What kind of upgrade I can have for my system?

[qb13]

Hi,

I'm thinking of upgrading the graphics card for my system for gaming purpose.
My system is Dell Inspiron 518 with Quad core, 3gb ddr2 memory, 500 gb hard drive, and the power supply is 350W.

Do you think I can have a HD 4670 or 9600 GSO installed and run on my system, or I must upgrade the power supply? And if I don't want to upgrade the power supply, which graphics card I can have at the highest level according to the chart? Thanks a million!

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-graphics-card,2064-7.html

 

[shadow187]

If you have 17A on the 12V or over (on your PSU), then get an HD4670. It's the best power-budget-gaming card.

 

[qb13]

If you have 17A on the 12V or over (on your PSU), then get an HD4670. It's the best power-budget-gaming card.

Let me make sure I get it:
what you mean is if I open the case and find out my PSU does not reach 17 A or 12 V, then I cannot have HD 4670; and in any case I cannot have 9600 GSO for my system, is that right? Thanks!!

 

[coozie7]

Dell builds (or rather uses) very good PSUs, units that give plenty of power to the +12v rail/s. Both of those cards will fit and run with your existing powersupply

 

[qb13]

Dell builds (or rather uses) very good PSUs, units that give plenty of power to the +12v rail/s. Both of those cards will fit and run with your existing powersupply

Wow~ That's quite encouraging! Thanks a lot !

 

[coozie7]

Slightly off the topic: What is your budget (in total) and monitor resolution?

 

[qb13]

Slightly off the topic: What is your budget (in total) and monitor resolution?

Emm... actually I've been looking at slickdeals.net for days, my budget is around $40 (that's why I'm looking at 9600 gso), but $60 is affordable too. And my monitor is 24", I think default resolution would be 1900* 1200. Thanks~