Zotac gtx 460 vs ati hd 4600 series

[billytkid]

specs: optiplex 960 (the taller fatter one)
core2duo
4 gigs ram
ati radeon hd 4600 "series"


Q: looking to upgrade my graphics card. found a good deal on a gtx 460. worth it?
The gtx out specs the 4600 except in core speed.....i think. thanks.

 

[FLanighan]

You can't make any meaningful comparisons of video card specs if they aren't the same architecture. The GTX 460 vastly outclasses the HD 4600.

 

[billytkid]

You can't make any meaningful comparisons of video card specs if they aren't the same architecture. The GTX 460 vastly outclasses the HD 4600.

sorry. im still new to this stuff. could you please elaborate? can I even use this card?

 

[FLanighan]

If I had to guess just based on the specs you gave (since its an old prebuilt Dell) I'd say no. Chances are that either a.) The power supply is too weak, or b.) There's no PCI express slot on your motherboard (which a newer video card requires). Some HD 4600 series cards were made for a different, older interface called AGP.

If you could make sure the power supply was adequate and that you had a PCI express slot on your motherboard, then a GTX 460 would work.

 

[FLanighan]

I just checked this page

http://www.dell.com/us/business/p/optiplex-960/pd

and it lists that the optiplex 960 has a PCI-e x16 slot which will work, but only has around a 250-300 watt power supply. In order to use a GTX 460 and pretty much any new video card you'll need at least a 500 watt and have it not be an el cheapo brand (those will tend to fail on you).

 

[billytkid]

If I had to guess just based on the specs you gave (since its an old prebuilt Dell) I'd say no. Chances are that either a.) The power supply is too weak, or b.) There's no PCI express slot on your motherboard (which a newer video card requires). Some HD 4600 series cards were made for a different, older interface called AGP.

If you could make sure the power supply was adequate and that you had a PCI express slot on your motherboard, then a GTX 460 would work.

235w psu

Slots (max allowable dimensions):

Slot 1: 1 PCIe x16 full height graphics -(H: 4.376" X L: 7.400")/(111.15mm X 187.96mm)
Slot 2: 1 full height PCI -(H: 4.376" X L: 7.400")/(111.15mm X 187.96mm)
Slot 3: 1 full height PCI -(H: 4.376" X L: 6.600")/(111.15mm X 167.64mm)
Slot 4: 1 full height PCIe x1 -(H:4.376" x L: 6.600")/(111.15mm X 167.64mm)

 

[FLanighan]

see above post.

 

[billytkid]

see above post.

sorry. didnt see that. thanks for the help. now, if I could only oc my processor :/ (damn you dell)