Question (New Post) New PC Build Recommendations? / (Old Post)GPU Upgrade Recommendations?

[MajorPager]

I feel like I need to upgrade my GPU for better video performance but I don't know what to get. I'd prefer to get a card with only a single bracket and low internal profile. Any suggestions for any cards like this?

 

[Aeacus]

#1 Budget?
#2 PSU make and model?
#3 What GPU you currently have?

 

[Avro Arrow]

Single-slot and low profile? That makes the selection very narrow but I believe that this would suit your needs:
Sapphire Radeon RX 6400 Pulse Low-Profile 4GB - $144
Of course, this is a very weak card as any low-profile card would be. The question is, what are you upgrading FROM?

 

[MajorPager]

I have a budget of $500, not too little, not too much. I don't know the exact model PSU I have except that it is the OEM PSU from a Dell Optiplex 745 ATX tower, specifically the version with all SATA power connecters. I also am currently using an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745 graphics card, it's pretty good, but I feel like it could be better.

Also, to be clear, I don't need a card with a low profile bracket, I need a card with a low profile heat sink + shield cover.

 

[MajorPager]

Sapphire Radeon RX 6400 Pulse Low-Profile 4GB - $144
Of course, this is a very weak card as any low-profile card would be.

You say that this is a very weak card? I did a benchmark with this and mine and it is vastly better than mine, and I would say my card is pretty good even though it's from 2014.

 

[Aeacus]

I don't know the exact model PSU I have except that it is the OEM PSU from a Dell Optiplex 745 ATX tower, specifically the version with all SATA power connecters.

Your PSU defines the GPU you can go for. With that unit, i wouldn't suggest anything beefier than 75W GPU. Especially the one that requires PCI-E power connector for power.
Btw, your GTX 745 is 55W GPU.

RX 6400 linked above is 53W and would do fine in your build.

You say that this is a very weak card?

At today's standards, it is. RX 6400 will struggle with games on 1080p. Maybe low settings would give playable FPS. Either that, or lower reso, e.g 720p.

But since your GPU is so weak, RX 6400 is miles better.

and I would say my card is pretty good even though it's from 2014.

Pretty good?

In my 2nd PC (missus'es PC), i have GPU from 2013. GTX 760.
Comparison between yours and mine: https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-745-OEM-vs-Nvidia-GTX-760/2638vs2159

Do you still think, that your GTX 745, despite being 1 year newer than my GTX 760, is pretty good? 🤔

 

[Avro Arrow]

You say that this is a very weak card? I did a benchmark with this and mine and it is vastly better than mine, and I would say my card is pretty good even though it's from 2014.

Well yeah, it would be. A card that's nine years old would be little more than a glorified video adapter at this point, probably beaten by a lot of modern IGPs. When I said that the RX 6400 was weak, I was using modern standards. Compared to a card from nine years ago, the RX 6400 would be a fire-breather. Keep in mind though that the RX 6400 uses a PCI-Express v4.0 x4 interface and if you're still using a nine year-old motherboard, it probably has PCI-Express v2.0 which will limit the card's interface to PCI-Express v2.0 x4. That would choke the card severely. If that's the case, I would recommend an nVidia GeForce GTX 1650 instead.

Just out of curiosity, what is your card?

 

[Aeacus]

Keep in mind though that the RX 6400 uses a PCI-Express v4.0 x4 interface and if you're still using a nine year-old motherboard, it probably has PCI-Express v2.0 which will limit the card's interface to PCI-Express v2.0 x4. That would choke the card severely.

TechPowerUp has tested the PCI-E scaling a lot and in their tests, it matters little if e.g PCI-E 4.0 GPU uses PCI-E 2.0 or 1.0.
Latest tests with RTX 4090, link: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/nvidia-geforce-rtx-4090-pci-express-scaling/28.html

So, there is some performance reduction, but not as severe as one may think.

If that's the case, I would recommend an nVidia GeForce GTX 1650 instead.

Almost all GTX 1650 GPUs out there are two slot GPUs, which may not fit into OP's build.

Did find two single slot ones, but i doubt OP could find one on sale. E.g Palit GTX 1650 StormX OC,
specs: https://www.palit.com/palit/vgapro.php?id=3247&lang=en

Just out of curiosity, what is your card?

OP did say what they have;

I also am currently using an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745 graphics card

 

[MajorPager]

Question, what would both of your opinions be on the EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti? I feel like it would get the job done. The only problems would be if I got it, I would have to cut a hole in the back of my case and a hole in the bottom of the heat sink in order to get it to fit. I would also definitely have to get a new power supply, maybe something like the LEPA N Series 500W ATX12V PSU N500-SA?

