Help Needed! New graphics card & RAM on Dimension 4500...update bios?

Help Needed! New graphics card & RAM on Dimension 4500...update bios? PFAZAR I have a old but dependable Dimension 4500 desktop.  Just maxed out ram memory by buying two 512mb Crucial memory cards with a clock speed of 400hz.  Just bought Radeon HD 4350 PCIe 512MB HDMI SFF-Short+Tall brackets that I havn't installed.  Should I change my bios from A03 to A04?  Should I do anything else?  Only have 40mb hard drive..but only using 40% of it. Thanks for any help! Paul

PFAZAR

The Dimension 4500 does not support any PCI Express video cards, this system only supports AGP cards, similar to the cards shown HERE

Bev.

I recall the 4500S not having AGP either.

I recall the 4500S not having AGP either.

You are right, the 4500S has 'Integrated AGP graphics', guess I'll have to start designating, Mini Tower. LOL  :emotion-4:

Bev.

I just spent a frustrating amount of time with Dell about this issue and they assured/commended me to purchase a Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 DDR SDRAM PCI 128mb card (128mb because I have Windows xp).  ie.  Graphics adapter with Plug in card-Low profile.    Dell part #a1632296.  Yes, my computer is 8 years old, but it's in great shape and i can't believe I've spent a total of 4 solid hours with them on this issue.  I guess I will have to return the the Radeon HD4350 PCIe 512mb HDMI SFF Short graphics card I purchased last week.  I held off purchasing the Stealth Card because I lack faith in Dell associates right now.

Thanks for your input Bev and Speedy.  I appreciate it!!!!!!!

Paul.

You welcome.

Bev.

I just spent a frustrating amount of time with Dell about this issue and they assured/commended me to purchase a Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 DDR SDRAM PCI 128mb card (128mb because I have Windows xp).  ie.  Graphics adapter with Plug in card-Low profile.    Dell part #a1632296.  Yes, my computer is 8 years old, but it's in great shape and i can't believe I've spent a total of 4 solid hours with them on this issue.  I guess I will have to return the the Radeon HD4350 PCIe 512mb HDMI SFF Short graphics card I purchased last week.  I held off purchasing the Stealth Card because I lack faith in Dell associates right now.

Paul.

You just got to love Dell's Technical support.  :emotion-40:

 If you have the Mini Tower version, you can install a full size APG video card.

Bev.

Do you know if there's a better graphics card based on the updated info. I posted?

 PFAZAR

The DIAMOND MULTIMEDIA Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 128 MB DDR PCI Graphics Card will work fine in the 4500. providing you have an open PCI slot, or you can buy the AGP version from HERE @ $32.99

Bev.

Hi. I don't have the mini tower.  I have the regular size tower.  If you have the time, here's a link<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell> to the exact dell recomendation.

Thanks for your input Bev and Speedy.  I appreciate it!!!!!!!

The Sparkle 8400GS PCI is low profile and should fit in your case.

It sells for $40 (Newegg) and is much more modern than the ATI 9200. I used one in my 2350 with excellent results.

I only have ddr, so I'm assuming that ddr2 etc. would not work?

I only have ddr, so I'm assuming that ddr2 etc. would not work?

 PFAZAR

You assume correct, DDR2 RAM is not compatible with the 4500, in fact it will not fit into the DDR slots.

Bev.

Thanks.  By now, you definately know I'm a newbie.  However, I'm trying to get this right the first time.  My current graphics card is a 64mb Geforce4 mx and I believe its in a AGP slot.  I believe a AGP slot is better than a PCI slot.  I've heard this dells agp slot may be untouchable ...therefore I would have to do PCI.  But, if the the old AGP graphics card can be replaced with a newer one then that would be better???However, to make anybody more confused, I've read that there's not many current agp graph. cards that are made that might work with the original agp slots. Then I've learned i have to be concerned about power supply...think mine is only 250watts.  Any how, didn't know what i was getting myself into.  Any additional advice or suggestions would be great. 

P.S.  The reason I'm a bit sour on the Dell suggested Diamond Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 256mb DDR PCI graphics card is that it did not get rave reviews...heard in several posts that it puts off a noticable irritating high pitch sound.

Thanks.  By now, you definately know I'm a newbie.  However, I'm trying to get this right the first time.  My current graphics card is a 64mb Geforce4 mx and I believe its in a AGP slot.  I believe a AGP slot is better than a PCI slot.

The GeForce 4 MX is an ancient design and the Radeon 9200 isn't much better.