.2")
Depth: 43.31cm (17.01")


As a reference, the only card they offered when I was customizing it was the AMD Radeon HD 6450 1GB DDR3 for $70 and someone told me it wasn't worth it, so I didn't get it.

I know I am pretty limited to cards because my power supply isn't great but I am not looking for anything super. I just need a good card and hope to spend ~$100. And also I'm very new to the 'components' area of computers.

Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[DM186]

With the slim tower and your PSU is 250w the best type of card is a low profile card for your type of tower. Dell makes a good OEM PSU so it will run this card. Look for the ones that say low profile. and good luck

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&N=100006662&isNodeId=1&Description=HD+6670&x=0&y=0

 

[slicedtoad]

only cs? try using the intel 3000 integrated before you buy a card. They aren't great but CS isn't a demanding game.

Otherwise, something like this would be the best you could use in that tower.
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127611

edit: the 6670 is fine too as DM186 said. CS probably doesn't need it though.

 

[Lyko_03]

I am looking to pre order Guild Wars 2 on the 10th. I don't know much about computers at all. I have the dell Inspiron 620s. I am not sure if my stock video card can handle it. Can anyone confirm if it can? If not then what card should I look for?

 

[imj0257]

Well I already have my new computer and for everything I have done so far.. videos, counter-strike.. the integrated card works great.

But I'm sure a game with more demanding graphics like WoW or COD would need a better card. I don't know where Guild Wars would fall because I am unfamiliar with that game.

 

[slicedtoad]

@lyko
grab a 6570 or 5670 or 6670 in low profile.
This one would be a good choice http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161397

That 6670 should run guildwars at high settings @ 1680x1200. I'm just guessing though since there aren't any benches yet. At worst you'd need to turn the graphics to medium.

The previous 6570 i linked would run it too but not as well.

 

[imj0257]

@slicedtoad, the card you just recommended in ^ post, it says it needs a minimum of a 400 Watt power supply and that it takes up a little more than 2 slots.

The 620 S has a 250 watt power supply and I believe only has 1 extra slot available.

 

[slicedtoad]

it's lying about the 400 watts. It really means "Because many people have sh*t PSUs, we have to recommend at least a 400W psu to account for lack of standardization".

A 6670 + i5 need 66W + 95W (13.5 amps) on the 12v rail. According to specs it has 16 amps across the 12v rails. Not ideal but it should work.

Let me check the form factor. the card takes a little more than 1 slot, not 2.

edit: if this image is accurate it will be fine. http://i0.sinaimg.cn/IT/pc/2011-12-20/1324387462_bqpaDi.jpg
It only takes one slot in the back of the case and only slightly more on the inside.

 

[imj0257]

^ Thanks for checking. If it will fit in the 620 Slim Tower then I too might get that one.

 

[Lyko_03]

ok so my current card won't run the game?

here is a link to the current system req for the game. buy.guildwars2.com (scroll to bottom)

I have on idea what the you guys mean by the watts. Do I just get the link that is in your first reply toad?

Thanks so much for your time guys, much appreciated.

 

[slicedtoad]

@imj
for your needs, the first one i posted might be better. It's still a good card and it consumes less power. But if you plan on playing modern games, then the 6670 is better.

@lyko
what video card is in your system currently? The 620s has several stock video card options. Minimum specs are what you need to run it at lowest settings. Any dell 620s is able to run it, just not with any of the graphics turned up.

 

[Lyko_03]

I honestly have no idea what card I have. I am thinking of buying the card in the link you sent me.

But I might try and run the game when I first get it. IF it doesnt run well then I will buy the card.

 

[slicedtoad]

when you open up the case do you see a graphics card?

If you do, it's either a 530 or 6450. Both of those will run GW2 but on lowish settings. If you don't see any card there, you are using intel 3000 graphics which are on the cpu. Intel 3000 is the bare minimum for GW2 according to the website.

Either of the cards i linked will be a large boost over the stock cards. The 6670 is significantly faster though.

and i agree with trying the game first.