Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Video card upgrade?

by davecuz Aug 11, 2009 11:42PM PDT

I have a Dell Dimension C521 with no modifications to the system, running on XP. We want to upgrade the video card for games like Warcraft and totalwar. Suggestions of best quality cards that will fit both systemwise and physically as I understand this machine requires "low profile" cards ...?

Discussion is locked

8 Posts
- Collapse + Expand Details
- Collapse -
What I've learned
by tonyb87 Sep 6, 2009 8:19AM PDT

Hey ThereHappy I too have a C521 and after much trouble with crashes playing games..I reserched and was directed to upgrade my video card (which was a repalced by Dell X1300/1550 series). I've added 2GB of memory to make 4GB, and shoped online and found it a bit challengeiing due to the type of size needed to fit the Dell C521 product line. I found one that was a LOW PROFILE TYPE. This is the only kind that will fit a Dell C521-so beware cause there are alot of graphic card types that are compatible, but not fitting your pc case. Dell unfortunetly limits upgradeability of our kind of pc, a kind of underhanded way I think to get you to buy another Dell-not.lol
Hope it helps-others have helped me.-T

- Collapse -
Just sharing.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Sep 6, 2009 11:37PM PDT

My x1300 card was nightmarish. I rarely speak/write about it but it never worked well so I went back to nvidia and the machine worked fine then.

Here's a last hurrah card I bought more than one of -> http://www.geeks.com/details.asp?invtid=SP94GT512D2LHPP&cat=VCD

It's PCI so it works in almost any old machine. It's power draw is low enough to not replace the usual 300 Watt power supply.

And its low profile.
Bob

- Collapse -
Help with New Video Card for C521
by mjc1980 Jan 12, 2010 6:46AM PST

I have been using my C521 for a couple years using 2 monitors. The main monitor is a 32" LCD and the 2nd monitor is a 24" Samsung. Both of these monitors could easily be hooked using a split VGA cord that came with my CPU.

I recently purchased a new Samsung 30" Monitor that I would like to use instead of the 32" LCD. At some point I may have 3 monitors hooked up in the future but the 30" and the 24" will work for now. The new 30" monitor has a different plug(not a VGA, see link below).

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/3007WFP/EN/about.htm

I am assuming that i will need to get a new video card in order to make this work. What card should I get? Please recommend a card that will allow 3 monitors to be hooked up in future.

Also, the C521 is a very skinny machine. I can not tell if it is even possible to put a new card into it. I am assuming It can because some other similar threads I saw but I am not sure. Is this something that the average Noob can handle or am I going to need to take my machine in for service. I have put ram in a CPU but that is it. If service is needed, where should I take it?

If the total cost of this operation is going to cost over $150 I will probably just elect to get a new desktop that comes ready to do what I need it to.

Thank you very much for any help

MC

- Collapse -
Sorry.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 12, 2010 7:52AM PST

I don't know of any 3 monitor cards. I've see quads and those break you budget.

Why not the usual dual and some USB VGA card for the last display?
Bob

- Collapse -
.
by mjc1980 Jan 12, 2010 8:45AM PST

That sounds fine to me. For now I need to get this $1300 monitor working and I don't know where to start.

- Collapse -
Start with what you have.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 12, 2010 10:26PM PST

Most desktops today can do dual display so that's done.

Add some USB VGA card and you have your third display.

Last problem? Setup. I find many are not in tune with their machine or Windows for that matter.
Bob

- Collapse -
re:
by mjc1980 Jan 12, 2010 10:35PM PST

The 30" will not work with a VGA plug. It needs a new plug as linked in the OP. I think I need a new Video card but do not know what Ineed. I also do not know if I am capable of installing into my cpu(or if anybody is).

- Collapse -
Apology.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Jan 12, 2010 10:45PM PST

Apply yourself a little here and look up the USB to what video you need connection. I apologize for writing VGA instead of DVI ro HDMI or such but even then the OP should be able to deal with that. If not I fear they need to call in someone to do the work, setup for them.
Bob

Back to Dell forum

CNET Forums

Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Brand Forums
Roadshow Autos
Off Topic

Other Forums

Forum Info