Gee I am beginning to feel extremely left out to dry. Anyone care to say why?
Ariana

Mayhaps nobody has a satisfactory answer

LOL! Well I guess a nice "I don't know" beats silence!

Because of the silence I missed 2 opportunities at a great price on a vid card to match up with CS5... I understand you have to use Nvidia. I am so freakin' lost about that! No one mentioned vid cards and snyching up the cards at Adobe... So I am assuming I am clueless and stupid to boot.

Because of Vid card issues (*old card Dell could not update due to Power supply) I have 3 programs that do not funtion optimally. Vue Pro, PP2010, and now it appears CS5...

I am so frustrated. I know I am not as knowledgable as most of you. So I ask.

ThanX for just responding.... :)

Ariana  

update your Power Supply would be my advice if that's the reason Dell[from hell]cannot update your card.. ...

Why do you say you have to use nvidia? I've been using ATI cards in all our systems without any issues at all.

Gareee I did a post about two different cards I was going to look into, (*I get the new power supply friday), and one is an ATI card. I currently have an ATI1300Pro  which is so freakin' low end I am amazed I can render at all!!!

If you could look at that and let me know if it is a good mid-range card, or if you have a better suggestion I would really appreciate it. I don't plan to put lots of money into this older system, but since it is almost out of warrenty and still works I thought that I could take the chance and add into it now. Dell always said I could not upgrade the power supply, yet everyone says otherwise.

ThanX!!!
Ariana  

The smartest thing to do is google Tom's Hardware", and look up the current months best card value report. They break them down by price range, and include both nvidia and ati based cards.

Then you just shop based on how much you want to spend. $160 or so will usually buy you a very good card for both 3d work and gaming.

Thank you Gareee!
I was considering around $125. or so but $150.-ish is also very doable! ;)
I am off to look at Tom's!
HugZ!
Ariana

The problem with most name brand computers (Dell, HP, Sony etc) is they make their systems propriatary. If you can, or if you can get someone to help, build your own system, it is a whole lot easier than you might expect. Yes it will probably cost more, but then you get exactly what you want; speed, memory, hard drive space, optical drives, the works. And now there are a lot of kool looking cases. All the parts are super easy to upgrade, you can replace a 500 watt power supply with a 750 or 1000 watt, and not worry about having to buy a whole new system.

Yes the new computer will be different. I know what you mean about proprietary parts. Do you expect that I should not be able to upgrade the PS in the Dell? I asked several sources and so far general concensus is that I should have no problems. I spoke to 3 tech guys that can do it (*one was Best Buy) and the other two are independent. But I am choosing to install the vid card mysekf as i am confident I can do that on my own. Anything electrical is best handled by someone used to doing that wiring and connections. One wrong plug in and POOF!!! LOL!

Advice on this is appreciated if you know of a better brand of power supply.

I have an Optiplex GX745, core2 duo, 4 gbs ram, and about 8"L X 5 1/2" W free
(*9 3/4" L and 6" W inside the case ) space between where the PS will mount and
the 2 optical drives at the front.

ThanX everyone, I so appreciate the help.
HugZ!
Ariana

Sorry that you’re having such a hard time both with your machine and getting the answers you need. More often than not you get some good, capable, knowledgeable and geeky techie savvy people here that are happy to assist you and sometimes...the well runs dry and no one shows up for several days. I guess you caught a drought…LOL. Most people who may be able to handle small pute problems don’t feel comfortable enough to offer advice and would be afraid to read a few days later that following their advice you burnt your house down to the ground. So I’m glad some folks are finally popping in to offer help.

Being a Dell person myself for many years I know from talking to their techies that all of their peripherals have been tested to the hilt on their machines in order to cut down on incompatibility problems and issues. This keeps their tech servicing overhead down and most of their customers happy. But this doesn’t mean that outside company peripherals won’t work on their Dells. Obviously once you’ve taken this step upon yourself the warranty becomes null and void leaving you free to see the sparks fly.

My suggestion is to get on the phone with a Dell tech and discuss fully your intentions, needs and concerns and then come to a decision. I agree, building your own computer is an education and a great experience and more often than not you get a superior product for the buck with multi-compatibility. All you need is time…unless you’re willing to pay someone else for their services. Good luck and keep us posted. BTW…all disclaimers apply. 

8^D

Ahhh... Quest if only i could get a good old american or canadian tech I would. Last time I had to get service the guy was so hard to understand that he finally ended up replacing all of the guts in my computer! Now I am not complaining, but that can hardly be qualified as a real answer to what would be best to install... :P

I have become a member at Tom's Hardware! And there are so many nice and helpful people there that love computers and running down issues like this for sport! I have had several very good suggestions and lots of sound advice!

A great big ThanX to Gareee for the suggestion to visit there!

