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November 29th, 2010 12:00

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

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

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

18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 07:00

Hi.  Thanks for your support thru my chaos of increasing my learning curve on trying to understand graphic cards.  I would buy the Sparkle 8400GS PCI, but it's ddr2.  Don't think will work unless I misunderstood your previous comments.  I think we've elimiated AGP cards because my Dimension 4500 isn't the S version or isn't a mini tower. 

 I think we've established that I have only one option

 I need a low profile 256mb DDR PCI that works with my only monitor, a 19"  Samsung flat screen (Dual Dvi-D---24- plus 1 pin-- and supports 1440X900

 Resolution and a 2ms response time) , possibly 512mb (although was told that 512mb could be pushing my systems limits).

If I'm confused on above comments, please let me know...that is if I havn't frustrated you yet.

 

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

December 1st, 2010 07:00

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.

 

 PFAZAR

I'm not certain what 'I've heard this dells agp slot may be untouchable...' means?

A dedicated video connector, like AGP is always better than using a PCI slot.

Do you have an AGP video card already installed, if there is one installed, all you need to do is replace the card and probably install a new driver?

Regards the Dell 250w installed in the 4500, Dell rates the power supply using the mean average, while other manufacturers rate their power supplies
by the peak power.

The mean average is 250 watts, and the peak power capability is 345 watts. 

Bev.

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

December 1st, 2010 08:00

Hi.  Thanks for your support thru my chaos of increasing my learning curve on trying to understand graphic cards.  I would buy the Sparkle 8400GS PCI, but it's ddr2.  Don't think will work unless I misunderstood your previous comments.  I think we've elimiated AGP cards because my Dimension 4500 isn't the S version or isn't a mini tower. 

 I think we've established that I have only one option

 I need a low profile 256mb DDR PCI that works with my only monitor, a 19"  Samsung flat screen (Dual Dvi-D---24- plus 1 pin-- and supports 1440X900

 Resolution and a 2ms response time) , possibly 512mb (although was told that 512mb could be pushing my systems limits).

If I'm confused on above comments, please let me know...that is if I havn't frustrated you yet.

 

 PFAZAR

Quote, 'I would buy the Sparkle 8400GS PCI, but it's ddr2.  Don't think will work unless I misunderstood your previous comments'.

We are talking about cross purposes here and you have misunderstood me.

The Dimension 4500 computer system does not support DDR2 memory, only DDR, BUT video card memory is memory installed in a video card and is independent of the requirements of the computer system.

Video card memory and the computer system memory, are separate entities.

In other words, DDR2 memory installed in a video card is compatible with the 4500, but DDR2 memory cannot be used in the motherboard of the 4500.

Quote, 'I think we've elimiated AGP cards because my Dimension 4500 isn't the S version or isn't a mini tower". 

That is wrong, if the motherboard has a AGP slot/connector, it can used to install an AGP card, it makes no difference what the case is, but if the case is the slimline/compact version like the 4500s, then a Low Profile AGP card is required.

Bev.

 

18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 08:00

Memory Interface 64-bit  128-bit  64-bit  64-bit  128-bit 
Memory Type DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR 
DirectX DirectX 8  DirectX 9  DirectX 8  DirectX 8  DirectX 9 
OpenGL OpenGL  OpenGL 1.5  OpenGL 1.3  OpenGL  OpenGL 2.0 
Memory Interface 64-bit  128-bit  64-bit  64-bit  128-bit 
Memory Type DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR 
DirectX DirectX 8  DirectX 9  DirectX 8  DirectX 8  DirectX 9 
OpenGL OpenGL  OpenGL 1.5  OpenGL 1.3  OpenGL  OpenGL 2.0 
Memory Interface 64-bit  128-bit  64-bit  64-bit  128-bit 
Memory Type DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR 
DirectX DirectX 8  DirectX 9  DirectX 8  DirectX 8  DirectX 9 
OpenGL OpenGL  OpenGL 1.5  OpenGL 1.3  OpenGL  OpenGL 2.0 

Also unclear on two other things....1)  whether I have to use current 64 bit as opposed to 128 bit memory interface card.  and 2)  open gl #.  Think dell said was compatible with open gl2.

