What graphics card do you have? What should I get?

[LirvA]

First of all, what graphics card do you use? How much was it? Is it good? Are you happy with it?

Second, I get like 6-12 frames per second on CS:S and it's just not playable at all. I've tried adjusting tons of stuff and can't get it to improve.

My computer is a Dell Dimension E520, 3 Ghz Pentium D 925 Dual core processor, 1 G RAM, Windows XP 32 bit. It uses integrated graphics proccessing and sound as well, and I think that's my problem. I need a dedicated GPU.

What should I look for? Not looking to spend a ton of money, just something to make the damn game playable.

I was talking to someone on the 2+2 forums and they said this:

"Lirva im not sure what kind of PSU rating your Dell has. Check that out. I doubt it could handle an 8800."

I'm not sure what PSU means. Anyone know? Anyone know if a Dell can handle good Nvidia cards?

[LirvA]

PSU=Power supply Unit rating apparently. I've been too lazy to google.

Also:

"A review conducted in April 2007 by The Tech Report determined that the GMA X3000 had performance comparable to the Nvidia GeForce 6150."

How old is the GeForce 6150? I assume some of the newer Nvidias are a lot better?


Edit: apparently the Dell Dimension E520 stock PSU is only rated at like 300 watts, and most graphics cards need well over that, even the Nvidia GeForce 7300 needs 350 minimum. I might have to upgrade my PSU.

[Mr.Bob]

Wow, 300, even my old psu's were 400-450. You will have to upgrade if you want to get into some of the good cards, they require their own power connection. I have an ATI/HIS Radion 2600XT and so far it's been good. The configs are set so I see about 250-300 fps constant. I have two, one in each machine. I want to get into something better but don't really see the need, and I don't want to go over $75-100 for one card. I'm a cheap bastid. Make sure you know what connection you need for the card, you don't want to have to pay restocking fees.

[LirvA]

Upgrading the PSU is a definite must for me. I'm a cheap bastard also and don't have much money so all this will probably not happen in the very near future, unless poker goes really well this month.

Are Nvidia or ATI cards better?

[Mr.Bob]

Everyone has their own opinion. I use ATI. It's who I like. Also see what your boards was made for, both mine are ATI supported boards. While the Nvidia will work, the ATI cards are guaranteed to work perfectly.

[LirvA]

Yeah I'll have to look into it a bit. Thanks for the input sir.

[Mr.Bob]

NP.