Need AGP card for Dell GX270

[matts22]

I have done a lot of searching over the past two days and now feel educated enough to ask for advice. I know everyone is going to tell me to ditch the system and build a new one, but I really would like to use this old desktop if at all possible. If you can build me a better computer for under $200, I'm listening.

The desktop is an old Dell Optiplex GX270 (P4 2.6ghz, 512mb RAM). I want to have it connected to a 60" HDTV to stream movies using XBMC and over the internet (Win XP Pro). It won't be used AT ALL for gaming.

I can upgrade to 2GB DDR PC3200 RAM for almost no cost, so that won't be a big issue.

I've been looking at AGP graphics cards and I feel that I am limited by the power supply of the computer (~250W). I might be able to run a HIS Radeon HD4350 512MB DDR3 ($51.99 on newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161318) without upgrading the power supply, but I doubt I could run the 4650 ($69.99) or 4670 ($104.99 or $122.99).

There is a cheap power supply on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270587382107&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_4499wt_1139

Or I could get a good new power supply and plan to use it on a future build. I thought I read something about the Dell Optiplex power supply being different though...anyone know anything about this?

So I know AGP is an old technology, but what will it take to get this computer going?

Should I just get a cheap graphics card? If so, will the 4350 work with the stock power supply? If not, what would work?

Or should I upgrade the power supply? Any recommendations?

If I decided to scrap the system, how cheap of a system could I get going?

I would really appreciate some help. Thanks!

 

[multiscreenz]

I think you figured out the right Video card. Your power supply is pretty weak though, so it may become unstable. I would recommend at least a 350 Watt or up.

 

[matts22]

Thanks for the replies.

Can you give me any recommendations for an upgraded power supply, in case it is needed?

 

[matts22]

I'm wondering more about whether I should go with the 4350 or 4650. The 4670 looks awesome but just seems too expensive for a HTPC.

Do you think the stock power supply (250W) would support both the 4350 and 4650? Is the 4650 going to be a lot better for my needs (mostly video streaming to large HDTV)?

I looked some at power supplies if needed to run one of those cards. There is a 430w antec that is actually cheaper ($31 shipped) than the 350w:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371023

A couple others that I liked:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182199
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341016
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817341022
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152035

Thoughts?

Just go with the 4350 or 4650? Or get a power supply as well?

 

[matts22]

Anyone?

I'd really like to get this ordered soon.

 

[matts22]

I bought and installed the HIS HD4350 in the AGP slot and cannot get any video output.

The computer has no problems if I use the integrated graphics and associated VGA output. However, once I put the AGP card into the slot, the monitor acts like it is not getting a signal from either the graphics card or the factor VGA port. The rest of the computer is getting plenty of power and I'm pretty sure that it is fully booting into windows, but the monitor is blank. As far as the card, the fan is spinning and it seems to be getting power but there is just not video output. I've tried the VGA, DVI, and HDMI inputs. I've adjusted the AGP aperture in bios and nothing changed. I've also tried disconnecting everything but the PSU, fan, hard drive, and video card, but this made no difference. I have tried uninstalling the integrated graphics driver, as well as having the most recent one installed. I don't have another computer with an AGP slot to try the card in. I also don't have another power supply to try.

Any thoughts? Does this sound like an inadequate power supply, bad card, or a setting needs changed?

 

[Guest]

I bought and installed the HIS HD4350 in the AGP slot and cannot get any video output.

The computer has no problems if I use the integrated graphics and associated VGA output. However, once I put the AGP card into the slot, the monitor acts like it is not getting a signal from either the graphics card or the factor VGA port. The rest of the computer is getting plenty of power and I'm pretty sure that it is fully booting into windows, but the monitor is blank. As far as the card, the fan is spinning and it seems to be getting power but there is just not video output. I've tried the VGA, DVI, and HDMI inputs. I've adjusted the AGP aperture in bios and nothing changed. I've also tried disconnecting everything but the PSU, fan, hard drive, and video card, but this made no difference. I have tried uninstalling the integrated graphics driver, as well as having the most recent one installed. I don't have another computer with an AGP slot to try the card in. I also don't have another power supply to try.

Any thoughts? Does this sound like an inadequate power supply, bad card, or a setting needs changed?

You plugged the monitor in 4350's VGA slot right?

 

[matts22]

make sure you turn off the integrated onboard graphics in the BIOS and the AGP slot is selected for graphics

I can't find a way to turn off integrated graphics. My only BIOS options are "Auto" and "Onboard". I have tried both of these and it still does not work.

What seems very strange to me is that I can have the VGA cable attached to the original integrated graphics port, change the BIOS to "onboard", install the AGP card, and reboot...and there still is no picture.

I still need suggestions. Thanks again!

 

[matts22]

Tried a new power supply (Corsair TX650) and it did not make any difference.

 

[matts22]

Anyone?

 

[rickoshey]

Hey last year I went through the samething that you are facing now. I had no idea what to use to upgrade to windows 7 so that I could use it with my HD tv. I called Dell and I got lucky and had a great tech talk me through it. He gave me a couple options. But when it was said and done I went with a ASUS AH3450 512mb Graphics AGP card. I did some investigating into how difficult it was going to be, the general consenses was that it was going to be a pain in the ass, most said it took several attempts to install it properly. That truely wasn't the case. I installed it the first try. Now the issue of power supply, I kept my original 160 watt power supply and modified a pigtail to power the card I hooked it up to the empty power connection and BAM it was good to go. Be sure to make it long enough that you can open your unit without stressing the connection to the card. and make sure you use a good quality heat shrink tube at your connections.
I have modified atleast a dozen of these optiplex GX270, upgrade your memory at the same time and it will perform well. If you have any questions email me @ rickoshey2009@live.com and I'll try and help you out if need be.

 

[Guest]

I bought and installed the HIS HD4350 in the AGP slot and cannot get any video output.

The computer has no problems if I use the integrated graphics and associated VGA output. However, once I put the AGP card into the slot, the monitor acts like it is not getting a signal from either the graphics card or the factor VGA port. The rest of the computer is getting plenty of power and I'm pretty sure that it is fully booting into windows, but the monitor is blank. As far as the card, the fan is spinning and it seems to be getting power but there is just not video output. I've tried the VGA, DVI, and HDMI inputs. I've adjusted the AGP aperture in bios and nothing changed. I've also tried disconnecting everything but the PSU, fan, hard drive, and video card, but this made no difference. I have tried uninstalling the integrated graphics driver, as well as having the most recent one installed. I don't have another computer with an AGP slot to try the card in. I also don't have another power supply to try.

Any thoughts? Does this sound like an inadequate power supply, bad card, or a setting needs changed?

I just purchased a Radeon HD 4350 I have the exact same dell as you, and unfortuantly the exact same problems I've tried everything and I can't get it to work at all. Did you ever find out what the issue was?

 

[matts22]

I went and bought a Visiontek HD3650 at Best Buy thinking it would be easy to return. I don't have time right now to mess with it much, but I put it in the computer and it at least displays video. I'll post here when I find out more.

rockoshey, thanks for the post. I'll email you if I have questions.

vonberg, I'll keep you updated. 4350 still doesn't work. Feel free to PM me.