Trying to decide between a few budget GPUs to replace my dead Radeon X300

TeamworkGuy2

Posts: 190   +0
Continued from: This troubleshooting thread
I recently posted a thread asking which video card brands were better than others (support, warrenties, etc...)
Now I need some advice I buying a video card, because my computer's previous Radeon X300 died.
I have a 305 watt, generic Dell PSU.
+5V = 22A
+12VA = 18A
+12VB = 18A
-12V = 1A ?
+3.3V = 17A
+5VSB = 2A ?
combined max 12VA and 12VB = 22A...
Check my sig for the rest of my computer hardware.

I should probably get a new power supply, but my budget can't really support the extra ~$60 for a good Antec, Corsair, or Thermaltake, because I am saving up for a new computer.
My computer has a x16 slot, so I am not looking to upgrade, just a repacement of some type, same power requirements.
After checking around I think my PSU could support a 7200 GS, 8400 GS, Radeon 3450, Radeon 4350, or Radeon 5450.

$30 - GIGABYTE HD 4350 512MB 64-bit
$33 - MSI 8400 GS 512MB 64-bit
$41 - SAPPHIRE HD 5450 512MB 64-bit
$42 - XFX HD 4350 512MB 64-bit
$47 - ASUS HD 5450 512MB 64-bit

These are the cards I have my eye on, any thoughts, opinions?
Please don't laugh at me and tell my to upgrade my computer, I just want to be able to use the computer again with out spending $150+
Thanks :)
 
An Radeon HD 5450 is the best for the money you want to spend. The ASUS HD 5450 is out of stock so get the SAPPHIRE HD 5450
 
Thanks the info and links,
My old X300 used ~20 watts.
I got the info here (half way down the page, under Operating environment
and here (looks like ~10W compared to the integrated graphics
I checked out some other benchmarks and found that cards like the Radeon 4650/70 use up to ~50 watts, which could overload my generic Dell PSU.
Not sure if there is any overhead room left in my PSU, especially after 5 years of use.
I found that the Radeon 4350 and 5450 use about 20 and 25 watts respectively.
I don't mean to turn any one off because I sound defensive, I just wasn't sure if my PSU could support an upgrade like the 4650.
 
I checked out some other benchmarks and found that cards like the Radeon 4650/70 use up to ~50 watts, which could overload my generic Dell PSU.

You'll be fine. My current desktop used to use a Dell 305w PSU with my HD4670. It ran without any issues whatsoever.

To clarify, the PSU ran the exact specification in my system specs tab, minus the Corsair HX750W which I replaced a couple of weeks ago. The only reason I replaced it is as an upgrade due to ordering a HD6870 shortly.

I would recommend the HD4670 as well, you can run medium/high settings on most games (medium on Crysis) quite happily.
 
The Dell 305W PSU has 22A combined on the +12V rails, which is more than plenty for an HD 4670, even after five years of use.
 
Thanks for the info Leeky and Rage,
Now that I know some of the other budget cards are fine I should say that my budget is about $60.
My computer has a PCI x16 slot, so I don't want to get a card that can't be utilized through the x16 slot.

$55 - SAPPHIRE HD 4650 1GB 128-bit
$59 - SAPPHIRE HD 4650 512MB 128-bit

These two cards caught my eye, and I realize that the Radeon 4670 is about 50% faster, but it is also about $70 which is ~50% more expensive.
 
I'd recommend this card instead. You'd simply need to use a Molex-to-PCI-E power connector and it should be dirt-cheap and easy to get hold of.
 
I second DBZ's choice of XFX 4670 it's $60.48 with 10% instant off including S&H, on top of a Mail in Rebate which brings down the total another $15 bucks. Just note the card is DDR2 instead of DDR3, if you are interested in a DDR3 version you'll have to increase your budget another $10 dollars and I'd then say Leeky's choice of HIS 4670 would be the best. Either way both should handle light gaming without much issue at 1280x1024 or similar resolution.
 
I like the performance of the 4670. But in truth, I am just looking for something to plug a monitor into and use for powerpoint, GIMP, youtube videos, etc...
nothing very intensive.
I will check out everyone's suggestions and read some some of TS's budget GPU reviews before I make my decision.
Thanks Leeky, Rage, dividebyzero, and dustin. I appreciate all the advice and links. :wave:
 
Hmm, in that case go with the cheapest card you can get from a decent manufacturer (i.e. avoid brands like Sparkle, JetWay, Jaton, Apollo & ECS). Also, get a card with active cooling, since passive-cooled cards tend to run hot, obviously.

I recommend this card BTW.
 
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