Help on upgrading a graphics card on a Dell XPS 435

[jojalis]

First let me say I have done an extensive search on this topic but all the results I've found are far more technical than I can understand. Iam a complete noob on this hardware stuff but I am trying to help my son be able to play games such as minecraft and guild wars. Below is my current system (not sure if this is the relevant info needed). Can I upgrade my video card and if so how? I opened the case and I am uncertain about how to get the card out. Is it all one piece? Sorry when I hear the word 'card' I think something shaped like a card without the ports and stuff... Also my searches indicated that the power supply is important, I have no idea how to find out what mine is or again, how to upgrade that either.
If anyone can help out this total non-techie I would be very grateful! My son is bugging me for a whole new gaming PC, I hope I dont have to


System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 9/14/2012, 10:29:49
Machine name: FAMILY-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.120503-2030)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: DELL Inc.
System Model: Studio XPS 435T/9000
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i7 CPU 920 @ 2.67GHz (8 CPUs), ~2.7GHz
Memory: 3072MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3062MB RAM
Page File: 1861MB used, 4262MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode
Card name: ATI Radeon HD 5450
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Chip type: ATI display adapter (0x68F9)
DAC type: Internal DAC(400MHz)
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_68F9&SUBSYS_010E1028&REV_00
Display Memory: 2291 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1015 MB
Shared Memory: 1275 MB
Current Mode: 1600 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Dell ST2010
Monitor Model: DELL ST2010
Monitor Id: DELF018
Native Mode: 1600 x 900(p) (59.978Hz)
Output Type: HD15
Driver Name: atiumd64.dll,atidxx64.dll,atidxx64.dll,atiumdag,atidxx32,atidxx32,atiumdva,atiumd6a.cap,atitmm64.dll
Driver File Version: 8.14.0010.0716 (English)
Driver Version: 8.682.1.0
DDI Version: 11
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 12/10/2009 17:48:00, 4684288 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B71EE2-2BB9-11CF-5471-0421A1C2C535}
Vendor ID: 0x1002
Device ID: 0x68F9
SubSys ID: 0x010E1028
Revision ID: 0x0000
Driver Strong Name: oem29.inf:ATI.Mfg.NTamd64.6.0:ati2mtag_Evergreen:8.682.1.0😛ci\ven_1002&dev_68f9&subsys_010e1028
Rank Of Driver: 00E60001
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_C
Deinterlace Caps: {6E8329FF-B642-418B-BCF0-BCB6591E255F}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,1) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
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D3D9 Overlay: Not Supported
DXVA-HD: Not Supported
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled

 

[jojalis]

It says total output power 475W max and Max +12v1

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Wauw, your son should be proud ; my mother would freeze totally when she even had to open the side of the case :lol:

What does it state at that 12 v rail, how much amperes ? Maybe there are two +12v.

 

[jojalis]

Aw thanks, I'm going to make sure he reads your post. And if I blow up the computer he gets a new one anyway! um, the rail is like 12V -- .3A; 12V1 -- 16.0A; 12V2 -- 12.0A; 12V3 -- 16.0A

 

[andrewcarr]

Oops sorry.

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Ok thats not a bad psu at all. Like Deemo13 says Dell psu's are often pretty good.

Can you see if the psu has a pci-e power connector like this ; http://www.google.nl/imgres?imgurl=http://static.erodov.com/reviews/guide/pci-e-connector/pci-e-power-connector-2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.erodov.com/forums/make-pci-e-power-connector-molex-connector/16270.html&h=296&w=399&sz=91&tbnid=LcbZJ5lZ5kaK_M:&tbnh=91&tbnw=123&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpci%2Bpower%2Bconnector%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=pci+power+connector&usg=__gcVbovroh7sb2WWqAupXYkKhUOU=&docid=SM9whA3lFJEgPM&sa=X&ei=2IVTUK37LOib1AXZm4DgAQ&ved=0CCsQ9QEwAQ&dur=2630

 

[jojalis]

Oops sorry.

lol i was trying to figure out who you were talking about, who is this 'he' who is trying to upgrade his son's pc too? I thought I mentioned i was a mom in my original post! :lol:

 

[jojalis]

Ok thats not a bad psu at all. Like Deemo13 says Dell psu's are often pretty good.

Can you see if the psu has a pci-e power connector like this ; http://www.google.nl/imgres?imgurl=http://static.erodov.com/reviews/guide/pci-e-connector/pci-e-power-connector-2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.erodov.com/forums/make-pci-e-power-connector-molex-connector/16270.html&h=296&w=399&sz=91&tbnid=LcbZJ5lZ5kaK_M:&tbnh=91&tbnw=123&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpci%2Bpower%2Bconnector%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=pci+power+connector&usg=__gcVbovroh7sb2WWqAupXYkKhUOU=&docid=SM9whA3lFJEgPM&sa=X&ei=2IVTUK37LOib1AXZm4DgAQ&ved=0CCsQ9QEwAQ&dur=2630

from what i can see, was afraid to unplug it, it says p2 on the side

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Unplug it from where ?

