What vid card would be a decent upgrade?

[danielhv]

Its getting to where I cant play some of these newer games (Blackops) with everything maxxed out. So Im trying to figure out where the problem is... Here is what I have:

Dell XPS 420
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 2.4Ghz
Intel chipset on mobo.
3GB DDR2 RAM
WD 300GB SATA HDD
Nvidia 8600GT (256mb)

Where would I get the most bang for the buck? My guess is video card, but the power supply in the XPS420 isn't big enough to run a big bad ass vid card (especially the ones that require a 12v lead from the PS itself.)

Feel like I'm dammed if I do, dammed if I dont...

[CexMashean]

What is the power supply in that system?
400w?

Edit: here we go, for some other system specs:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps420/en/OM/HTML/appendix.htm#wp1057813

edit edit:
Which one do you have?
375 W
or
425 W


edit edit edit:
ASUS Radeon HD 5750 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express

Seems like it wouldn't be a bad choice for you. Asus says 450watt for it, but if you have the 425w, you'll be fine.

[Kenny_Stang]

From what I've read, you can use most ATX powersupplies for your PC.

Check this out: http://en.community.dell.com/support.../19267468.aspx

[danielhv]

Good deal, thanks for the replies... should I consider just building a new system or is this processor decent enough? If I just do the vid card, will the processor hold it back to the point to where I wouldn't really notice much of an increase in performance?

[Tx Redneck]

You likely won't play maxed out on that system even w/ a newer GPU since you're not able to OC, even then I'm not sure you could w/out a GNARLY OC.

[danielhv]

Ok, next question... GTX 470 or ATI HD 6870?

They are both the same price ($260), however the 470 has a 10% off promo that ends tonight. The savings would be put towards a bigger power supply to handle the power hungry 470.

[ozzeran]

470 hands down but those things get hot.

You gotta remember though the performance is somewhat negligible between the two and if you have to purchase a higher watt power supply to feed the 470 then the 6870 might be the best bet.