 

[ARICH5]

I have a budget of $500, not too little, not too much. I don't know the exact model PSU I have except that it is the OEM PSU from a Dell Optiplex 745 ATX tower, specifically the version with all SATA power connecters. I also am currently using an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745 graphics card, it's pretty good, but I feel like it could be better.

Also, to be clear, I don't need a card with a low profile bracket, I need a card with a low profile heat sink + shield cover.

you have a budget of 500$? depending on the country youre in you could add 100$ to that and build a new low spec gaming rig. https://www.tomshardware.com/best-picks/best-pc-builds-gaming

 

[MajorPager]

you have a budget of 500$? depending on the country youre in you could add 100$ to that and build a new low spec gaming rig.

If I were to do that, the computer I have now would probably still be better and way less expensive.

 

[MajorPager]

Also, if any of you were curious, here are my system specs:
Also take note that my system, a 2006 Dell Optiplex 745, has been previously used and refurbished.

2.80 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700
8GB (2x4) Elpida DDR2 RAM
1TB WD Caviar Green SATA HDD w/ Windows 10 Pro (Activated /Updated)
250GB WD Blue SATA HDD w/ Windows 7 Ultimate (Activated / Updated)
160GB WD Scorpio SATA HDD w/ Windows XP Professional 32/64 Bits (Activated / Updated)
OEM 2006 Dell Optiplex 745 Mainboard (Unsure of model, Can't find it anywhere)
OEM 2006 Dell Optiplex 745 ATX Desktop Computer Case
2x Sata DVD Drives
1x IDE Internal Floppy Drive
1x External USB Floppy Drive
5TB External Segate HDD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745 PCIE Graphics Card
1394 Firewire PCI Card
Modem PCI Card
PCIE to 2x PCI Expansion Card
Multi-USB/Firewire PCI Expansion Card
300MB TP-Link Dual Antenna Wireless Internet PCI Card
OEM 2006 Dell N305P-05 MAX 305W Power Supply (All SATA + One 4 Pin Floppy Connectors)
An old Dell, Envision, and UltraGear Monitors hooked up VIA DVI, VGA, and HDMI in this order
An old Windows 98 Dual USB HP Keyboard and an old HP USB optical mouse
A Logitech QuickCam Pro 4000 USB Webcam
Old Dual Dell USB Desktop Speakers
And A Serial to Headphone Jack Cord installed in the Communications Port
Along with an unused Onboard Graphics Port and Printer Port

And who could forget about all of that complimentary dust!

Also here is a very horrible benchmark of my PC, https://www.userbenchmark.com/UserRun/63638754.

 

[ARICH5]

2.80 GHz Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700
8GB (2x4) Elpida DDR2 RAM
1TB WD Caviar Green SATA HDD w/ Windows 10 Pro (Activated /Updated)
250GB WD Blue SATA HDD w/ Windows 7 Ultimate (Activated / Updated)
160GB WD Scorpio SATA HDD w/ Windows XP Professional 32/64 Bits (Activated / Updated)
OEM 2006 Dell Optiplex 745 Mainboard (Unsure of model, Can't find it anywhere)
OEM 2006 Dell Optiplex 745 ATX Desktop Computer Case
2x Sata DVD Drives
1x IDE Internal Floppy Drive
1x External USB Floppy Drive
5TB External Segate HDD
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 745 PCIE Graphics Car

uh. a core i3 and a rx6600 would be 20x better my friend.

 

[MajorPager]

Even though you are correct on that, I just don't think an i3 would even work in my build, and also the RX6600 definitely will not fit in my case. In all actuality, any graphics card with a dual level bracket simply won't fit due to the case design, mainboard placement, and the size of the heatsink.

Although that doesn't mean I can't just cut holes in everything and bend some stuff to make things fit.

 

[stonecarver]

You have a lot of limitations with the Dell 745. It's a BTX case and motherboard. The board is flipped upside down and its actually mounted on the other side of the case.

The biggest issue is the CPU is in line with the PCI-E port. Not sitting above it. Why Dell did this is beyond me and yes it limits your choice of GPU's.

Had one with a Nvidia 7800 GT and all was great till I wanted a 8800 GT and hit the wall. Only than did I realize the space limit because of the cpu 's green plastic fan housing. Took me a little while to work it all out but I went to the bottom half length PCI-E port on the motherboard. Took out the motherboard and on the bench cut the back wall of the port so the full length of the 8800 GT fit into the half length PCI-E port. Put the system back together, mounted the 8800 GT and used computer for 11 yrs. Half the pins from the GPU will just float in the air but the needed ones will be in the width of the half length port.

So to be clear just the end where a small wall prevents you from putting in longer cards. And if you were to do this mod go slow and don't cut into the metal prongs in the port.

