Inspiron 530 upgrade video card

If you have the slim chassis (which requires half-height cards), this should work: www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx

Otherwise, this is a good budget gaming card: www.newegg.com/.../Product.aspx

Hi rdunnill, thanks for the info.......but those cards are pci express 3.0.....i dont think those will work with my machine at least based on some of the info i have read.  i need a pci express 2.0 as far as i can tell........did you take a look at the ones dell suggested that i posted in the link?

The new cards are backwardly compatible -- they will work in old and not-so-old (like yours) machines alike. I had a 6570 working in a Vostro 220s (similar to the 530s) with perfect functionality.

I did look at the OEM cards you listed -- they are old designs and there have been major gains in performance and efficiency since then.

What game does he want to play?  The next step down from the HD 7750 would be the HD 6670 which may be all you need. You can find good prices on these. Those cards linked are not something you want and way overpriced because they are just too old and have limited availability.  Your board is PCIe 1.1 most likely so either the 2.1 or 2.0 cards will work.  This one HERE is only $49.99 after rebate.  It should really be good enough.  

i think he wants to play something called mine craft........

Here is a link to a site i found which mentioned pci express 2.1 not being compatible.  I just dont know what to believe.  I wish i new more about this compatability stuff.

www.tomshardware.com/.../331739-33-inspiron-530s-graphic-card

Here is the post which mentions the pci 2.1 incompatability.  

"No expert but this is what I can gather. And this is major bummer news.  

Your Inspiron 530s runs Foxconn's G33M02 motherboard. The key thing to look out here is the Intel G33 chipset; the PCI-E slot on it is Version 1.1. From what I've read, the G33 chipset and PCI-E 1.1 do not (really) support the PCI-E 2.1 of your HD5450.  Bad news doesn't stop there, AMD recommends a minimum 400W PSU for the 5450. The Inspiron 530s has only a 250W PSU.  I'd recommend returning the 5450 if you still can. The other option is changing your motherboard and PSU which is a tad bit pricey and not very practical."

Don't believe that.  I have run 2.1 cards on the 530.  I currently have a 2.1 card on a much older Dell system that has PCIe 1.1.  You do not need a 400 watt power supply for the HD 5450 mentioned.  They work fine on 250 watt units.  I run an HD 6450 which uses more power than the HD 5450 just fine on a 250W PSU.  

The 530 mini tower has either a 300 watt or 350 watt unit depending on the CPU that you have.  The HD 6670 is more than enough to play Mine Craft and will work just fine on the 300 watt unit if that's what you have.  If you have a 530s (slimline case), then you'll have to think about something else, but the PCI Express x16 2.1 cards will be backwards compatible with 1.1.  Also, check to make sure you have the latest bios version before installing the video card.  I always preferred version 1.0.16 and not 1.0.18 though if you have the normal 530 and not the other versions.  

Kelbear1, thanks!  I will make sure the bios is updated before installing the video card.  I think i will try the video card you mentioned prior in your link.  

Thanks again.  

Your Inspiron 530s runs Foxconn's G33M02 motherboard. The key thing to look out here is the Intel G33 chipset; the PCI-E slot on it is Version 1.1. From what I've read, the G33 chipset and PCI-E 1.1 do not (really) support the PCI-E 2.1 of your HD5450.  Bad news doesn't stop there, AMD recommends a minimum 400W PSU for the 5450. The Inspiron 530s has only a 250W PSU.  I'd recommend returning the 5450 if you still can. The other option is changing your motherboard and PSU which is a tad bit pricey and not very practical."

That's ridiculous ... I had a 6570 working in a much older machine than the 530. And video card manufacturers are famous for grossly overstating power supply requirements.

This person "may have read" about incompatibilities, but that doesn't mean they actually tried a PCIe 2.X card in a 530s like I did. (The Vostro 220s is said to be identitical to the 530s internally.)

Kelbear1, thanks!  I will make sure the bios is updated before installing the video card.  I think i will try the video card you mentioned prior in your link.   Thanks again.

As long as you have the mini tower and not the slim tower it will be fine.  Also, it would be considered a dual slot card using two slot covers in back so make sure you don't have any other card right below it in the PCIe x1 slot.  Most don't unless you have a sound card or something.  You'll need a single slot card if that's the case.  

Kelbear1, thanks for the slot info as well.  i did not think of this either.  i will check the system.  thanks.

one more quick question..........does this HD 6670 require any special power connectors to work in this inspiron 530 or do i just plug it into the pci slot and thats it.

No power connectors are needed.

hi.... got new video card in.....its the HD6670.  

BIG PROBLEM.  Apparently there is a wireless card in the mini-pci slot.........did not count on this being there.  This video card requires two slots.........with the mini pci wireless in there i can fit the video card in there.........

any thoughts?

does new egg even accept returns for video cards?

How about a USB wireless adapter?

that might work ........my only concern is will this adapter work as well as the existing wireless card..

the existing wireless card has a cable that comes out of the card (out the back of the machine) terminating to a square looking box.