Dell Inspiron 530 (NOT slim model). Windows 7 Ultimate x64. Integrated Intel G31/G33 graphics. 4gb RAM, stock power supply, which I think is 300w. I think it is a PCI Express X16(?), but not positive on that. The computer is only a bit over a year old. No gaming. The reason I want a new card is that I notice some occasional choppy video playback, and would like to take advantage of browser hardware acceleration. We are also doing some very light video editing--no pro stuff, just making some DVD's with videos and slideshows for family and friends. Secondarily, I think you can stream videos to a TV with the right video card--cool! What I would like: DirectX 10.1 or greater, quiet operation, will work with stock power supply, reliability, maybe able to stream videos with good resolution to a TV (I may never use this feature, but having it available could be nice). Budget: less than $100. I see some video cards on Newegg, and I have had good results with their products. But, I'm confused. The number of different cards/chips are...staggering. Radeon, Nvidia, fan, fanless...ugh. Any experts out there have a suggestion or 2? Many thanks, Bob
Here are the specifications: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/en/OM/HTML/appendix.htm#wp1052310 The specifications imply a PCIe X16 version 2.x. If your case has plenty of air flow, I would get a fanless one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121360 For one with a fan, I would get this one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150322 NOTE: The manufacturer's specification for the above video card calls for a 350 watt power supply as a minimum. However, I saw that more than one user said that they had a 250 watt power supply and there were no problems. Basis of above choices: 1. Keeping in your price range. 2. User feedback reviews. 3. I picked NVIDIA over AMD. Just my preference. 4. Making sure that the video card is not so thick that it will block the adjacent expansion slot.
+1 for above (TheKid7) recommendation. I will also go with NVidia due to wide support of CUDA in most multimedia applications including players and converters.
What processor you have? Choosing a Graphics card involves the processor too because the proc can be a bottleneck for your Video Card. Also, if you want BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK (Get the most for less) AMD is a better option. They are cheap and faster than Nvidia offerings when comparing price vs price but if you want only pure performance at any price etc, it's Nvidia.
I think the "best" selection would be the NVIDIA GT 430. DirectX 11, runs on 300 W, about $80. Check the EVGA site, http://www.evga.com/products/prodlist.asp?family=GeForce 400 Series Family.
Here are three GT 430 models at NewEgg. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130579 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130580 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130594
I know that you said you don't want an overpowered graphics card for gaming, however I think you can get very good deals on used gaming cards from ebay. I bought a HD4870 from ebay 2 years ago for £100, which today would probably cost shy of £60. The HD4870 would be too much for you IMO. However the HD4350 is pretty cheap http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=GX-233-AS&groupid=701&catid=56&subcat=938 You can use it for playing hi def videos perfectly fine, and you can also do the occasional video editing too.
Noise from built-in fans in video cards is a huge factor in my evaluation process. There are a couple of websites that cater to evaluating "silent" components; one informational site that is widely respected is Mike Chin's http://www.silentpcreview.com/
