Chipset. after reading a little bit more about the direct 3D I realize it is not the monitor driver but the Intel chipset driver. I have been able to correct 5 of the OptiPlex units, and will probably fix the rest in due time. and some of our very old OptiPlex unit (260s, 270s, and 280s) will just never be able to run 3D. should we curse Dell for making units which last more than 10 years? no, it's just that good old Chinese craftsmanship

GX280's support direct3d with a GPU.

Radeon 5450 works fine and supports all the way to windows 8.1 32 bit with the proper processor.

The EAH5450 SILENT with no fan has low profile brackets and fits all GX280 except USFF which has no slots.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121447

 

 

 http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/video/display/radeon-hd5670-hd5570-hd5450_6.html#sect0

The Asus Card is fanless, Silent, and fits in ALL MODELS of GX620 except the USFF.

48 new from $39.93

Most of the hardware uses Native Windows 7 Drivers with the exception of the Audio Codec.

http://www.dell.com/content/topics/global.aspx/solutions/en/winvista_faqs_rel?c=us&l=en&cs=prem#faq06

1. Dell will qualify Windows Vista for Basic Windows Vista functionality on the following OptiPlex legacy platforms: OptiPlex GX620, GX520, GX280, SX280, GX270, SX270, 210L and 170L
2. Dell will qualify Windows Vista for Basic Windows Vista functionality on the following Latitude legacy platforms: D800, D600, D400, D410, D505, D810, D610, D510, X300
3. Dell will qualify Windows Vista for Basic Windows Vista functionality on the following Dell Precision Workstation legacy platforms: Dell Precision Workstation 360, 470, 650, 370, 380, 670, M60, M70, M20

To run the premium versions of Windows Vista, including the Windows AeroTM  user interface, PC's should be configured with at least 1GB system RAM and 128 MB graphics memory.

To help further optimize the Windows Vista experience Dell recommends 2 GB dual-channel (2-DIMMs) system RAM, a Dual-Core processor, a 7200 rpm Hard Drive and at least a 256 MB discrete graphics card.

http://ftp.us.dell.com/video/R140545.EXE

                        32bit                  Intel Graphics drivers

Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator Driver for Windows* 7 64 (exe)

win7_64_1512754.exe 64bit  Intel Graphics drivers Download

File name:win7_64_1512754.exe
    
Version:15.12.75.4.64.1930     
Date: 10/02/2009     
Status:Latest
Size:22.84 MB     
Language:Multi language
Operating Systems:Windows 7 (64-bit)*, Windows 7 Enterprise, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Home Basic, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Home Premium, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Professional, 64-bit version*, Windows 7 Ultimate, 64-bit version*

Detailed Description

Purpose:

This driver is written specifically for the desktop   Intel ® 945G, 945GZ, 945GC, 945GT, 946GZ, G965, Q963, Q965, G31, G33, G35, Q33, Q35, Express Chipsets and the Mobile Intel®  940GML, 943GML, 945GM, 945GME, 945GMS, GL960, GLE960, GM965, GME965  Express Chipsets and will not function with any other product. View the README file for installation information and the RELEASE NOTES for driver version details. This driver package contains version 15.12.75.4.1930 (8.15.10.1930) for Windows* 7.

Usage:

The software drivers provided on this page are generic versions, and can be used for general purposes. However, computer original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) may have altered the features, incorporated customizations, or made other changes to the software or software packaging they provide. To avoid any potential installation incompatibilities on your OEM system, Intel recommends that you check with your OEM and use the software provided via your system manufacturer.
Intel or the computer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may not provide technical support for some or all issues that could arise from the usage of this generic version of software drivers.

 
Release Date:     1/24/2007        
Version:     A255.12.01.7010        
Importance:     Recommended        
Download Type:     Driver        
File Format:     Hard-Drive        
File Size:     3MB     

R145551.EXE         32 BIT

R145149.EXE          64 BIT

Compatibility

Systems