What's the max performance graphics/video card from ATI that my Dell Dimension 4600 can take?

Question

Everything in the pc is left as standard, no upgrades or any work has been performed on the pc before. AGP 8x compatible (No PCI or PCI Express), Chip-set is: Intel 865G, and Data Bus Speed is 533 MHz if this is of any help. Please do not recommend any nVidia cards at all since that's the reason I have to do an upgrade - the nVidia Geforce FX 5200 that came with my Dell failed without warning, so I've disabled the driver for it at the moment, using only CPU to render graphics... wouldn't trust nVidia again =)

A higher wattage PSU is required I think for a better video card. Does anyone find that it's a pain to upgrade PSU in Dell computers? The lead connections are apparently proprietary so I'm not sure whether a normal ATX PSU for my Dimension 4600 will do... hmm? The only fool-proof way to guarantee a PSU that works with your Dell is to get one from PC Power & Cooling:

http://www.pcpower.com/DELL.html

Thx for rour replies in advance!

Answer 1

I believe you can get an ATI card up to a 3850 with an AGP variety.That would stomp the c**p out of an  FX5200. Normally I would say that you should go with Nvidia. The FX series is ancient according to today's standars. That card was probably made 10 or more years ago, so the fact that it just recently failed isn't really that surprising. Graphics cards run hot...very hot. They are put through a great deal of stress every time you push that power button.

The only reason I vote for ATI in this case is because Nvidia has not even attempted to keep up with an AGP line. I believe the fastest card that you can still buy new is like a 7600GT (great card, a little dated tho.)

This would probably be my suggestion if you want a high end card.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...

Considering the price there really is not anything else that will even come close to the performance for your dollars.