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Old 08-28-2012, 12:20 AM   #1
Buff
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I have an old PC that had a nVidia 8800 GTX 768 MB DDR2. It is about 4.5 years old and the card bit the bucket a couple of months ago. The computer, while old, is still pretty darn good. I was using it as my kids computer so they could play Plants vs Zombies or other kid like games.

I don't need a very high end video card anymore so I'm wondering what people would recommend to get for this older PC?

The PC is a Dell XPS 720, and the video card that Dell recommends to replace it is actually a Small Form Factor card. I'm sure I can get a better card for a slightly cheaper price.
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Old 08-28-2012, 01:21 AM   #2
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How much do you want to spend? Depending on budget, I might recommend a new computer where you would use the integrated graphics.
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Old 08-28-2012, 07:34 AM   #3
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It's amazing how video cards have dropped. Just look at the PCIE ones on memoryexpress.com - looks like anywhere from 40 dollars upwards will get you an upgrade! (Although some of them may be double-slot cards. Just make sure you have enough room)

Last edited by calumniate; 08-28-2012 at 07:39 AM.
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Old 08-28-2012, 03:14 PM   #4
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You will need to spend $100+ if you want to double the performance of what you have now. Take a look at these charts to get an idea of performance/dollar and perf/watt. The Radeon 6870 continues to be the best bang/buck card if you can find one. The 7870 is the most efficient card in terms of performance for the power it draws.

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edit - if you want small form factor and good performance and a decent price this is hard to beat.

Last edited by zamler; 08-28-2012 at 03:17 PM.
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Old 08-29-2012, 08:33 AM   #5
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I'm hoping to spend under $100. This is an old computer for my kids to use, they'll mostly be playing Plants vs Zombies, and they occasionally surf the web for stuff like Thomas and other TreeHouse TV shows.

For those of you unfamiliar with the old XPS 720, it is a massively huge computer. I was shocked when it arrived. Here is a picture to give you an idea how big it is:


It is the computer on the right.
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Old 08-29-2012, 12:34 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Buff View Post
I'm hoping to spend under $100. This is an old computer for my kids to use, they'll mostly be playing Plants vs Zombies, and they occasionally surf the web for stuff like Thomas and other TreeHouse TV shows.

For those of you unfamiliar with the old XPS 720, it is a massively huge computer. I was shocked when it arrived. Here is a picture to give you an idea how big it is:


It is the computer on the right.
I have the 730x still with that case its still a beast.
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Old 08-29-2012, 12:40 PM   #7
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I upgraded my video cards from mine from 2 x 285GTX 1GB to a 580GTX. I gave one of the cards to a friend of mine but still have one left that we could make a deal on i'm sure.
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Old 08-29-2012, 01:11 PM   #8
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The card I linked to is just under $100 after rebate.
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Old 08-29-2012, 01:49 PM   #9
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The card I linked to is just under $100 after rebate.
"Just" being the key word here. Unfortunately I live in Lethbridge so I'll have to see if somewhere else sells that card for the same other wise, the cost of shipping or driving to Calgary makes it cost more.

I didn't see that link the first time I read your post, but it looks like a pretty decent card.
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Old 08-29-2012, 01:53 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Raekwon View Post
I upgraded my video cards from mine from 2 x 285GTX 1GB to a 580GTX. I gave one of the cards to a friend of mine but still have one left that we could make a deal on i'm sure.
I bought another XPS (can't remember the model) a year ago. My work buys me a new computer every three years. After three years, the computer is mine to keep, otherwise I return it if I quit/get fire, or I can pay out what is left if I quit/get fired before three years is up.

May be hard to make a deal since we live in two different cities. Cost of shipping may make it not worth while, unless you already had plans to come to Lethbridge this weekend.

I'm hoping to have something in place by the weekend, or at least waiting for it to arrive by early next week.
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Old 08-29-2012, 02:36 PM   #11
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Under $100 really limits your choices. Anything less than a Radeon 7750 won't be much of an upgrade you'll be wasting your money. You'll gain DX11 but the card will be too slow to take advantage anyway.

This card for $90 will give you a 50%+ bump in performance depending on the game.
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Old 08-29-2012, 04:19 PM   #12
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I'm not looking to upgrade, I'm just looking for something to keep the computer running for my kids. I'd rather not have them use my "main" computer.
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Old 08-29-2012, 07:00 PM   #13
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So how much exactly do you want to spend?
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Old 08-31-2012, 08:36 AM   #14
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I was thinking $80, but I wound up spending $10. A buddy had a card he wasn't using, and it turns out to be the same card that Dell recommended when you go to their website and enter in your service tag to look for parts. It wasn't what I wanted but for $10, it'll do.
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