With you still using XP with all the rest of your OS's you have, the Nvidia 900 series has modded Drivers that will still work on XP.

Nvidia GTX 960/970/980 - 900 Series drivers for Windows XP (x86/x64)

---EDIT: Hello, Since I won't be able to manage and upload every new version that comes out, I found a friend of mine who is really willing to help me out and do this over at another forum. SO If you ever need the latest version of nvidia drivers for XP just be sure to check it out (I hope this...

www.overclockers.com

Newer Cards after the Nvidia 900 series do not have XP Drivers.

A Nvidia 970 only needs a single 6 pin power cable and it's been a while but I'm sure the 970 GTX uses less power than the 8800 GT that was a mini heater.

I do not remember if the Dell 745 had a 6 pin PCI- E power cable so yes maybe a updated power supply would be needed. I do remember the 8800 needed 2x6 power cables and honestly I don't remember if I flipped the power supply or the Dell one worked .

If your NOT mechanical or don't trust yourself to make this mod than you could always get a PCI -E riser cable and mount GPU on bottom of case.

Amazon.com

I always like the Dell 745 Case but the BTX made it hard to work with. Best of luck.

 

[Aeacus]

Question, what would both of your opinions be on the EVGA GeForce GTX 780 Ti?

GTX 780 Ti is 250W GPU and at bare minimum 650W PSU is needed, while 750W PSU is better.

maybe something like the LEPA N Series 500W ATX12V PSU N500-SA?

That LEPA unit is both obsolete and nowhere near enough build quality to be used in a PC with dedicated GPU. Not to mention it having way too less wattage for 250W GPU.
For PSU, proper PSU, look towards Seasonic Focus or Cosair RMx/RMi.
Either these, or anything else from Tier A,
PSU tier list: https://forums.tomshardware.com/thr...er-list-rev-14-8-final-update-jul-21.3624094/

Also take note that my system, a 2006 Dell Optiplex 745

Prebuilt with proprietary MoBo and strange PC case. Common for Dell but detrimental if you want to upgrade the hardware.

Here, you have essentially 2 choices:
#1 Get the Sapphire RX 6400 linked above. Since it fits, doesn't need PSU upgrade and is better than your GTX 745.
#2 Buy a completely new PC.

If I were to do that, the computer I have now would probably still be better and way less expensive.

Is that so? 🤔

500 bucks can get you this:
PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G 3.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($120.00 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI B450M PRO-VDH MAX Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard ($74.98 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LPX 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($38.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Samsung 870 Evo 1 TB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($59.49 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master MasterBox Q300L MicroATX Mini Tower Case ($55.50 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Gold 550 W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $441.94

Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2023-08-24 03:49 EDT-0400

Few words.

Build is Ryzen with iGPU and no dedicated GPU (due to budget). Need to connect monitor to MoBo. CPU cooler is included with CPU and put a good SSD as an OS drive. You can move over your HDDs if you like. Build has 16GB DDR4 RAM. Oh, PC case is personal choice and feel free to switch it out.

Build comparison; yours as a Baseline, mine as Alternative;

Userbenchmark PC Build Comparison

Baseline Bench: Game 6%, Desk 43%, Work 5%
CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q6700
GPU: Nvidia GTX 745 (OEM)
HDD: WD Green 1TB (2009)
RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600 C9 2x4GB

Alternative Bench: Game 18%, Desk 74%, Work 17%
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3400G
GPU: AMD RX Vega 11 (Ryzen iGPU)
SSD: Samsung 870 EVO 1TB
RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX DDR4 3200 C16 2x8GB

Do note that Userbenchmark doesn't have DDR2 RAM in their database, so, i had to use DDR3 RAM in comparison, which is far better than DDR2 you have, thus increasing the performance specs of your build. In reality, it is worse whereby gain in performance with new build is bigger.

Now, if you were to put dedicated GPU in the Ryzen build, it leaps forward by miles. E.g GTX 1660 Ti (which i have), RTX 2060, RTX 3060 or up to RTX 4060 Ti. RTX 4060 Ti is tops what the 550W Seasonic unit can handle.

My advice: ditch the Dell and go with new build. Better performance, very easy to upgrade and you can customize it to your likening (e.g pick the PC case you like the most). Also, new build comes with warranty for all parts. So if any of the parts should die, you can RMA the part and get a replacement, cost free. Only thing to do with new build, is assemble the parts and install Win on SSD.

 

[MajorPager]

What about an Inspiron 530? I picked one up for pretty cheap last week and it runs decently. The only downsides to it is that it has slightly slower RAM and an Intel Core 2 Duo.

