What Graphics Card?

[FoxLondon]

Hi everyone

 

I am sure this is a pretty basic questions but I don't know very much about this type of thing.

 

I've recently bought a new monitor so I can use two monitors for work. Now I realise I need a dedicated graphics card. I don't use my PC for games but I do need to be able use software that looks at brain scans (I don't know if a good graphics card would help with that). Generally I am just looking for the cheapest but effective model.

 

My computer is a 530 inspiron (not slimline). Do I need to post any other details?

 

I rang Dell and they told me I needed a GT 8400 card, which is around £55 but I just wanted to check if anyone had any other ideas or if this was appropriate.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

James

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

I found this re. your system:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/inspd530/en/OM/HTML/appendix.htm#wp1052310

 

 

GT 8400 card, which is around £55

This will do the job if it has 2 video outputs however - I can't find one for sale.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/XFX-8400GS-nVidia-Express-Graphics/dp/B000SAIQWQ

 

I did, however, find an 8600GT

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0039EZV4E/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B004TRYE5C&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=04HDD2J50DXV7H6NMWCF

 

Now a question for you:

What connections do you have on the monitor cables?

They could be VGA / DVI / HDMI

 

If they are VGA the card shown has 1 VGA and 1 DVI

You can, however, get an adapter.

 

http://www.qvs.com/images/DVI-Flat_VGA_ADAP.JPG

 

One more question:

What is the wattage of your Power Supply Unit.

The 8600GT does not require much - but your PSU must be up to the job.

 

350 Watts should be fine.