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

From the motherboard ????? Euh, no, don't !

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

It should be a connector that not in use now with the old video card.

 

[jojalis]

Unplug it from where ?

the motherboard (???)

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Please ; never, ever unplug a connector while the pc is powered. Are you on line with it now actually, or a laptop or something ?

( would make a big difference for my hart you know )

 

[jojalis]

It should be a connector that not in use now with the old video card.

Sorry, I am not sure what you mean then

 

[andrewcarr]

I'd pick up this card for your son since it's OC stock (since I doubt you'll want to mess with it) and is within your budget.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102968

Also the connector he's talking about is connected to the PSU (power supply unit).
http://www.google.com/imgres?um=1&hl=en&safe=off&sa=N&biw=1280&bih=899&tbm=isch&tbnid=FmQqvbw9Jq6nSM:&imgrefurl=http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1009670/ocz-announces-1010-watt-psu&docid=C_ORM1SEuQZ2QM&imgurl=http://www.theinquirer.net/img/2077/cables_gxs.jpg%253F1241331986&w=430&h=350&ei=X4lTULr_Ouy50AG-goGQCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=412&vpy=171&dur=512&hovh=169&hovw=208&tx=181&ty=99&sig=106735777803128016452&page=1&tbnh=169&tbnw=208&start=0&ndsp=20&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:0,i:79
It's the type shown as PCI-E or PCI-Express.

 

[jojalis]

Please ; never, ever unplug a connector while the pc is powered. Are you on line with it now actually, or a laptop or something ?

( would make a big difference for my hart you know )

I am using a laptop. I didn't unplug it from the motherboard, I admit I tried but couldnt

 

[andrewcarr]

The cable should be just an extra one not attached to anything.

 

[jojalis]

I guess i don't have what you are talking about. all i see is wires coming from the plug on the motherboard to the psu box. And then a whole bunch of wires coming out and going all over the place

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Thank you, that eases me down again. I think my hart beat went up with 10-20 beats a min. or so. :lol:

Like AndrewCarr says ; it's a cable comming from the powersupply which looks like the link http://www.google.nl/imgres?imgurl=http://cdn.head-fi.org/5/56/56ff61d3_pcie-connectors.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://www.head-fi.org/t/610509/journey-to-building-a-budget-gaming-monster-computer/30&h=359&w=600&sz=54&tbnid=hntvsEI1dU7fsM:&tbnh=90&tbnw=150&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dpcie%2Bconnector%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=pcie+connector&usg=__m4qlacjXGoM5Wnmbg47V7lHc4lA=&docid=EwvdpMZozQ_EyM&sa=X&ei=IYpTUK6xOMKW0QXdk4GgAw&ved=0CCgQ9QEwAA&dur=2167

There are with 6 pins and 6+2 pins.

 

[andrewcarr]

It'll be coming from the PSU but to nothing.

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

Yes, because it's not in use by your video card. It would be hanging loose.

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

If you don't have it your choice will be limited to a HD7750. Other, stronger cards need a power connector from the psu. You can use a molex adapter for that but it's something i can't recommend because of safety. http://www.google.nl/imgres?imgurl=http://bigbytepc.net/images/molexpcie.jpg&imgrefurl=http://bigbytepc.net/index.php?main_page%3Dproduct_info%26cPath%3D103_1%26products_id%3D545&h=300&w=300&sz=10&tbnid=_4v_QT_MGnAkdM:&tbnh=102&tbnw=102&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dmolex%2Bpcie%2Badapter%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=molex+pcie+adapter&usg=__S_XEPdU-9H5d8jdKOSoPydWz3us=&docid=22IplesIXvpGBM&sa=X&ei=T4tTULNsh8TRBcSngSg&ved=0CDYQ9QEwAw&dur=992

 

[Deemo13]

Just get the 7750. It will work and be a massive improvement.

 

[jojalis]

Nothing like cardio arrest to make you feel alive! It seems I only have P8, P9, P10 - those ones have yellow and black wires. There are two others that look different, - they are flat with red/black wires

 

[jojalis]

Ok, so a 7750 is how I am going. And the power supply is fine. Thank you thank you! You guys - or gals - are so great and patient with my inexperience. Wow awesome!

 

[GreenDutchAlien]

I think Deemo13 said it right ; get the HD7750, you won't have any power cable hassle and it's quite an improvement anyway.

Don't expect high/ultra game settings though.