Upgrading an old rig ..

[Inseeh]

Once again I need to choose a GPU upgrade for my PC.

I have a Dell Optiplex 745, which I upgraded with a Q6600 a year ago (sadly i cannot overclock it duo to Dells shitty mobo), it runs with and old 8600GT at the moment.

Few days ago I was browsing some forums and found a XFX 8800GT 512MB for 60 euros. Didnt sound so bad so I did a bit of research, just to find out if it can fit duo to limited amount of space on the mobo.. seems like it barely does.
Now the question is, can I get something better for 60euros (I am a student, so my budget is very limited) ?

I do play some games (Eve Online, Starcraft 2 and some older FPS, like Quake3, Counter Strike, etc) but I do heavy Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, 3ds max work aswell

Thanks for helping!

 

[Illyan]

You might be able to get a 4850 / GTS250 for that, but they would be larger than an 8800GT.

 

[Inseeh]

I was actually looking into 4850, some of them might fit inside the case.
Some more feedback from the more experience people would be much appreciated, I am a scrub when it comes to PC hardware.

 

[RavenSEAL]

You can get an HD4870 for around that price also.

 

[Inseeh]

You can get an HD4870 for around that price also.

Hmm.. I dont really fancy taking another PSU, I think this Dell one I have is 300w, I read that its good but I am not really sure if i can run it

 

[rockyjohn]

The specs say it has 220w to 305w depending on form factor.

http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/opti_745techspecs.pdf

That will really limit video card options. Does it even have any 6 pin power connectors? The specs don't list that but do state the PCIe slot power is 75w. Not sure if this means there is no PSU connector or just does not list it. But even at 305w this is too little for the 4850.

 

[happy medium]

I'd try to find a used 5750. Low power consumption (90watts) and short length.
Just use a 4 pin molex connector to 6 pin. With the Q6600 upgrde your psu might come up short.

A 5670 might be a good choice, low power (65 watts), short length,
allmost as fast as a 8800gt and no extra power connectors.

It would be a good upgrade from a 8600gt. 2x the performance.

 

[Inseeh]

Does it even have any 6 pin power connectors?

I just checked, and the PSU does have 6 pin connector!

From all the cards I've seen in the last few days I fancy 4850 the most, if it could run on my PSU.. It looks like the card is giving best performance for the buck

 

[rockyjohn]

You never did post stats about your PSU size.

The HD 4850 lists a recommended minimum PSU at 450w. However reviews done by Anandtech and THG show the full load max power at 227w and 251w.

If you have the 305w PSU, you might want to give the 4850 a try. Its not good to push a PSU to its limit, but you may have enough room as long as you don't overclock the card. Dell has a reputation for using strong PSUs - they know the importance of reliable and stable power. But still it would be going under the manufacturers recommended size by quite a bit.