Low Profile Graphics Card Help

[pantsoffdanceoff]

Sorry all readers for bothering you with this but the interweb has had no consecutive answer to my problem.

I recently discovered that my computer is not up to snuff on processing video games. I'm comparing my system with the system requirements for Fallout 3 because if it can play that it can play anything. Everything on my computer meets the recommended requirements except my graphics card.

Unfortunately, my computer is a Dell Inspiron 531S. The "S" stands for slim. I have been told that it can only use half height graphics cards but I'm not sure if that means the same as low profile. I need some recommendations for what graphics card to get my computer.

Thank you for your help in advance.

 

[jasoncyrus]

If you are going to update your rig you may as well update the whole lot so it'll have a dcent chance of playing the metaphorical fallout 4.

And get a regular case this time that you can properly customise.

 

[keyper159]

ive got the 530s and yeah a low profile graphics card would work also
and if your trying to find a good one try the Nvidia 8400, 8500, or the 8600 but make sure its low profile, thats the most important part

 

[Anarchemitis]

Well, I just recently got a new Driver for my nVidia 6150. And I'm shimyin' and shackin to all that actually working motion blur in Half Life 2 Episode 2.

 

[cleverlymadeup]

I would assume low profile means a single slot card, alot of new graphics cards take up two slots because of the large fans/heatsinks.

actually low profile means half the size of a normal card

unless the pc is brand spanking new, i'd say get a totally new one

 

[cleverlymadeup]

Yeah, i know i checked it out. The tower isn't that small, i'm sure he could stick a new card in no problem.

nope not the slim models, if they have full sized cards in them it's because of a riser card and the full sized one is vertical instead of horizontal when the case is upright. they are a real pain

 

[Metalgamer81]

Dell sucks. Seriously. They're terrible computers. Really. What they do is build machines that meet the bare minumum requirements to run the OS and make then non-upgradeable. You can buy a more expensive gaming machine through Dell, but those are super overpriced.

I had a similar issue with my girlfriend's old computer. I found that any low profile video card will fit, but you have to use a bracket kit to replace the I/O panel on the front of the card so it will fit. The good news is that many low profile video cards come with said kit. You can also buy one.

This is about the best listing of decent low profile cards you'll find:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010380048+1419530408+1069633099+1068310557&Configurator=&Subcategory=48&description=&Ntk=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

If you need brackets, try something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814998301

That should do it. You will have to remove the long I/O panel to install the bracket. I've never done this myself so I really can't walk you through it.

Finally though, even with an upgraded video card your computer is still going to have some issues running games. Just because it meets the minimum requirements that doesn't mean it will run anything well. If you want your games to look good and run nicely, I strongly recommend looking into a new computer, one that is built with gaming in mind. Running games well requires a powerful video card, a generous amount of fast memory and an up-to-date CPU. A fast hard drive doesn't hurt, either.

Good luck, I hope you get decent results from upgrading your Dell machine. My general advice to Dell owners is usually just to use that computer for general internet browsing and multimedia and get a new pc if you want to play games.