What is Best Low Cost Dell E521 PCIe Video Card Upgrade?

[UncleSarge58]

Been Looking at Radeon 6450 PCIexpress Cards & was Wondering if this is the Best/ Easiest way to go.
Don't Game, Just want to Improve/Speed up Streaming Video & DVDs.
Thanx

 

[xbizzaroz]

It's a good, low profile, low power card to improve graphic performance if you are switching from integrated graphics. Is your processor Intel or AMD?

 

[UncleSarge58]

xbizzaroz,
It's an AMD 2.9G Dual Core 5600+ & I have 3GB Memory Installed.
Was also Looking at a NVidia 8500 or 9500GT, or even a 210.
US58

 

[xbizzaroz]

If you are thinking of a 210 you may as well get a 610. If I'm correct I think it supports higher Direct X versions. But anyways I was curious as to what your processor was to see what the integrated graphics were (if there were any).

 

[UncleSarge58]

IIRC it has an AMD 6310 Integrated GPU.
Computer is used for Internet Only:
(eMail/News/Weather/etc)
No Gaming. Just want to Improve Streaming Video.
Stock 305W PSU. May Upgrade to 600W if Needed.
Running XP Pro (Just 'cause "I Like it")
Also have a 500gb secondary HDD.
US58

 

[xbizzaroz]

No need to upgrade power supply. Any of those cards would be much better than the integrated graphics. I would recommend either the 6450 or the GT 610. Both around the same price but will improve graphics by a good amount.

Side question though: has this problem been happening recently or has it always been like this? And, do you know what kind of internet speeds you are getting? This may affect streaming video as well.

 

[sora]

Been Looking at Radeon 6450 PCIexpress Cards & was Wondering if this is the Best/ Easiest way to go.
Don't Game, Just want to Improve/Speed up Streaming Video & DVDs.
Thanx

Hmm... Maybe look at an entry-level such as the NVIDIA GT 610 or the AMD 6450.

 

[UncleSarge58]

Thanx xbizzaroz,
Just ordered a GT 610. ($25 on eBay)
Great Specs for a Low Power Card.
Should Help a Lot. Anything will be an Improvement.
As for Internet Connection.....We live Way Out in the Boonies, Surrounded by Mountains & thousands of acres of National Forrest. All we can get Here is DSL.
Not good for Streaming Video.
But, the Video has been Low Quality, even for DVDs.
At least a Stand Alone Card will Free Up memory & Lighten Up the CPU Load. Should make a Vast Improvement.
US58

 

[xbizzaroz]

Indeed. Best of luck!