robin55

I desperately need help to choose a good video card upgrade for my PC. I have an old 2004 version of Dell Dimension 8400 which came with a video card (nVidia 256MB PCI Express x16 GeForce 6800 GTO). But this video card has been replaced at least four or five times in the past 3 years. However, I must admit, Dell has always promptly replaced it free every time, since I’m in guarantee period. The problem, I think, is that Dell replaces it with repaired spares and not fresh products, as they always demand the defective part be returned to them at every replacement. Since the spares don’t last long, I am seriously thinking of upgrading my video card. COULD ANYBODY SUGGEST A SURE AND GOOD REPLACEMENT FOR nVidia 256MB PCI Express x16 GeForce 6800 GTO – a card that has been tried and found trouble-free to work with the Dimension 8400 system. I enjoy working with Photoshop and Google Earth. I am not a technical person nor do I understand much of tech jargon and hence am unable tell in depth about my system (especially motherboard). I live in Rome, Italy, where there might not be a wide array of video cards available. However, do suggest more than one so I could at least find one.
Thanks!
Robin
(My email: robin_gomes@yahoo.co.uk)


Below are some specifications that I picked up from Dell support at: http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1052308 .

Model: DIMENSION 8400 P4 PROCESSOR 540 WITH HT
RAM: 4 (1gb x 4) GB PC-4200 DUAL CHANNEL DDR2 533MHZ (detects only 3.2 gb)
Video card: nVidia 256MB PCI Express x16 GeForce 6800 GTO
OS: Windows XP Pro

Components:
1 HDD (160gb x 2)
1 DVD
1 Disk drive

Computer info:
Chipset - Intel 925X Express or Intel 925XE Express
DMA channels - eight
Interrupt levels - 24
BIOS chip (NVRAM) - 4-Mb
NIC - Integrated network interface capable of 10/100/1000 communication.
System clock - 800- or 1066-MHz data rate (depending on your processor)
DC power supply:
Wattage - 350 W
Heat dissipation - 460.7 BTU/hr

PSU: (info gathered from PSU label) Model N350P-00 A00119
Output 350W MAX. +5V – /22.0A, -- /18.0a, – 18.0A, -12V -- /1.0A, +3.3V -- /17.0A, +5VSB –/2.0A,
MAX. COMBINED POWER ON +5V AND +3.3V OUTPUT IS 150W. MAX. COMBINED OUTPUT CURRENT ON + 12VA & +12VB OUTPUT IS 28A. +5V & + 3.3V IS 150V. +12VA & +12VB IS 28a

emosun

No , the problem is that the 8400 is known to come with junk power supplies. So every time you get a new video card the power supply simply fries the card from not providing decent power. The 6800 also uses way to much power to achieve what most basic cards can accomplish today on low power.

Luckly since your only doing photo shop and google earth you can get just a basic low end card that won't tax the power supply. An old 6200 pci-e would be fine as a fix , but change out the power supply soon after.

robin55

Dear Emosun,
The PC was originally bought for my kids who loved games and video editing, but since it started giving problems they use it only for internet and light stuff. If I were to opt for a PSU upgrade in view of future upgrade of other components, could you suggest some reliable and compatible brands as my Dell curent PSU does not have a power switch on it. As for a replacement for my curent video card (nVidia 256MB PCI Express x16 GeForce 6800 GTO), would a PCI Express 2 be compatible with my PCI Express x16. Please suggest some models. What are the basics that one should look out for to find a compatible video card upgrade? I am totally raw at it.

Tyree

Seasonic & Corsair are quality PSU brands.
PCI-E 2 is backward compatible with PCI-E

emosun

For your pc a standard geforce 6200 is what I recommend , same series as the 6800 only its just the low end model , so in windows , movies , basic tasks it will perform the same as the 6800. We know the 6 series works on the machine so best stick with a basic one for what you need.