ATI Graphics Nightmare

You should post your model computer for help with your unspecified problem.It's hard to answer without knowing what model you have and what the problem was. All the new models with integrated graphics automatically switch to separate cards when they are installed. However--I have a Inspiron 570 whose integrated graphics failed and the motherboard had to be replaced under warranty. If you are still under a year, the warranty is still in effect and you should use it. Contact Dell Support. Adding a separate card won't help if the motherboard is the problem.

I had a mainboard with an AMD chipset, and the only discrete video cards that would work properly under Vista and 7 were nVidia models.

I doubt you'll have any problems using a nVidia card.

I did not know that Dell even offered any AMD Fusion processors as an option.  I have only seen the i3, i5 & i7 with the built in HD 2000 for HD 3000 graphics on the CPU and I didn't know that the AMD chip was even out a year ago when you bought your system.  What system do you have?  Either ATI or Nvidia dedicated video cards can be used.  It does not matter what CPU you have.  A dedicated PCIe X16 video card is used and recognized automatically if you install one.  

You won't be able to crossfire with and SLI.

If you want video to be complimentary and you have integrated AMD video then you should get an AMD Video card.

Sorry, I should've mentioned the processor. It's an AMD Phenom II X4 945 3GHz. Thanks for the info. I guess I'll avoid that particular Nvidia card just in case. I want to switch to Nvidia because I don't trust ATI after what I've gone through with this screen blacking out problem that comes and goes. And yes I have tried different monitors so it's not the monitor. Thanks.

The processor is not really of concern.  Compaibility of a graphics card is dependant on the system motherboard and bios.  That is why everyone kept asking you to mention what model you have.  Also, I doubt that the problem with the Inspiron 531 with an add-on HD 5450 card is the only incompatible card for that system.  And without a power supply upgrade in that inspiron 531 there really is not better choice than the HD 5450 despite its problems with the system.  If you are talking about an inspiron 531, then what you are calling a 'blackout issue' may be what i described as the system failing to turn the screen back on after being in sleep mode.  You can enter the bios and change the power saving scheme from S3 to S1 to resovle this problem, but the machine will not go to sleep the same way...  (fan stays on) but it will wake back up.

That CPU does not have a GPU on the chip like Intel.  Any Nvidia card will work with the right power supply.  

That CPU does not have a GPU on the chip like Intel.  Any Nvidia card will work with the right power supply.

MOST of the Nvidia GPU's use too much power.

The 5450 is very efficient with a TDP of 19 Watts.

Not sure of any "better" nvidia cards that are that efficient.

I went out and purchased 5450's to see how and if they run.  With Mail in Rebate they were $30 cards.

Works OK not GREAT with World of Warcraft.  For BF3 don't even think about it.

Fits fine in Tower and Desktop but the SFF Units and newer Desktop units do not fit the card because there is zero space next to the slot aka must not be more than .5 inches thick including heatsink or hit hits the hard drive mounting or some other item.

[quote user="Kelbear1"]That CPU does not have a GPU on the chip like Intel.  Any Nvidia card will work with the right power supply.

MOST of the Nvidia GPU's use too much power.

The 5450 is very efficient with a TDP of 19 Watts.

Not sure of any "better" nvidia cards that are that efficient.

[/quote]

Unfortunately, we are unclear on what system he has.  My guess is that he has at least a 300 watt PSU and in this range the ATI cards are the best option for efficiency and performance without upgrading the power supply.  The HD 5450 is a low-end card so we don't know the purpose for the upgrade either.  There are better choices with the 300W unit unless he happens to have a slimline model.  Cost, performance, features and whether someone prefers ATI or Nvidia are all factors to consider.  As with most Dell stock power supplies, ATI cards seem to offer the better choices if you're a fan of the red team.  I'm on the green team because I just prefer their drivers.  

Not all HD 5450 cards are "half height" type and so will not fit the Small Form Factor or other low profile machines.  

Also, they demonstrate the problem mentioned above in the Inspiron 531.  

A good graphics card but by no mean perfect.

There is no doubt that the ATI card saw you writing about removing it and so it is now behaving better ;)

Sorry I should've given the model. It's a Dell Studio XPS 7100.

My idea of switching from ATI to Nvidia was that if the problem that comes and goes is related to left-over stuff from previous drivers then switching to Nvidia would get rid of that problem I would expect.

Anyhow the problem seems to have gone away now but like I said it has come and gone before.

The XPS 7100 has a 460 watt power supply so it is good for a lot of video card choices.  I would always use Driver Sweeper when changing from ATI to Nvidia or the other way around to clean things out found HERE.