Video card advice needed

One of my older systems that I use mostly for 3d work is apparently in need of a video card update. Systems are not one of my strong points so I would appreciate it if someone here would help me.

The current card is a NVIDIA Quadro FX 500/FX600 which I think is a 128mb card. The system is a Dell 3 Gig Pentium 4 with 2 Gigs of RAM. I have the most current Dell updates for this card.

I would like to run some CS4 programs on this system as backup. In order to run Lightroom 2 on this system I have to shut off hardware acceleration and then some 3D apps have problems. So would someone please suggest a moderately priced update for this video card. I only need 1280x1024 for this Dell monitor.

Thanks for your help.

What's moderately priced for you? Personally, a mid level card that is well priced is the ATI Radeon 4850 and the nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX+. These cards can be had for between $130 and $200 and offer a lot of bang for the buck.

MaxxuM wrote in post #7487805
What's moderately priced for you? Personally, a mid level card that is well priced is the ATI Radeon 4850 and the nVidia GeForce 9800 GTX+. These cards can be had for between $130 and $200 and offer a lot of bang for the buck.

I would think for this machine about $200.00 or under would be justified, so you're right there. Thanks for the help.

I see the pricing is all over the board. Any manufactures you are partial to, or I should stay away from? Thanks.

The Geforce 9800 has lots of good reviews. $170

http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6814143164

Thnaks Michael_Lambert. With rebate it's even better at $140.

Any clue on the difference between this card and the 9800 GTX+ MaxxuM referenced. I do see that the GTX+ requires a 500 watt PS. Something I'd rather not if I can help it.

Yea, NVidia's typically require a little more power than ATI's atm. Here is an ATI 4850 and req. only 450w PSU.

http://www.newegg.com …aspx?Item=N82E1​6814102770

Thanks Maxxum. Got a chuckle out of the note on the product page. Apparently you are limited to a purchase quantity of only 99 of these cards every 48 hours.

Is it really worth spending money on such an old machine? Will upgrading the video card really improve the speed much?

tim wrote in post #7489277
Is it really worth spending money on such an old machine? Will upgrading the video card really improve the speed much?

he can always use the card on an upgraded machine if he builds or buys a new one

Looks like the power supply in this workstation is only 250 watt so I'm obviously going to have to replace it anyway. Are there any other hardware considerations to be aware of in replacing a 250w with a 400 or 500w? I wouldn't think so, but I'd rather ask now instead of after I smell smoke. Thanks.

tim wrote in post #7489277
Is it really worth spending money on such an old machine? Will upgrading the video card really improve the speed much?

This Dell workstation is one of four systems and it works fine for me with the exception of the new problem with Lightroom freezing with hardware acceleration turned on. So yes, it's worth it to me. Thanks.

Yourchi brings up a good point. Might as well think to the future. Buying parts that could go into a new system is a good idea. The cheapest PSU I would get would be this one. I would personally go with this one. I like to have more power than needed and most of all, clean dependable power. The good thing about PSU is that it is unlikely to be outdated anytime soon like other parts.

MaxxuM wrote in post #7491055
Yourchi brings up a good point. Might as well think to the future. Buying parts that could go into a new system is a good idea. The cheapest PSU I would get would be this one. I would personally go with this one. I like to have more power than needed and most of all, clean dependable power. The good thing about PSU is that it is unlikely to be outdated anytime soon like other parts.

I had tentatively chosen this Seasonic, based on nothing but some reviews and the ATI Certified listing. You prefer the Thermaltake minimum you referenced better.

Consider the Corsair PSUs. They are highly rated. I picked up the 650 for my last build and it is awesome!

http://www.newegg.com …Corsair%20Memor​y%2c%20Inc.