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Replace Video Card on Dell Inspiron 531 ??
My wife has an Inspiron 531 which from today, for no apparent reason, appears to boot up normally (usual beeps and starting fan noise) but the monitor screen is blank. I've tried two other monitors which work fine on other computers, and which also worked on this 531, but I get the same blank screen. A friend, who is much more savvy than I am, reckons my Video card (the original-fit 256mb NVIDIA GeForce 8300GS) needs replacing. Does this diagnosis sound right?
If so, could someone suggest a compatible replacement card which will fit easily? The same friend suggests an EVGA NVIDIA GeForce 8400GS 512 Mb 32-bit DDR3 as an economical replacement? My wife doesn't do any gaming etc, so a low end card is fine just as long as it won't be a difficult installation.
Also, I've seen posts saying that the old drivers should be uninstalled before installing a new card and drivers. If I can't see the screen, how do I get over that?
Would really appreciate some advice! Thanks in advance!
Dell Inspiron 531
Dell SE198WFP Monitor
AMD x 2 Processor 3800 (2.0 GHz)
4 Gb RAM
Windows Vista Home Premium
256 Mb NVIDIA GeForce 8300GS
CIT 450W Gold ATX PSU
DELL-Allan D
2.6K Posts
1
August 8th, 2013 07:00
Hello Rz9Y,
It seems to be an issue with the video card if other monitors did not work as well. However, In order to isolate the issue further, I would request you to remove the discrete video card (nVidia GeForce 8300GS) from the computer and connect the monitor to the on-board VGA port. Check if you get display from the on-board graphics. You may also try booting the system into Safe Mode and check if you are getting the display.
You may also check for the compatible video cards here.
Hope this helps!
RZ9Y
24 Posts
0
August 8th, 2013 12:00
Thanks Allan D - much appreciated. Still no display when I tried to boot into Safe Mode, but it works fine via the on-board VGA port. I guess that confirms that I need to replace the video card?
Thanks again
John F
speedstep
8 Wizard
8 Wizard
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47K Posts
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August 8th, 2013 13:00
EVGA 01G-P3-1302-LR GeForce 8400 GS Video Card
www.tigerdirect.com/.../item-details.asp
This is a better card and cheaper on sale. Sale ends 08/15
Sapphire Radeon HD 5450 100292DDR3L
eternalozzie
254 Posts
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August 9th, 2013 08:00
I second SpeedStep's suggestion ... AMD HD 5450 is a better choice.
DELL-Allan D
2.6K Posts
0
September 18th, 2013 17:00
Hello Joeranger,
The AMD HD 5450 requires 400W or grater power supply. Hence, you would have to upgrade the power supply. However, you may check out the list of compatible video cards with the system here. These cards would work with the stock power supply.
Hope this helps!
joeranger
33 Posts
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September 18th, 2013 17:00
I need to upgrade my Ins 531 as well. AMD HD 5450 is a good choice given the 300w power limit?
Kelbear1
1.5K Posts
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September 19th, 2013 12:00
The HD 5450 is a good choice. The HD 6450 is a better choice so compare pricing. It offers better performance. I use the HD 6450 on a Dell 660s with a 220 watt power supply and it works just fine. The HD 6450 uses approximately 30 watts and the HD 5450 uses 20 so they don't require much power at all.
John-nontechie
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December 1st, 2013 08:00
Hello Allan-D
I have similar problem...no video but there is power. And same machine Inspiron 531.
Please explain in detail as you suggested to: "remove the discrete video card (nVidia GeForce 8300GS) from the computer and connect the monitor to the on-board VGA port. Check if you get display from the on-board graphics."
Thank you, John