Some info about PC video cards

[evil_ash_xero]

OK, I'm looking to get a video card, so I can play PC games, and run emulators better.

Here's my stats:

Dell Inspiron 580s
Windows 7
Processor: Intel Pentium CPU G6950 @ 2.80ghz 2.80ghz(it's twice, so I'm guessing that means dual core)
Installed memory RAM: 4 Gigs
System Type: 64 bit

OKAY, well I have...I don't have a video card, that's by itself. It's one of those integrated things. Not very good.
I was looking at this item on Ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Dell-Inspir ... 0795239716

Is this a good card for my system, or is there something else I should look for? Remember that it has to be compatible with my PC.

Thanks in advance

[Zapf]

So you need low profile? And I assume you have a full pci express slot? do you have a pci power connector? Is there an adjacent slot?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... 96%3A33099

there is a start. The minimum recommended sh/sc recommends is the ati 7750 (doesn't require a pci power connector) but I don't know if you can get one in low form factor.

[shmuppyLove]

If you need a low-profile card your options are extremely limited. Try and find a GT 620. It's not super powerful, but at least it's the latest generation so that's pretty much the best you can get. And the trick with low-profile cards is they don't always come with the LP bracket, so make sure it comes in the box.

The other option is to pull everything out of the Dell chassis and put it into a standard micro- or mid-tower chassis with a standard power supply. Then you can use any card you want. I've been reading really good things about the AMD 7750 and 7770 cards and their price/power/performance ratio. But I'm very reluctant to move away from nvidia. Still rocking my 9800GT after all these years, and it runs everything like a champ.

[evil_ash_xero]

I'll try to figure this out. Thanks for the advice.

[beatsgo]

Just a few questions and suggestions to think about xero while you keep searching for one:
-So what type of gaming are you going for?
-Are you looking to play the latest and greatest, or have enough power to play most games from 2010 and below?
-And what particular generation of arcade games are you planning to play?

My knowledge of GPUs is sparse due to a hiatus from FPS games the past 3 years plus been a NVIDIA user for awhile. Definitely look into getting a NVIDIA Geforce 400 and above if you're planning to play some 3D intensive games, otherwise any Geforce 8 to 200 series should have enough ample power for older games and emulation gaming. AMD/ATI wish, dunno.

[Stainomo]

If you need a low-profile card => There is a 7850 available in low profile format!

http://www.squidoo.com/best-low-profile ... ci-express