Need a video card for Dell Inspiron 530s

[Keyscon]

I am running a cad program on my dell inspiron 530s (slim tower)and only have an onboard video driver with no dedicated memory. I need 256mb dedicated mem. Can anyone recommend a card that will work with this computer

 

[deadlockedworld]

I am running a cad program on my dell inspiron 530s (slim tower)and only have an onboard video driver with no dedicated memory. I need 256mb dedicated mem. Can anyone recommend a card that will work with this computer

Unfortunately for you, your narrow computer is not compatible with most video cards--so you will have to spend a little more to get a low profile one. The online e-tailer newegg typically offers the best prices.

The link below is to the low-profile (narrow) graphics card section. Browse around in here for the price range/power you are looking for.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&Description=Low%20Profile%20Ready%20Video%20Card&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&Order=PRICE

I think the majority of these cards would do what you need them too. Its up to you to decide how much you want to spend and how much power you need.

If you want one thats powerful enough for limited gaming and other newer software I would recommend that you get one with Direct X 10. This will make it useful for a longer period of time, since many games and media applications rely on direct X.

The ATI 4650 or Nvidia 9400 would be good options. Make sure to measure and look at the dimensions, and to see what kind of power supply is in your computer--some models need more than others.

ATI and Nvidia have separate numerical classifications, but within each brand higher numbers are almost always better. 8400<9400<9600, or 4350<4550<4670