UPGRADE or NEW COMPUTER?!?

[Turtleboot]

I have a Dell Inspiron 530 that recently stopped working and I found out (with the help of you guys, thanks) that it was most likely a bad video card. (link to older thread about initial problem with computer http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/forum2.php?config=tomshardwareus.inc&cat=33&post=391163&page=1&p=1&sondage=0&owntopic=1&trash=0&trash_post=0&print=0&numreponse=0&quote_only=0&new=0&nojs=0)

I had the Nvidia 8300 GS and someone recommended the GT 640 or 650 Ti. I do play games, so which one would be better?

Most importantly though, is it worth even upgrading my computer, or should I just get a new one? My Inspiron 530 is about 6 years old and if I just get the new video card, I worry that eventually though it might just run into more problems.

So the question is, should I get a new video card (and which one), or should I invest in a new computer instead?

Thanks for reading and I hope you can help me!

 

[Norlag]

I would get a whole new computer. You would get a huge jump in performance with new parts. If you do get a new pc, what is your budget, do you plan to overclock, what are your parts preferences, etc?

 

[Wolfshadw]

Assuming these are the specs of your system, then while a new system wouldn't be a bad idea, it's not entirely necessary (especially if you were happy gaming on an NVidia 8300GS).

Given the two options (GT 640 or GT 650ti) I'd definitely go with the 650Ti, but I'd ask what your budget was and I'd also (perhaps more importantly) wonder why no one in your previous thread questioned your power supply.

To be perfectly honest, unless you have about $1000 to put into a new build, I'd really be looking at a new power supply and graphics card (based on budget).

-Wolf sends

 

[Turtleboot]

Assuming these are the specs of your system, then while a new system wouldn't be a bad idea, it's not entirely necessary (especially if you were happy gaming on an NVidia 8300GS).

Given the two options (GT 640 or GT 650ti) I'd definitely go with the 650Ti, but I'd ask what your budget was and I'd also (perhaps more importantly) wonder why no one in your previous thread questioned your power supply.

To be perfectly honest, unless you have about $1000 to put into a new build, I'd really be looking at a new power supply and graphics card (based on budget).

-Wolf sends

Yes, those are the specs of the system. I never had too many problems with gaming.

As for the video card, in my last thread someone told me that the GT 640 didn't require a "beefy power supply", so I assumed that it would be fine. Do I need to upgrade my power supply if I were to use either of those cards? How much would it cost?

(I haven't decided on a budget for this yet as I was wondering whether to keep or get a new computer, but I think I will just try to repair my current one, but I will have one soon based on answers)

 

[geofelt]

Since you have had no problems with gaming on a 8300GS, go ahead and buy a GT640.
You will get a considerable boost in graphics performance.
Anything stronger, and you will need to change out your 300w psu.

Ultimately, if/when you rebuild, you can move the graphics card to the new pc.

 

[Turtleboot]

Thanks, I think I will go ahead and get the GT 640. The computer has never given me many problems, so I think I will keep it and repair.

I was online looing for GT 640s on the Geforce website and there are LOTS of different ones. I have no clue which one is the right one! Does anybody know which one will work in my computer, or will they all?

 

[geofelt]

Thanks, I think I will go ahead and get the GT 640. The computer has never given me many problems, so I think I will keep it and repair.

I was online looing for GT 640s on the Geforce website and there are LOTS of different ones. I have no clue which one is the right one! Does anybody know which one will work in my computer, or will they all?

The all have essentially the same guts. Differing perhaps only in fancy cooling, or perhaps a factory overclock.
Just pick a brand you trust. EVGA is popular in the us.

 

[Wolfshadw]

I agree with all of my fellow posters.

Brands I trust would include ASUS and EVGA. To a slightly lesser degree (8/10 as opposed to 9/10), Sapphire (my normal, "GO TO" brand), XFX, and HIS.

-Wolf sends