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Win 7 Graphics Card for Dimension 4600
I have a venerable Dell Dimension 4600 computer. It has plenty of memory and disk space. I would like to install Windows 7 on the machine. As part of that process, I would like to upgrade the video card that I currently have (ATI Radeon 9800 - 128 DDR). Please note that this computer is used for general business purposes, and not for gaming. I just want a card that works well with and takes advantage of the capabilities of Windows 7.
Thanks for any recommendations you can offer.
rdunnill
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August 27th, 2010 00:00
Windows 7's Aero user interface requires a DirectX 9-compatible card and I believe the 9800 supports only DX8. The 4650 supports DX10.1 and is fully compatible with Windows 7; I have used a XFX 4650 AGP under Windows 7 and can personally attest to its compatibility.
Regarding video performance, it is usually discussed in terms of gaming, but the 4650 has other advantages such as hardware support for HD video decoding, HDCP copy protection compatibility, dual digital monitor outputs (for dual monitor configurations), and support for widescreen LCD monitors. (I'm not sure if the 9800 supports these.)
RobinBredin
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August 11th, 2010 15:00
Hi, Your manual is HERE<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>, if your budget is nit big for gaming, then what about this card HERE.
rdunnill
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August 22nd, 2010 13:00
Newegg has the XFX 4650 on special for $65 (free shipping). It is Windows 7-compatible(I can personally attest to this) and has dual DVI port (for use with dual monitors).
It is much more modern than the five-year-old 6200 and currently slightly cheaper.
JRN92
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August 26th, 2010 09:00
Thanks very much for your suggestion. Will the XFX 4650 offer superior performance over the ATI Radeon 9800 I currently have for general Windows 7 use (non-gaming)? I don't have a problem paying more for a superior AGP video card, but I don't use the computer for gaming and don't need to pay for that particular function. I just want to maximize performance and features for general Win 7 use (business).
JRN92
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August 27th, 2010 19:00
Thanks very much for your informative answer.
JRN92
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August 29th, 2010 10:00
There is one other question I forgot to ask. My Dimension 4600 has the factory-standard 250 watt power supply. Is that adequate for the XFX 4650 video card? Thanks again.
123ghost
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August 29th, 2010 23:00
I own what is left of a 4600i that I purchased in early 2004. It had a number of upgrades in those years. The PSU that has powered it for the last 2 years is a 400w Corsair. a well worth while upgrade. The system ran alot smoother in the P-4 comfigeration as well now in it's current state. I am really surprised yours has lasted this long. More is better in this case. You cannot over do a PSU. They only use as much power as they need. Most are 80% plus efficient and some have 5year warrantys. I would say with a video card you should step to the 500 to 600W units. Shop wisely for the best deal on a name brand. Cosair, Rosewill, and OCZ, just to name a few. Hope it helps.
rdunnill
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August 31st, 2010 00:00
FWIW an E5400 dual core CPU and 4670 video card worked fine in my nMediaPC 100 with 275-watt power supply. My Studio 540s has an E7400 CPU and 4650 video card yet makes do with a 250-watt power supply.
I think your power supply is adequate.
speedstep
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September 2nd, 2010 06:00
Over stressing a power supply is a risk that it will fail over voltage and Fry everything.
Your risk analysis should take into account if a $100 upgrade 550w or better power supply is
worth the piece of mind.
Stay CLEAR of 400 or 450 or 500 or 550 or 600W power supplys that are less than $99
in the $29 to $39 range as these are FAKE power supplies and will be WORSE than what you
currently have from dell and WILL FRY everything.
rdunnill
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September 2nd, 2010 19:00
Total system draw 171 watts for Radeon 4650 AGP.
And, Dell power supplies tend to be underrated.