Video card upgrade for my computer

[skorpion]

im upgrading my computer, a Dell Inspiron and i need a new graphics card. the old one crapped out on me, and i'd like to know what one i can use to upgrade (if possible) my computer to handle all of the pretty game graphics, like the ones in battlefield 3 or WoT. so far i have my budget set at around 300 dollars. any suggestions?

[SilverZ06]

what ps do you have?

edit: is that a laptop?

[Bino]

Need more details:

• laptop or desktop
• Dell model number
• power supply unit wattage
• available expansion slot
• space inside case for card

[skorpion]

well all i can say right now is that its a desktop. i cant get all the stuff about it until monday (maybe) because im out of town for a few days and i have to use my phone for this.


EDIT: just remembered its a Dell Inspiron 540, if that helps any.

[titanic3]

Radeon 5570 for older desktops, especially Dells. Which has crappy PSUs and usually no space for a big card.

Runs WoT on high at ~30-40 FPS.
Runs AH maxed except shadows at 8120 (Or whatever it is).

If your PC can't run a 5570, then there is literally no point in trying to upgrade it. You'd be better off buying a new PC.

5570 also uses ~10-20Watts, which runs on my crappy 220W PSU, even when OCed.
Very cheap, and not that bad either.

[Tigger29]

Radeon 5570 for older desktops, especially Dells. Which has crappy PSUs and usually no space for a big card.

Runs WoT on high at ~30-40 FPS.
Runs AH maxed except shadows at 8120 (Or whatever it is).

If your PC can't run a 5570, then there is literally no point in trying to upgrade it. You'd be better off buying a new PC.

5570 also uses ~10-20Watts, which runs on my crappy 220W PSU, even when OCed.
Very cheap, and not that bad either.

Yep what he said.  Assuming your still has its stock power supply a 5570 is about the best you can hope for.  Also the small inspirons don't have the room physically for anything bigger (in which case you need to make sure to get the low profile version of the 5570).