Will graphics card upgrade help?

The nVidia 6600 plain, not GT, card is selling for under $100, and you should see a difference with your system.  WWW.Newegg.com or WWW.Zipzoomfly.com have fail deals and coupons from time to time, but I don't know about the cost for sending it to your state.  You also might want to look into a computer store in your area to see how much they are selling the 6600 card ( Not 6600 GT ) . 

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Manufactory=&PropertyCodeValue=679%3A11549&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=696%3A9639&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&PropertyCodeValue=0&description=&MinPrice=&MaxPrice=&SubCategory=48&Submit=Property

 

Dim 4400
2.6 Ghz 400 FSB
1 Gb 2100 DDR Memory
20 Gb hard drive 7,200
Windows XP Home - SP-2
Leadtek 6600 GT ( AGP ) video
48xCDRW
17 LCD ( 1703 FP )
250 watt power supply

Thanks for the suggestion.  I tried newegg but with the specs for my adaptor etc, I couldn't seem to have it come up with a 6600 for my system.  Maybe I've got some of my specs wrong.  What is the best way to examine your own system.  The device manager in the system information and the dell online users manual is where I've been looking.  Is there a better way?

Thanks again.

That would be ideal, but I just laid out 1200 bucks to get a new machine for my daughter graduation present and cash is a little tight to get a whole new system

Newegg site is having some problems as of 10:25 East Coast Time.  The plain 6600 AGP slot card will work fine with your system.  We both have the same system.  I have the 6600 GT card and is working just fine with the 250 watt power supply for over 5 months now.  Other member's have the BFG 6600 GT OC card ( AGP version ) that requires a 350 watt power supply, but they are only using the 250 stock power supply.  Dell underrates its power supply and our 250 watter is the mean average and the peak power is around 345 watts as stated by the Dell Moderator sometime ago.  When the site comes back up, look at the AGP version of the 6600 plain video card and you will be just fine with that one for your 4400 system...

 

Dim 4400
2.6 Ghz 400 FSB
1 Gb 2100 DDR Memory
20 Gb hard drive 7,200
Windows XP Home - SP-2
Leadtek 6600 GT ( AGP ) video
48xCDRW
17 LCD ( 1703 FP )
250 watt power supply

Excellent info.  I noticed that you have a 2.6 processor.  Did you upgrade it after purchase?  If so did you use newegg and did you have to install another cooling fan for any of this?

Thanks so much for all your help

I had the 1.7 ghz cpu and installed the 2.6 afterwards without too many issues.  Only glitch was the retaining clip for the heatsink that was somewhat of a pain to get back on, but finally did so.  I went thru newegg for the purchase of the upgrade ( Retail ) that came with another heatsink, but it was not used since it would not fit anyway.  I also used the old thermal pad that came with the old heatsink and green shroud.  No additional cooling required.  The temp was actually slightly cooler than the 1.7 ghz.....( smaller die size was the reason )

 

 

Dim 4400
2.6 Ghz 400 FSB
1 Gb 2100 DDR Memory
20 Gb hard drive 7,200
Windows XP Home - SP-2
Leadtek 6600 GT ( AGP ) video
48xCDRW
17 LCD ( 1703 FP )
250 watt power supply

Thanks again for all the info, it has really helped me out.

Mahalo