Need help with video graphics card please

[Raxacori]

Hello! I was wondering if anyone could help me please? I want to get my brother a new graphics card because most of the games he wants to play on Steam, his computer can't handle it. I'm not really a computer expert when it comes to computer modding or anything. Here is his computer info:

He has a Dell Optiflex GX620, i'm not sure if it has been modded before, our dad got it for him through Ebay of 2011. He does duel screen his game.
OS: Windows 7 home premium 32 bit
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS Plus V 1.10 A11
Processor: Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.80 GHz (2 CPU) ~ 2.8 GHz (Does that mean he has 2 CPUs running at 2.8 GHZ separate or altogether?)
RAM: 3072MB
DirectX :DirectX 11
Video Card: Radeon x600/Radeon x550 series (Does that mean he has two graphics cards and that i will have to buy two new ones to keep up with the gaming graphics?)

If I'm missing any other useful information, I will be able to provide.

Unfortunately, since I am not made of money, cost is an issue. I am hoping to spend $100 total (especially if that means I have to get 2 new graphics cards). I do know that the best ones will be costly. I think the graphics card is PCI Express 2.0. Are the later models like PCI Express 2.1 and 3.0 compatiable? I do go on Newegg, but since I'm not sure what I'm looking at or for, I don't want to get the wrong thing and cry about it later.

Do I need to update his RAM also or should that be fine?

He doesn't do "heavy" gaming. He usually plays games like Garry's Mod, DotA 2, Portal 1/2, Morrowind, Orcs Must Die2, Team Fortress 2,etc. He can't play Minecraft on it, but even those games are super laggy. And I know there's a few games on his wishlist that he wants, but his computer just won't be able to handle it.

Any help is greatly appreciated! It'll also help me understand computer building a bit more, since I'm hoping on switching from laptop to PC in the near future.

Thank you for your time!

[keigo199013]

Hi there! Most desktops typically have only one video card, although some like to run SLI (if you have the available slots and money). Looking at the specs for your system, the AMD video card in your system is a bit outdated (it's from around 2005). Also, your system has 3GB of RAM as of right now, however your motherboard will only support up to 4GB. I also looked into how many PCI express 2.0 x16 slots the motherboard in you system has, and you have a total of 2. I found two suitable replacement cards for you within your price range, one AMD and the other nVIDIA. I should tell you that if it is in any way possible to purchase a more expensive card, it would be worth it. I personally have the nVIDIA GeForce 550 Ti and it is a phenominal card. I hope this helped you out. Good luck!
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102950
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814127684

[Sun's Delusion]

the best gpu for the price is hd7750 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102969

[Raxacori]

Thank you for your prompt replies! It definitely helps narrow it down. Would setting it up and installing it be difficult?

Keigo199013, is this the one you have? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130718 (with the exception of it being refurbished) If it is new and just a few bucks more, then I'll definitely get it, the personal use and input is great!

[keigo199013]

Raxacori, that is the card I have. However I would caution you about purchasing a refurbished video card. As for installation, just remove the old video card and install the new card into the appropriate slot. Boot up the system and then install the drivers (included on the disc provided with the video card).

[Daddio]

As above
but uninstall the old drivers in windows control panel close down remove and replace the old card with the new one
reboot and install the latest version

The cards you chose are poor gaming cards - regardless of the adverts

This is the cheapest Nvidia card on the egg that I would recommend

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130830

sadly its more expensive, newer games need the memory (2GB)

As its a Dell you need to check the card will fit and the Power supply has enough juice and connectoers to do the job

With store bought PC's like Dell they are not designed with updating in mind - thats not to say that they are poor - they are not, just built to a budget

[keigo199013]

If you read Raxacori's original statement, the budget is $100. However, regardless of the budget the card that you just recommended is PCI express 3.0 x16. The motherboard in Raxicori's system does not have any PCI express 3.0 x16 slots, only 2.0.

[rotNdude]

引用自 keigo199013：

If you read Raxacori's original statement, the budget is $100. However, regardless of the budget the card that you just recommended is PCI express 3.0 x16. The motherboard in Raxicori's system does not have any PCI express 3.0 x16 slots, only 2.0.

That doesn't matter. PCI-E cards are backwards compatible.

[Jamebonds1]

It is oldest Intel Pentium 4 HT that have two thread (that 2 CPU you're talk about) it should work out well for game your brother played. Also it is 64 bit CPU. There is missing information. I need specs of your Power Supply. There should be chart on each Power Supply.

[_I_]

alot of the p4's around there are single core with ht, (1 core with 2 threads)
use cpuz to see which cpu you have and its core/thread count
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

[Jamebonds1]

引用自 _I_：

alot of the p4's around there are single core with ht, (1 core with 2 threads)
use cpuz to see which cpu you have and its core/thread count
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

It was p4's final step. There are a lot of oldest single core and single thread P4. First Socket 423, 478 then now LGA 775 for 64 bit CPU.

[Daddio]

Apart from rotNdude I'd ignore the last few posts, the recomendeation still stands the PCI-e version is not relavant for this case (may be if you were planning SLI'd 680 :))

[Raxacori]

Ok i checked and he has a 115V power supply.

[Jamebonds1]

Not volt on plug. The watt on 12 volt rail and amp.

[Zef]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-graphics-card-review,3107.html

[Daddio]

OK on the back of the power supply it give some info we need total output and the amps on the 12volt rails

for examplt Corsair 450 watt with 46 amps on the 12volt rail ok?