PC hardware forum: Dell Dimension 3100 Graphics card help

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user coupe93

Don't do it.

by R. Proffitt - 7/17/12 8:58 AM

In Reply to: Dell Dimension 3100 Graphics card help by coupe93

2GB RAM limit and more means you should not spend a dime on this one. I see this is on the XBOX 360 so that's the cheap way to play it.

http://www.bethsoft.com/eng/games/games_skyrim.html

Bob

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Hmm

by coupe93 - 7/17/12 9:23 AM

In Reply to: Don't do it. by R. Proffitt

I have Skyrim on the Xbox 360 already but PC gaming catches my eye more due to modding etc. I'm not expecting to run games on max graphical settings because i know my system isn't exactly amazing but to run them smoothly is all i want.

i know about the 2GB actual RAM maximum as well but at the minute until sometime this week i have 512mb actual RAM with an additional 4GB from USB RAM.. i know its not technically RAM but its sped it up stupid amounts

My problem is that i am a student and have very limited income so a new system is off limits totally. So modifying this is my only option..

- Ethan

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ReadyBoost is not additional USB RAM.

by R. Proffitt - 7/17/12 9:27 AM

In Reply to: Hmm by coupe93

Again, you are pouring money down a hole. Modifying this system is not a good idea as it is too far outdated to even come close to the play you get on the Xbox.
Bob

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I know

by coupe93 - 7/17/12 9:36 AM

In Reply to: ReadyBoost is not additional USB RAM. by R. Proffitt

Again, I'm not expecting to play LIKE an Xbox or anywhere near like an Xbox, i know that my system never will. what I'm wanting is a new graphics card that is compatible with my system because at the minute I'm using on board and it doesn't support T&L or pixel shading which i need for games..

Also the Ready Boost I'm FULLY aware that it isn't RAM! But either way 4GB Ready Boost and 2GB actual RAM will suffice to play the games i want to play as i already run most but not smoothly enough due to my lack of a graphics card.

I do completely agree though Bob, its pouring money away because its such an outdated system. But its all i have and cannot afford to buy a new system as i am a student

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Then go price out a video card.

by R. Proffitt - 7/17/12 9:51 AM

In Reply to: I know by coupe93

I can't do that as I don't have access to your market. After you find the best card for the money you need to look at replacing the power supply.

Here's a list I use to pick cards.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

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You dont seem ot understand where I'm coming from

by coupe93 - 7/17/12 10:08 AM

In Reply to: Then go price out a video card. by R. Proffitt

All i need to know is what is compatible with my system, for instance all i know about my system graphics wise;

- 2 PCI 2.3 slots
- 1 PCIe x1 Bus interface
- DDR2 memory (Or something along that line)
- 230w PSU (80% certain needs upgrading)

Look, I've never been very clued up on PC hardware so that's why I've turned to forums for help, which id appreciate. Sorry if I'm sounding off tone/condescending/aggressive I'm by far not meaning to. i just really need help/advice and pointing in the right direction. Once i know what is compatible i can go find a card, until then I have NO idea what so ever about what can be used, which DDR i need etc.

- Ethan

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I noted the 5450 is THE CARD below.

by R. Proffitt - 7/17/12 10:22 AM

In Reply to: You dont seem ot understand where I'm coming from by coupe93

And I'd done my best to warn you off. But if you insist, the 5450's are the best solutions without getting into a full blown upgrade of machine and PSU. A gamer would still be unhappy.
Bob

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I apologize too.

by R. Proffitt - 7/17/12 10:24 AM

In Reply to: You dont seem ot understand where I'm coming from by coupe93

I don't want to upset you later by promising you that it will be a good gamer. The games should run, the 5450 is THE CARD for situations and machines like this.

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Thanks

by coupe93 - 7/17/12 10:29 AM

In Reply to: I apologize too. by R. Proffitt

I understand most card that would run on my system need at least 300W PSU so that will be a certain upgrade..

Could you link me to the 5450 Graphics card you mentioned?

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From your link above.

by R. Proffitt - 7/17/12 3:49 PM

In Reply to: Thanks by coupe93

http://dealforu.co.uk/epages/eshop330172.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop330172/Products/90-C1CP2U-L0UANAYZ

That a nice 1GB 5450 just like many use for such a situation. The nvidia 520 in my opinion may be slightly too slow. If you can find benchmarks, do that but since the machine has a pcie slot, why not use it?

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Answer Best answer as chosen by user coupe93

BTW, the 5450 is THE CARD

by R. Proffitt - 7/17/12 9:52 AM

In Reply to: Dell Dimension 3100 Graphics card help by coupe93

If you don't want to change the power supply. It is THE CARD TO GET when you can't spend extra for a real gaming card. The games should launch but GAMERS will not be happy.
Bob

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