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

Memory Interface 64-bit  128-bit  64-bit  64-bit  128-bit 
Memory Type DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR 
DirectX DirectX 8  DirectX 9  DirectX 8  DirectX 8  DirectX 9 
OpenGL OpenGL  OpenGL 1.5  OpenGL 1.3  OpenGL  OpenGL 2.0 
Memory Interface 64-bit  128-bit  64-bit  64-bit  128-bit 
Memory Type DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR 
DirectX DirectX 8  DirectX 9  DirectX 8  DirectX 8  DirectX 9 
OpenGL OpenGL  OpenGL 1.5  OpenGL 1.3  OpenGL  OpenGL 2.0 
Memory Interface 64-bit  128-bit  64-bit  64-bit  128-bit 
Memory Type DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR  DDR 
DirectX DirectX 8  DirectX 9  DirectX 8  DirectX 8  DirectX 9 
OpenGL OpenGL  OpenGL 1.5  OpenGL 1.3  OpenGL  OpenGL 2.0 

Also unclear on two other things....1)  whether I have to use current 64 bit as opposed to 128 bit memory interface card.  and 2)  open gl #.  Think dell said was compatible with open gl2.

 PFAZAR

Are you refering to a video card, if you are, then it's best to have more memory.

Bev.

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

 I need a low profile 256mb DDR PCI that works with my only monitor, a 19"  Samsung flat screen (Dual Dvi-D---24- plus 1 pin-- and supports 1440X900 

 PFAZAR

If you have a Dimension 4500, like THIS, you need a full size video card, NOT a low profile card.

If you have a Dimension 4500s, like THIS

, then you need a Low Profile video card.

Bev.

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

Ok.  I need a full size video card.  Thanks...your a great teacher!

 PFAZAR

It's not my intention to be a teacher. LOL  :emotion-5:

Bev.

18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

Ok.  I need a full size video card.  Thanks...your a great teacher!

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

If I'm following you correctly, AGP is still the preferred choice over PCI and it will work on my Dimension 4500 period.  If I remember correctly I have one seperate AGP video slot currently being used by more ancient graphics card and I could use a ddr2 even with my 250 watt/300plus max power supply. 

 PFAZAR

Quote, If I'm following you correctly, AGP is still the preferred choice over PCI and it will work on my Dimension 4500 period.

Yes.

Quote, I could use a ddr2 even with my 250 watt/300plus max power supply. 

If 'ddr2' refers to the video card, yes.

When refering to a video card, please use 'Video Card' and not 'ddr2', this will help not create confusion, or misunderstanding.

Bev.

18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

So even though I'm currently using a 64 bit graphics related memory card...a upgraded 128bit card will work on the Dimension 4500.

10 Elder

 • 

46K Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

So even though I'm currently using a 64 bit graphics related memory card...a upgraded 128bit card will work on the Dimension 4500.

 PFAZAR

Yes, it should.

Bev.

18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 09:00

If I'm following you correctly, AGP is still the preferred choice over PCI and it will work on my Dimension 4500 period.  If I remember correctly I have one seperate AGP video slot currently being used by more ancient graphics card and I could use a ddr2 even with my 250 watt/300plus max power supply. 

18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 10:00

Or I think one of these.  If you have made or have a better suggestion, please excuse my computer related knowledge and SHARE it again!  Thank you very much for all of your help!!! 

Remove Removeremove 14-161-152
HIS Radeon 9250 H925H128E1TOAN Video Card HIS Radeon 9250 H925H128E1TOAN Video Card
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SPARKLE GeForce FX 5200 SF8834DT256MB Video Card SPARKLE GeForce FX 5200 SF8834DT256MB Video Card
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EVGA GeForce 6200 256-A8-N401-LR Video Card EVGA GeForce 6200 256-A8-N401-LR Video Card
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PNY GeForce 6200 VCG62512SAEB-S Video Card PNY GeForce 6200 VCG62512SAEB-S Video Card
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SPARKLE GeForce 6200 SA6200256D2HPP Video Card SPARKLE GeForce 6200 SA6200256D2HPP Video Card
 
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Rating   (16)   (44)   (92)    
In Stock Yes  Yes  Yes  Yes  Yes 
Item# N82E16814161152  N82E16814187045  N82E16814130465  N82E16814133355  N82E16814187122 
Model# H925H128E1TOAN  SF8834DT256MB  256-A8-N401-LR  VCG62512SAEB-S  SA6200256D2HPP 
Brand HIS  SPARKLE  EVGA  PNY  SPARKLE 
Interface AGP 4X/8X  AGP 4X/8X  AGP 8X  AGP 8X  AGP 8X 
Chipset Manufacturer ATI  NVIDIA  NVIDIA  NVIDIA  NVIDIA 
GPU Radeon 9250  GeForce FX 5200  GeForce 6200  GeForce 6200  GeForce 6200 
Core Clock 240MHz  250MHz  350MHz  350MHz  350MHz 
PixelPipelines    
Effective Memory Clock 333MHz    532MHz (effective)  533MHz   
Memory Size 128MB  256MB  256MB  512MB  256MB 
Memory Interface 64-bit  128-bit  64-bit  64-bit  64-bit 
Memory Type DDR  DDR  DDR2  DDR2  DDR2 
DirectX DirectX 8  DirectX 9  DirectX 9  DirectX 9  DirectX 9 
OpenGL OpenGL 1.3  OpenGL    OpenGL 2.0  OpenGL 1.5 
D-SUB 1 x D-SUB  1 x D-SUB  1 x D-SUB  1 x D-SUB  1 x D-SUB 
DVI 1 x DVI  1 x DVI  1 x DVI  1 x DVI  1 x DVI 
TV-Out S-Video Out  S-Video Out  HDTV / S-Video Out  S-Video Out  HDTV Out 
Max Resolution 2048 x 1536  2560 x 1600  2048 x 1536     
CrossFireX Support No         
Cooler Fanless  Fanless  Fanless  Fanless  Fanless 
Operating Systems Supported Windows 98/ME/NT 4.0/2000/XP         
Package Contents H925H128E1TOAN
Driver Disk
User Manual
S-Video Cable 
SF8834DT256MB
Driver Disk
S-Video Cable 
     
