Graphics Card Upgrade for Dell Dimension E520 for World of Warcraft

[FlameMLK]

APPROXIMATE PURCHASE DATE: As soon as possible

BUDGET RANGE: Anything reasonable.

USAGE FROM MOST TO LEAST IMPORTANT: Gaming, World of Warcraft

CURRENT GPU AND POWER SUPPLY: I'm using the Dell 305W power supply that comes with the Dell Dimension E520

OTHER RELEVANT SYSTEM SPECS: Dell Dimension E520

PARTS PREFERENCES: Whichever works best for WoW

OVERCLOCKING: What is this?

MONITOR RESOLUTION: 1440x900

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: I'm looking for the best upgrade with my current power supply. Much appreciated if suggestions are given for a power supply upgrade the would give a significantly better graphics card upgrade (in relation to the price)

Thanks!

 

[rockyjohn]

Your PSU will limit you to low end graphics cards - none that are really suitable for game play. If a PSU upgrade is possible, what is your budget for a upgrading your video card and PSU?

What CPU do you have - that model PC comes with several options?
Also how much memory do you have?

This would be an excellent power supply that would enable running all mainstream video cards - with room to spare but its current price with rebate makes it less expensive than most PSU's -

Antec NEO ECO 620C 620W Continuous Power ATX12V v2.3 / EPS12V 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC Power Supply - $40 AR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371031


If the budget is real tight. this PSU would be acceptable for mainstream gaming video cards:


ENERMAX Tomahawk ETK500AWT 500W ATX12V V2.2 AirGuard, Speed Guard and Safe Guard Active PFC Power Supply
- $30 AR

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817194038

 

[k1114]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/world-of-warcraft-cataclysm-directx-11-performance,2793-3.html Benchmarks say otherwise, a 5670 could probably play ultra at 1080p if a 5750 gets 37fps. He's not even playing at 1080p so I'd say go with a 5670. The cpu is going to be the limiting factor not really the psu. And a 5670 is probably the highest you could go before the cpu is a bottleneck. Not to mention the e520 can only hold a single slot card so a new psu is pointless since the case can't hold higher end cards. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102871

 

[rockyjohn]

Did you note that the newegg page for the HD 5670 you linked states a minimum 400w PSU is required?

This JonnyGuru review shows the test rig (noting that it uses an 17-965 CPU) consuming 222w at full load - so it should work. But he goes on to recommend the same 450w minimum he identifies as the manufactures requirement.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5670-review-test-crossfire/5

He also states that "power supply needs to have (in total accumulated) at least 35~40 Amps available on the +12 volts rails."

The best 300w PSU I saw listed on newegg was a Seasonic:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151089

which has only 22a on the 12v leg:

http://www.seasonic.com/pdf/datasheet/NEW/Bulk/PC/SFX/SS-300%20SFD%20Active%20PFC.pdf

 

[FlameMLK]

I'm writing a quick reply now, but will give more detailed reply soon, but my RAM is 5GB right now, probably going to spend the $60 to get it up to 8GB. Also none of the forum topics here gave clear cut answers, but it seems like they all said that dell psu's are underrated and that it could handle more than 305w. If I'm going to buy a new psu, I'm willing to spend money, but is it worth the time and effort? In all I think I'm willing to spend $150-$200 max, but if I can spend $100 or less that'd be awesome.

 

[k1114]

The recommended wattage accounts for bad psus which the dell is not and it's the amps that matter. The dell psu is 22a on the 12v. You can even google for many many post about the e520 and running a 5670 in it with stock psu. Even people running 5770 in it.

http://forums.atomicmpc.com.au/index.php?showtopic=264
Actual power usage is around 60-65w for the card at load. The highest cpu for the e520 is rated at 65w, add other components and you're not even getting to 200w.

There's no way it needs 35-40 amps when a 560ti only needs 30. BTW that's not jonnyguru.

 

[FlameMLK]

Also, I'm playing on the lowest quality possible, I usually get 10 fps on that. So obviously I don't have real high standards here, so the best upgrade for the right value is all I'm seeking. But if I do not have to upgrade my PSU, then I'd rather not. I just want something that will last me two years. I'm planning on spending well over $2000 on a laptop summer of 2013, so anything that will last me until then works for me.

 

[delluser1]

Did you note that the newegg page for the HD 5670 you linked states a minimum 400w PSU is required?

This JonnyGuru review shows the test rig (noting that it uses an 17-965 CPU) consuming 222w at full load - so it should work. But he goes on to recommend the same 450w minimum he identifies as the manufactures requirement.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5670-review-test-crossfire/5

He also states that "power supply needs to have (in total accumulated) at least 35~40 Amps available on the +12 volts rails."

That's a Guru3d review, and Hilbert's smoking some wierd ____ if he believe's that a video card with a TDP of 61 watts and no external power requirements need's a 35-40 amp psu

 

[FlameMLK]

So any other definite suggestions?