20 replies to this topic

[PGHammer]

JustinTime, on 23 January 2013 - 00:09, said:

It's the 660s http://www.dell.com/...nspiron-660s/pd and it says 220W So there are no cards that work with the existing PSU? I don't want to upgrade anything, just want a video card even if it's basic.

Kee-ripes; I've not only never BUILT a PC with a PSU that weak, I've never seen an OEM PC with a PSU that weak since the days of the Pentium (pre numerics).

And by never, I mean exactly that - even back in my Pentium days, I used a 300W PSU; yes, they existed then, and weren't pricey in the least.

OEM PCs that passed through me at some point (and that includes quite a few Dell and HP OEM models) typically had 250W PSUs, while some (mostly Pavilion Media Center or the odd Optiplex) had the 300W PSUs.

Is this a slimline (Inspiron) case design? Then you may need a PSU designed for such cases, such as PC Power and Cooling's Silencer Slimline (no longer made). If the case can swallow a standard PSU, I'd go with something similar (Silencer Mk. III 500W or equivalent from Corsair, Antec, or other quality manufacturer).

[xendrome]

It's a mini-ATX style case - (H) 10.43 in x (W) 3.94 in x (D) 14.80 in

[JustinTime]

theyarecomingforyou, on 23 January 2013 - 00:26, said:

If it's really only 220W - as the Dell website says - then there's not much you can do. It's possible that adding a basic card would work but it's certainly not a risk I'd take. You're going to need to buy a new PSU if you want to add a graphics card, assuming your case has a standard sized PSU fitting - if not then you might be looking at a new case as well.

Unfortunately cheap computers are cheap for a reason.

What's the risk? Catching fire or something serious? I'm not sure what "cheap," means but it is the best small PC they offer at $649.99.

PGHammer, on 23 January 2013 - 00:51, said:

Kee-ripes; I've not only never BUILT a PC with a PSU that weak, I've never seen an OEM PC with a PSU that weak since the days of the Pentium (pre numerics).

And by never, I mean exactly that - even back in my Pentium days, I used a 300W PSU; yes, they existed then, and weren't pricey in the least.

OEM PCs that passed through me at some point (and that includes quite a few Dell and HP OEM models) typically had 250W PSUs, while some (mostly Pavilion Media Center or the odd Optiplex) had the 300W PSUs.

Is this a slimline (Inspiron) case design? Then you may need a PSU designed for such cases, such as PC Power and Cooling's Silencer Slimline (no longer made). If the case can swallow a standard PSU, I'd go with something similar (Silencer Mk. III 500W or equivalent from Corsair, Antec, or other quality manufacturer).

Oh that's terrible lol I'm still within the full money back 60 day window but really just wanted a very slim and small case. My old PC has a big case and I really don't like them big. I guess that's the sacrifice, size but less power. So any low profile cards (HDMI) that work with 220W? Thanks.

I saw someone selling the exact model and case but with the GT 620 http://www.ebay.com/...=item3f205df302 Any idea where I can buy that card? I asked the seller but no reply.

[theyarecomingforyou]

JustinTime, on 23 January 2013 - 01:14, said:

What's the risk? Catching fire or something serious?

If you overload the PSU it can potentially destroy your PSU, motherboard, CPU or connected components, or any combination of those. I've had a failed PSU actually catch fire with smoke pouring out the back, though that's extremely unlikely. It's not worth doing.

[JustinTime]

I won't risk anything, thanks for the insight. I don't know why Dell doesn't just sell OEM tested and approved GT 620.

[threetonesun]

FWIW, at $649 I'd much rather have a Mac Mini.

I'm guessing Dell doesn't worry about stocking cards for these PCs because anyone gaming on them will probably be happy enough with the onboard video.