Graphics Card recommendations?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Hi all,

I just received my new DELL INSPIRON 545 this week and I'm loving it, but I didn't order it with a seperate graphics card as I don't know enough about them.

This is what it has:
Intel® Core™ 2 Quad Q8200 (4MB L2, 2.33GHz, 1333FSB)
8GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 800MHz - 4 DIMMs
500GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
Genuine Windows® 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
16X DVD+/-RW Drive
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio

I'm going to take this PC to my computer guy, along with my old Compaq, and have him take out (from the Compaq) and install (in the DELL), the CD drive and the old Hard Drive. I would like to have him install a seperate graphics card as well, and this is where I need your help with recommendations.

It is important to note that any new card should have both a DVI (for current Acer Ferrari F-20 monitor) and a HDMI input (future monitor). I am NOT a gamer and don't watch movies on my PC, but I do watch some sports via a live and free feed (http://www.myP2P.eu) over the internet. I will probably take the plunge and install a BD-ROM drive in the next year as well....just because that's the way everything is going anyway, but I can wait for that and use that money towards a graphics card now.

Given this scenario and based on the system I purchased....is it even worth getting a seperate Graphics Card? I would like a recommendation on that as well, because why spend the money if I don't need to.

Thanking you all in advance for your input and whatever time you took from your own to help me with this.

Sincerely,

John

[silversnake]

So you are just using your on board video card now? The one that's on the motherboard by default?

[xtop]

whats wrong with the Radeon HD 3450 thats included? why do you need a better one if you're not going to game?

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by silversnake

So you are just using your on board video card now? The one that's on the motherboard by default?

Yes

Originally Posted by xtop

whats wrong with the Radeon HD 3450 thats included? why do you need a better one if you're not going to game?

I don't know if I do need a better one...that's why I'm asking.

John

[xtop]

Originally Posted by John72953

Yes



I don't know if I do need a better one...that's why I'm asking.

John

well i just took a look at 2 different reviews on your computer and one has intel graphics and the other has ati. which one does yours have? if you have intel, its probably worth picking up a cheap ($50) ati/nvidia card to handle your needs, if you've got the ati card..you should be good to go

[Johnny Vinyl]

I should have added that the DELL only has a VGA input. Oops.

John

[xtop]

Originally Posted by John72953

I should have added that the DELL only has a VGA input. Oops.

John

http://www.amazon.com/Powercolor-Rad.../dp/B001T9MYO6

something like that is what you're looking for i believe

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3420

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by xtop

well i just took a look at 2 different reviews on your computer and one has intel graphics and the other has ati. which one does yours have? if you have intel, its probably worth picking up a cheap ($50) ati/nvidia card to handle your needs, if you've got the ati card..you should be good to go

Intel G33/G31 Express Chipset. Can't seem to find anything else when looking in the Device Manager.

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by xtop

http://www.amazon.com/Powercolor-Rad.../dp/B001T9MYO6

something like that is what you're looking for i believe

http://www.anandtech.com/video/showdoc.aspx?i=3420

Thanks for that. I see it has DVI and HDMI inputs....perfect.

[Hammie]

You could always get an HDMI to DVI cable. This way you could use a newer card with HDMI out and still use your monitor with DVI. I use that setup with my Samsung monitor since my desktop has HDMI out.

[Owen Lol]

4870 Or if you wanna go heavy get the 4870 X2.

AWESOME card!

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

You could always get an HDMI to DVI cable. This way you could use a newer card with HDMI out and still use your monitor with DVI. I use that setup with my Samsung monitor since my desktop has HDMI out.

Hi Lou,

The DELL only has a VGA input, which is another big reason for my wanting to get a seperate card. I was using DVI with the Compaq, but had to revert back to VGA with the new PC.

John

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by Owen Lol

4870 Or if you wanna go heavy get the 4870 X2.

AWESOME card!

Thanks, but I'm NOT a gamer or hardcore graphics user. I think the 4350 that xtop recommended is the one to get for me.

John

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by John72953

Thanks, but I'm NOT a gamer or hardcore graphics user. I think the 4350 that xtop recommended is the one to get for me.

I would second the recommendation of the HD 4350, seeing as it offers native HDMI output support.

If you're looking for a better price, NewEgg has a Gigabyte HD 4350 with HDMI port and a free low-profile bracket (in box) for $27.99 (after $10 MIR); they offer free shipping as well. The Gigabyte manufacturer's warranty on parts is also slightly longer than the one from Powercolor (three years vs. two). Link below:

GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350

[Johnny Vinyl]

Originally Posted by PrivatePixel

I would second the recommendation of the HD 4350, seeing as it offers native HDMI output support.

If you're looking for a better price, NewEgg has a Gigabyte HD 4350 with HDMI port and a free low-profile bracket (in box) for $27.99 (after $10 MIR); they offer free shipping as well. The Gigabyte manufacturer's warranty on parts is also slightly longer than the one from Powercolor (three years vs. two). Link below:

GIGABYTE GV-R435OC-512I Radeon HD 4350

Thanks for the link and the additional info PrivatePixel! Gonna check it out after work. Would like to get this done by the end of next week or the week after.

John

[Johnny Vinyl]

Went to my PC store (have bought a lot from him over the years) and he will do the installation of the HDD, CD drive and HD4350 Graphics card for FREE, as long as I buy the card from him. No problem ..the card is $49.99CDN. Will be bringing it in next Thursday or Friday.

Looking forward to it as I can't get the max res on my monitor using the VGA input. Using 1600x1200, as opposed to 1680x1050. It's ok, but I want the higher resolution back. The typeface as so much cleaner!

John

[PrivatePixel]

Originally Posted by John72953

Looking forward to it as I can't get the max res on my monitor using the VGA input. Using 1600x1200, as opposed to 1680x1050. It's ok, but I want the higher resolution back.

You can support a widescreen resolution of 1680x1050 via VGA input, as long as you have the monitor driver installed (if you misplaced the installation disc that comes with the monitor, often times, they can be downloaded as well).