Graphics cards??

Question

im buying a new graphics card for me computer. its a dell dimension E520 and im wondering, would i have to get a dell graphics card because i have a dell computer, or could i get like a Nvidia Geforce, like this one

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10083347&catid=10524

and would that be a good one to get?

i have 1014mb of Ram
processor is intel core 2 CPU 1.86 Ghz
video card is intel G965 express chipset family
i got directX 10

oh and i yes i have PCI express

Answer 1

Well i got some good news and bas news. Sadly more bad news then good, but here goes....

The good news, you DO NOT have to get a dell graphics card just because you have a Dell.

The bad news...
1. I need to know what processor is in your machine, if you bought the cheapest dimension E520 with the Celeron processor then you should not even bother with geting a video card cuz your processor wont be able to handle it.
2. I also need to know if you have a PCI EXPRESS slot in your PC, hopefully Dell gives you one. If you dont have one, then the video cards you can choose from are SO out dated, you should not even bother. (PCI and AGP are OLD SCHOOL) (PCI EXPRESS is the way to go)
3. The card you listed is VERY VERY OLD... Its not even worth it, you could probably play games, but you would have to put them on the lowest setting. The card is just not very good.
4. Also keep in mind, to play games (Im assuming you want to play games), you want to have at least 1 gig of system memory. Games like Battle Feild 2, Half Life willl run like crap with out a lot of system memory.

OVERALL...
If you have the upgraded version of the dimension E520 (the one with the Intel Dou Processor, and you have at least 1 gig of system memory, and you have a PCI Express SLot, then I can recommend a arsenal of video cards (they will cost more, but they are well worth it)
Here is what I currently use, its a few years old, but I can get games like battle feild 2, Guild wars, and Half life on high settings

http://www4.shopping.com/xPF-Gigabyte-Technology-Radeon-X850-XTDDR-III-256MB256bitPCIE

Here are a list of some video cards that I recommend (ONLY IF YOU HAVE EVERYTHING NEEDED)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102050

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130017

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814161039

Well hope I was of some help to you...

CHeck this web site out for more video cards (newegg.com)

Answer 2

Just find out what kind of card you need.. Is it a AGP, a PCI or PCI express? You have to know, the slots are different for each. Once you know that, you can install any card that has the right slot for your computer.

Check the specs of your system and find out what slots are available. If it is older or has a video card installed on your board, then you might only have PCI slots available and that is what kind you will have to get. Now PCIexpress has completely different slot type, so if that is not avalible dont gett the 2 mixed up.

Answer 3

No you don't have to get a dell graphics card, I dont think they even exist but you can get a nvida or ATI depending on your slot.

There is three types of slots for graphiocs cards AGP PCI and PCI-Express, with PCI-Express being the best of the three which I believe dimension e520's have. The graphics card you linked to is only a PCI.

I would shop at newegg.com for graphics cards. Best choices best prices fast shipping

Answer 4

You can use whatever video card you want. Make sure the card uses a pci Express x16 slot. Also make sure your power supply can power it. Some top end cards use up to 30 amps at 12 volts and often require a new higher wattage power supply.

Answer 5

I would go to Dell website and ask there, that is the best place to get your answer