Recommend me a new graphics card.

[cheese_wizington]

I got a new computer, and it's great. The only bad part is that the Graphics card is significantly lacking; so I was looking into a new one.

I'm looking for something that could run fallout 3 on high- here are the specs:

AMD Athlon 2 X2 215 processor, 4 gigs of ram, Windows Seven 64 Bit. It's a dell inspiron.

EDIT: Thanks for all the help and support. Love you guys.

 

[reg42]

how much are you willing to spend?

 

[cheese_wizington]

how much are you willing to spend?

100 Bucks, give or take.

 

[reg42]

I think you can get a 9800GT for that amount. Otherwise I got a 9400GT for about what rounds off to $40

 

[cheese_wizington]

I think you can get a 9800GT for that amount. Otherwise I got a 9400GT for about what rounds off to $40

That's what I was thinking, would the 9800GT work with this computer?

 

[reg42]

I think you can get a 9800GT for that amount. Otherwise I got a 9400GT for about what rounds off to $40

That's what I was thinking, would the 9800GT work with this computer?

It should, I don't see why not, but get a second opinion anyway, I'm no expert.

 

[Macgyvercas]

If you want the high end stuff, go with Nvidea GeForce GTX 285. Be prepared to spend about 250-300 bucks though.

 

[Jandau]

Higher-end NVIDIA Series 9 should be able to handle anything you can throw at it, while being quite reasonably priced at this point. Personally, I'm running a 9500GT and I've been running most recent games on fairly high settings (not totally maxed out, though).

 

[Horticulture]

AMD Athlon 2 X2 215 processor, 4 gigs of ram, Windows Seven 64 Bit. It's a dell inspiron...would the 9800GT work with this computer?

Stock Dells come with pretty weak power supplies, which means you may not be able to run most of the cards suggested so far. The Inspiron cases are also quite small, and won't fit large cards. The 9800GT is unlikely to work on either count.

In your price range, look into the GeForce GT 240 [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150466]. Of those two, the Radeon is significantly faster but also uses a touch more power. Either will handle Fallout 3, but the Radeon will do a better job of it. Though the 5670 and GT 240 will probably work with no problems, you might consider emailing Dell to see if they're aware of those cards' compatibility in your computer.

 

[Hiphophippo]

A 9800, as previously mentioned, while not the best card on the market really isn't anything to scoff at.

It's still a great card, it just won't last as long.

 

[MorsePacific]

I bought an overclocked nVidia 9500GT off of Newegg 'round about 8 months ago for just about $75.

So far, the thing's played damn near everything I've thrown at it, including Crysis on high. Seems like a good choice if you're willing to spend some cash.

 

[YuheJi]

You might need a new power supply, as like Horticulture said above me, Dells tend to come with weak ones. I would recommend the Geforce 9800GT, still a very fine card.

 

[tyranuus]

I'd say a 5670 or the passive eco 5750 from Powercolor [no pci-e power connector meaning 75w or less max draw] if you can find it, due to the low power requirements. Your PC probably has a weak power supply and that will affect what you can use, I wouldnt want to stick anything overly power hungry in it for sure, and that'll affect your budget.

 

[aseelt]

Don't get a 5670. It's for home theatre pcs.

Get the 5750. High powered, reasonably future proof, and relatively cheap.

 

[tyranuus]

Hardly, you're thinking of the 53 series. They're not as fast as the 57 series, but they're decent, midrange cards, with low power requirements which appears to be important here.
The 57 series are better, but draw more power and also cost more, the OP doesnt have a huge budget.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/graphics/2010/01/14/ati-radeon-hd-5670-review/1
http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-hd-5670-review-test-crossfire/1


They're [5670] actually surprisingly close to the 9800GT, only a few frames off at 1280x1024-1680x1050 (lets be honest if the guy wanted to play maxed out at 1920x1200 or higher he'd save for a more powerful card), and draw less power, may also be cheaper dependant on stock. Sounds like what the OP is after. Should also improve a little with drivers.

 

[flaming_squirrel]

Main issues to consider:

The PSU your computer currently includes, both wattage and amps on the +12v rail (extremely important).
Size of the case (depending on the card you're after).
Price range.

The 9800 is getting too close to being outdated for my tastes, whilst it'll currently run most games at medium settings it wont be too long before it'll be at minimum.

 

[cheese_wizington]

AMD Athlon 2 X2 215 processor, 4 gigs of ram, Windows Seven 64 Bit. It's a dell inspiron...would the 9800GT work with this computer?

Stock Dells come with pretty weak power supplies, which means you may not be able to run most of the cards suggested so far. The Inspiron cases are also quite small, and won't fit large cards. The 9800GT is unlikely to work on either count.

In your price range, look into the GeForce GT 240 [http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150466]. Of those two, the Radeon is significantly faster but also uses a touch more power. Either will handle Fallout 3, but the Radeon will do a better job of it. Though the 5670 and GT 240 will probably work with no problems, you might consider emailing Dell to see if they're aware of those cards' compatibility in your computer.

Thanks man, your the best.