I'm unable to play STO due to my current on-board video card.. Keep getting blue screened. However, I found a video card that I believe i can use, would you guys check this out and tell me if you think that this would work for STO. I have a Dell Optiplex 755 which is a low-profile system. If you don't think this card would be sufficient what would you recommend..
Graphics Card - nVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT 550MHz - 512MB DDR2 SDRAM 64bit - PCI Express 2.0 x16 - DVI, HD-15
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Graphics-Card-nVIDIA-GeForce-9500-GT-550MHz-512MB-DDR2-SDRAM-64bit-PCI-Express-2.0-x16-DVI-HD-15/11099839
My system At the moment
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8500 @ 3.16GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 3316MB RAM
Page File: 956MB used, 5514MB available
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
Comments
It gets pretty hot in there now and on top of the case, so keep that in mind when upgrading. You also will have to keep an eye on the power requirements, you either have a 280 or 275 watt. I'm not sure what the 12V rail amps are like.
http://www.dell.com/us/en/dfb/desktops/optix_755/pd.aspx?refid=optix_755&cs=28&s=dfb
Example: My GTS 250 needs a minimum 450 W power supply with a +12V @ 24A.
So you always needs to check the GPU's system requirements. Also If you need to get a new PSU make sure it's "80 Plus" certify. They are made better.
Now what are your specs?
The minimum system requirements are:
* OS: Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista / Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit)
* CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 Ghz or AMD Athlon X2 3800+
* Memory: 1GB RAM
* Video: NVIDIA GeForce 7950 / ATI Radeon X1800 / Intel HD Graphics
* Sound: DirectX 9.0c Compatible Soundcard
* DirectX: Version 9.0c or Higher
* HDD: 10GB Free Disk Space
* Network: Internet Broadband Connection Required
* Disc: 6X DVD-ROM
The recommended system specifications are:
* OS: Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista / Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit)
* CPU: Intel E8400 Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 5600+
* Memory: 2GB RAM+
* Video: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 / ATI Radeon HD 3850+
* Sound: DirectX 9.0c Compatible Soundcard
* DirectX: Version 9.0c or Higher
* HDD: 10GB Free Disk Space
* Network: Internet Broadband Connection Required
* Disc: 6X DVD-ROM
Here is as list of today gaming cards.
Graphic Gaming cards:
Entry level:
ATI Radeon HD 4650,4670 and 5670 cards only needs a 400 W PSU.
Nvidia Geforce GT 240 needs a 350 W PSU
Nvidia Geforce 9600 GT needs a 400 W PSU.
All four of these cards usually do not need a 6 pin PCIE cable. Always check the box for system requirements.
STO Gaming level med. Price ranges on these cards are under $100.00. The ATI's usually a better choice here on a price/performance.
Mid Level:
ATI Radeon HD 4850,4890, 5750, 5770 and the Nvidia 9800 GT, 9800 GTX, GTS 250 needs a 450 to 500 W PSU with one 6 pin PCIE cable. Always check the box for system requirements.
STO Gaming level High. Price Range: $100-230.00.
High End:
ATI Radeon HD 5850, 5870, 5970. Nvidia GTX 260, 275, 295 needs a 550 to 750 W PSU with two 6 pin or 1 6pin and 1 8 pin PCIE cables. Always check the box for system requirements.
STO Gaming level Very High. Price Range: $250.00-600.00.
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.091208-2036)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: OptiPlex 755
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A12
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E8500 @ 3.16GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 3316MB RAM
Page File: 956MB used, 5514MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode
Display Devices
Card name: Intel(R) Q35 Express Chipset Family
Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Chip type: Intel(R) GMA 3100
DAC type: Internal
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29B2&SUBSYS_02111028&REV_02
Display Memory: 384.0 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Dell 2208WFP(Analog)
Monitor Max Res: 1680,1050
Power Supply Desktop 280W