Need Suggestions for Upgrading My Computer...

I have a Dell Dimension 4500. Lately all of these new games that are coming out have not been running so well. I want to upgrade 1 of my computer's aspects for better video game performance. Here are my specs:

*1 gig of RAM (it's the max my CPU can hold)

*1993 MHz CPU speed

*Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.00 GHz

*80 gigs of hard drive space

*Radeon 9600 series video card

 I'm thinking that it really comes down to the video card cuz I don't really need more hard drive space. I don't use the computer too much for games. But my dilemma is that even if I buy the best video card, my computer can't take full advantage of it. What's the best video card I could take advantage of?

Plus, I have one extra question, is satellite internet better for gaming than dial-up? I know the delay time is bad but could I at least play MMOs with it fairly well? I'm looking to get Tabula Rasa when it comes out. (By the way, cable and DSL aren't available in my area so that's not an option.)  I'm grateful for any help I can get. Thanks.

So you're using an AGP card then. I don't suppose you know the wattage of your current power supply by any chance? I believe the Dimension 4500 has a 250w power supply, which is going to limit your choices of video cards a good bit, but it's good to make sure in these situations.

Be that as it may, I'd look for an AGP graphics card somewhere between the 6600GT and 7600GS/X1650Pro. Anything more powerful than that, and it just won't be money well-spent.

I probably prefer the ATI Radeon cards more so I checked the specs for the X1650 Pro. The only thing I'm worried about is that it said it requires a 350 watt power supply. Is there a way I can check what mine is? And even if my computer has a 250 watt power supply will I still be able to run this video card?

 Sorry for the late response. I found out that mine is a 250 watt power supply so I'm gonna upgrade that to a 400 probably. And my CPU is 4X AGP, while the X1650 Pro AGP supports 4X and 8X AGP. Does this mean that my computer can't use this video card to its fullest potential?

Also, since I'm upgrading my power supply to a 400 watt, should I get a better video card or just stick with the one I'm looking at? 

Sorry for the late response. I found out that mine is a 250 watt power supply so I'm gonna upgrade that to a 400 probably. And my CPU is 4X AGP, while the X1650 Pro AGP supports 4X and 8X AGP. Does this mean that my computer can't use this video card to its fullest potential?

Also, since I'm upgrading my power supply to a 400 watt, should I get a better video card or just stick with the one I'm looking at?

MexicanGeek2991

Yes, the performance of the x1650 pro will not be as good as if it were running at 8X 

[QUOTE="MexicanGeek2991"]

Sorry for the late response. I found out that mine is a 250 watt power supply so I'm gonna upgrade that to a 400 probably. And my CPU is 4X AGP, while the X1650 Pro AGP supports 4X and 8X AGP. Does this mean that my computer can't use this video card to its fullest potential?

Also, since I'm upgrading my power supply to a 400 watt, should I get a better video card or just stick with the one I'm looking at?

frost_mourne13

Yes, the performance of the x1650 pro will not be as good as if it were running at 8X

 So we're talkin half-performance then? Or something more like 75%? I know I'm asking a lot of questions but this is my last one lol.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129092

Here you go its AGP and DX10 so if your wanting to stay with that rig you have and not spend much money doing upgrades here you go buddy.

HD2600PRO 512MB AGP 4X/8X for 134.99

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=74&card2=523

There is also a HD2600xt 512MB AGP 4X/8X but i cant find it yet

So you're using an AGP card then. I don't suppose you know the wattage of your current power supply by any chance? I believe the Dimension 4500 has a 250w power supply, which is going to limit your choices of video cards a good bit, but it's good to make sure in these situations.

Be that as it may, I'd look for an AGP graphics card somewhere between the 6600GT and 7600GS/X1650Pro. Anything more powerful than that, and it just won't be money well-spent.

RayvinAzn

The standard 6600 needed no less than a 300w power supply, so a 250w's not going to work.