What kind of graphics card is good for my old PC?

[Codbo2]

I have an old Dell Dimension 9100 that runs games like Minecraft and Garry's Mod quite well, with minimal lag. Whenever I go to http://www.systemrequirementslab.com to check whether a game can run on my PC, it's usually the graphics card that is the problem. I'm looking for a graphics card that's $50.00 or below that works well for gaming, specifically Minecraft.

My Specs:

If anything is missing, let me know and I'll add it.
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OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1

CPU: Intel Pentium D CPU 2.80GHz (2 CPUs) ~2.8GHz

Ram: DDR2 3GB (3072MB)

Graphics Card: ATi Radeon x300/x550/x1050 Series

I found one that seems promising, but I'm still not sure if it would run:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=7373215&Sku=P450-54500

All help is greatly appreciated.

 

[navalweaponsofficer]

49.99 After rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125403

 

[Codbo2]

In total that's $70. I want something UNDER. $50.

 

[navalweaponsofficer]

it is under 50 after rebate

 

[Codbo2]

I'm not sure I understand this. It says its $69.99..

 

[ikes9711]

Look right under the 69.99 it says 49.99 after rebate

 

[asalikus]

Its under $50 under rebate if you cant pay $20 more before the rebate, then don't even buy anything. I don't even think under $100 will get you anywhere for a gaming graphics card.

I'm not sure I understand this. It says its $69.99..

 

[Codbo2]

I'm not going to be hardcore gaming on my PC. I just want a simple upgrade to play Minecraft on high settings.

 

[voiidwulf]

My friend has a 6670 and it runs Minecraft quite well at max settings, even while recording. Here is one of his videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppCllYDZfrU

I think the 6670 would be a good fit for your system. Don't get anything cheaper than that.

 

[ARICH5]

first we need to know what kind of power supply unit you have. the 9100 came with psu's ranging from 250 to 400 watt psu's.

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=73671&vpn=02G%2DP4%2D2643%2DKR&manufacture=eVGA&promoid=1067

this one requires a 350 wat psu and is in your budget. 94 before tax with an additional 20$ off mir

that 5450 is utter crap.

the linked 640 is a better card thatn the 6670 in that it a 2gb model and gets better benchmarks

 

[sek729]

OP, Your presenting a situation that is not really possible. You want to spend no more than $50, but you also want to run Minecraft on very high settings. Sorry, but there's just nothing out there that can do what you want.

If you absolutely refuse to go any higher than $50 (and can't wait for a rebate to get back to you), I'd probably recommend a GT 430. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814500263 ... but if you get that I can't guarantee you'll be able to run your game on highest settings (I've never played Minecraft).

Otherwise, I'd echo what the guy a couple posts above me just said. Get a 6670. There are a couple on Newegg with $15 and $20 rebates that will bring the total cost to $50. If you want a marked improvement in performance then taking the couple extra dollars and waiting for your rebate is HIGHLY recommended. You're simply not going to get a card any nicer than that for less. There's likely a very noticeable difference between the 6670 and anything cheaper. They are one of the best "cheap" value cards out there.

Here are the 6670 links:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102988
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125403


Edit: In addition, as someone just noted, you may need to upgrade power supply if you don't have enough wattage. Check that before buying anything. Getting improved video card performance is not a cheap venture.

 

[ARICH5]

oops i forgot it was a 50$ budget...sorry

http://www.ncix.com/products/?sku=69521&vpn=GV%2DR667D3%2D1GI&manufacture=Gigabyte

a 6670 for 48$ after rebate

 

[Codbo2]

49.99 After rebate

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125403

Got this one. Love it, works like a charm.

 

[Codbo2]

Best answer selected by Codbo2.