Parts 2 years limited  Lifetime limited  2 years limited  1 year limited  Lifetime limited 
Labor 2 years limited  Lifetime limited  2 years limited  1 year limited  Lifetime limited 
RAMDAC   350 MHz  400 MHz    400 MHz 
SLI Support   No  No  No  No 
Dual-Link DVI Supported   Yes  Yes     
System Requirements     Minimum of a 250 Watt power supply. (Minimum recommended power supply with +12 Volt current rating of 18 Amps.)     
Features       NVIDIA CineFX 3.0 engine

NVIDIA UltraShadow II Technology

NVIDIA Intellisample 3.0 Technology

NVIDIA Digital Vibrance Control 3.0 Technology

Integrated HDTV Encoder with Video Scaling and Filtering

NVIDIA PureVideo Technology 
NVIDIA CineFX 3.0 engine

Revolutionary superscalar architecture

NVIDIA UltraShadow II technology

Full-speed 32-bit color precision

NVIDIA Intellisample 3.0 technology

Adaptable programmable video processor

High-definition MPEG-2 and WMV hardware acceleration

Advanced motion adaptive de-interlacing

Video color correction

NVIDIA ForceWare Unified Driver Architecture (UDA)

NVIDIA nView multi-display technology

NVIDIA Digital Vibrance Control 3.0 technology 
Card Dimensions         6.61" x 4.25" 
Notes & Disclaimers VGA Standard Return Policy  VGA Standard Return Policy  VGA Standard Return Policy  VGA Standard Return Policy  VGA Standard Return Policy 
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18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 10:00

So now, I'm down too a dell recommended choice.

DIAMOND MULTIMEDIA Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 256 MB DDR PCI Graphics Card

Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 256 MB DDR PCI Graphics Card
new
Stealth ATI Radeon 9250 256 MB DDR PCI Graphics Card
Highly evolved and extremely programmable, the Stealth 9250 opens a stunning new world of immersive play for gamers. Powered by high performance features including a Quad-pipe architecture, the Stealth 9250's ... Full Description
Dell Price $75.99
As low as  $15.00 /month* 1
Dell Preferred Account for PCs, laptops, and computer accessories Apply | Learn More
 
Add to Cart
Usually Ships: Within 24 Hours

Manufacturer Part# : S9250PCI256SB | Dell Part# : A1632295
Email to a Friend Email to a Friend
Add to Wish List Add to Wish List
Print-Friendly Version Print-Friendly Version
Compatibility Compatibility
Click to Chat Click to Chat
Click to Call Click to Call
__USERID__
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A1632295&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=4&~ck=dellSearch&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19
 
accessories.us.dell.com/sna/ReviewsSubmit.aspx?sku=a1632295&baynote_bnrank=0&baynote_irrank=4&~ck=dellsearch&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

Overview Tech Specs Customer Ratings Glossary And Resource
Tech Specs
General
Device Type
Graphics adapter
Enclosure Type
Plug-in card
Interface Type
PCI
Processor / Memory
Graphics Processor / Vendor
ATI Radeon 9250
Video Memory
256 MB
Technology
DDR SDRAM
Video Output
Max Monitors Supported
2
TV Interface
TV out
Digital Video Standard
Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces
1 x DVI-I - 29 pin combined DVI ¦ 1 x VGA - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15) ¦ 1 x TV-out - 4 pin mini-DIN
Compatible Slots
1 x PCI
Software / System Requirements
OS Required
Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
Peripheral / Interface Devices
CD-ROM
System Requirements Details
- 450 MHz - RAM 64 MB - HD 90 MB

18 Posts

December 1st, 2010 10:00

I will go with Your decision regarding one of the last to posts.  If there is anything I can help you with, I'm pretty darn knowledgable regarding mortgage or any investment related questions.  That's all I can offer you help on.  Thanks again!!!

Paul 

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