 

[MajorPager]

At this point I might just go back to my old desktop, which still runs Windows Vista, or possibly my old laptop which still runs Windows 7. They both get the job done, besides, a little lag never hurt. Although, crazy enough, I've had way more problems with 10 and 11 than I've had with XP, Vista, and 7 combined. Hence why I dislike any newer machines, and still use older machines.

I just don't know why my luck with any new computer or OS has been absolute garbage in recent years, but it has.

 

[Aeacus]

What about an Inspiron 530?

Review: https://www.cnet.com/reviews/dell-inspiron-530-115b-review/

Obsolete hardware. Not worth the money spent on it.

At this point I might just go back to my old desktop, which still runs Windows Vista

Vista is one of the worst, if not the worst Windows ever created. So, i can't understand on how you could even use it. Also, any PC that uses EoL OS, should not be connected to internet. Since chances that PC would be hacked/taken over, are high. Nor are there any software updates for programs.

Although, crazy enough, I've had way more problems with 10 and 11 than I've had with XP, Vista, and 7 combined.

Have you used Win10 with modern hardware (e.g Intel 6th gen and newer), or have you used it with old hardware?

Since when you've used modern OSes with old hardware, compatibility issues alone would be huge headache.
Win XP is good. Have it on my old AMD build which isn't connected to the net. Win 7 is also good, but obsolete nowadays. Win 10 should be a bit better than Win 7. Though, i haven't seen a much diff between the two, other than Win 10 being more stable. Win 11 is poor, hence why i'm still sticking with Win 10.

 

[MajorPager]

Obsolete hardware. Not worth the money spent on it.

I only got for $3 bucks so it's not that big of a deal.

Vista is one of the worst, if not the worst Windows ever created. So, i can't understand on how you could even use it.

Everyone says that about Vista, its only after you install all of the updates that it gets to be decent. In my opinion its 8, it's just too confusing to use and somewhat too hardware reliant.

Have you used Win10 with modern hardware (e.g Intel 6th gen and newer), or have you used it with old hardware?

I've used windows 10 on both old and new hardware but it just doesn't matter. My luck with 10 is really bad, every month or so I have to reinstall 10 and everything else because it just stops working. With any other OS I've used on the exact same hardware. I've never had any problems. Its just weird.

Since when you've used modern OSes with old hardware, compatibility issues alone would be huge headache.

I agree on this, although, even if the said OS is supposed to work with the hardware, there are still very many compatibility issues.

Win 11 is poor, hence why i'm still sticking with Win 10.

I also agree on this, Windows 11 seems sort of rushed to me, and there's the whole fact that none of my computers can actually support it.

 

[MajorPager]

On the other hand, I think I found an adequate graphics card. Its the EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. Would this do? The only problems I have found with it is that I would have to alter the case and I would lose my VGA monitor.

 

[stonecarver]

You might just get away with no mods to the rear of the case as that GTX 1050 Ti has no ports on the upper row on the back of the card.

The only issue I see is the door that latches your cards in and locks them the top lock will bump into the card. Just use screws on cards and leave that door opened.

 

[MajorPager]

You might just get away with no mods to the rear of the case as that GTX 1050 Ti has no ports on the upper row on the back of the card.

That's what I was thinking as well.

The only issue I see is the door that latches your cards in and locks them the top lock will bump into the card. Just use screws on cards and leave that door opened.

Couldn't I take the front panel of the card off to be able to shut the door though?

 

[Aeacus]

n the other hand, I think I found an adequate graphics card. Its the EVGA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. Would this do?

It is better what you have currently but it is weaker than RX 6400 suggested above,
comparison: https://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-1050-Ti-vs-AMD-RX-6400/3649vsm1834749

It's up to you how you jerry-rig it to fit in your PC.

Everyone says that about Vista, its only after you install all of the updates that it gets to be decent. In my opinion its 8, it's just too confusing to use and somewhat too hardware reliant.

At the time when Vista was released, it demanded way beefy hardware to run it. This was one of the main reasons why Vista didn't appeal to many.

Here's a good article ranking all Win OSes from worst to best, and i agree with that list,
article: https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/best-versions-windows-of-all-time/

I've been around OSes long before Windows was a thing. Started out with MS DOS, moved to Norton Commander, then Win 3.1, 95, 98SE, ME/2000, XP and so forth. Oh, several GNU/Linux distors in the mix as well.

 

[MajorPager]

It is better what you have currently but it is weaker than RX 6400 suggested above,

I don't necessarily think the second part is true, the one that's been linked near the beginning of this post looks far too weak plus it's less usable than the 1050. In fact, all of the 6400's are less usable than the 1050. Besides, the one on userbenchmark isn't even the right one that I was talking about. The thing is, the 1050-Ti pictured on there, I can't even find anywhere, its virtually nonexistent.