Thank you too Quest. Computers can be a pain, but dang I love what they do!!! :D

BTW....CS5 X arrived this afternoon!!!! :D * dances little circles of joy!

HuggerZ!
Ariana

Well it has been a couple of days, whats the skinny on your system?? Did you find a higher wattage power supply that fits?? Is CS5 behaving it's self??

OK, I found the correct power source for my dell...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703016

So that part is good. Here is the pissy part....
The Grapics Card! I need one that supports Open GL, Direct X (*which is limited to vers9 on win XP), and most important CUDA. I can't find a card that fits because PCIE slots are only a scant 8" space from the back of the case to the hard drives in the front. I don't know what to do about this. I have tried to ask if I put the GC in slot 2 (*there are 3 PCIE slots) that could make it fit?

This is the card that some of the guys over at Tom's Hardware reccomended... but I don't know if it is too long or high to fit!!!

http://redirectingat.com/?id=1402X558040&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newegg.com%2FProduct%2FProduct.aspx%3FItem%3DN82E16814133343&sref=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tomshardware.co.uk%2Fforum%2F304007-15-help-older-system%23t2270668  

Sorry for the long link. Any way, if it can fit in slot 2 I am fairly certain I will have both the power supply and GC installed by Thursday! The tech who will install the eletrical has this card on hand. I have CS5Ext now and It Is Killing Me!!! I want so bad to open it up and play!!!

Thank you for asking! :D
Who'd a thunk an 'Old Dell' would get me this excited!

HuggerZ!
Ariana

That doesn't require one slot, it requires two. Plus its currently out of stock as well.

Hi Garee.. my tech guy (*whom I found after Tom's) has the card, and he is going to check the fit on wens/thurs, when the PS arrives. If you have a suggestion boy I would appreciate it about now! I never knew how much this dell sucked until I started looking to re-invigorate it! The case is so small, and it isn't even a slim case! The parts are hard to find, hard to fit and basically a real nightmare to accomplish!

The guy's at Tom's have been great! And because I accidentally found an honest, forthright Tech, I am hoping we can do something to get a decent card installed.

This Optiplex has 3 slots, and if we can use the bottom 2 we can fit the card fairly well.... there is 8.3/4 inches between the back of the case and the hard drives. a good 6 inches wide in the case, and if we use the 2 bottom slots a generous 4-5 inches bottom to top of card.

Let me know what you think if you have any thoughts on this.

HugZ!
Ariana

Looking at eBay, there are 3 motherboard configurations. You said that that you have a PCIE slot so that narrow's the options down. I can't find a picture of the inside of your (mini ?) mid-tower case. As Gareeee said this card will use the PCIE slot and cover your remaining PCI slot. With that in mind you will have to add extra cooling or both the CPU and video cards are going to over heat, giving you worse performance that you are getting now.

Just from a personal point of view, your Dell Optiplex GX745 does not suck. It was built for a specfic purpose. Your knowledge and abilities have out grown that purpose. Yes it is agravating, but is really not Dells fault. The type of Dell you sould be looking at now would be the XPS series, which is a higher end desktop. Don't put much more money into your GX745, as I am willing to bet you will find the processor and or RAM will be your next bottle neck.

About the over heating, how about if I step back to a 240? Would that eliminate the overheating? If not do you have any suggestions? I think I have a good tech, but informed is protected.

Yes I agree. I had absolutely no clue what I was buying when I got the 745 from Dell. It is still a good computer! It's just that I always knew the power source was weak after I had bought it, and I also found out from many people here, what a weak and low grade graphics card an ATI Radeon 1300Pro was. 6 years back many people said I would not be able to render worth a damn with a GC of that low quality. And because of the warrenty I was locked in and could not change anything. First I was told by Dell that there was not any other power source at all. Well that is untrue. And then that it could not be added to my warrenty. I just found out yesterday that that also was false. :(

Believe me I am absorbing this info like a sponge! I will know how to research my next computer correctly. When you mentioned the cooling issue, No One has brought this up. Not Nvidia, not my tech, and not anyone at Tom's. So I at least now have some info to ask my tech as well on monday.

Here are some links too:
Dell Optiplex GX745 Mini Tower Specs

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/op745/en/UG_en/mtindex.htm

Outside Front and Rear
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/op745/en/UG_en/tower.htm#wp1050681

Inside
Graphics Cards
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/op745/en/UG_en/mt_cards.htm#wp1105095

Power Supply
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/op745/en/UG_en/mt_pwrsp.htm#wp1109155

Thank you for your help BTW!!! :D

HugZ!
Ariana 

Honestly, there is no way in hell I would consier upgrading a system 6 years old. You can spend much les smoney just buying somethng new that has the current os, and much newer tech componants in it.

Typically I replace our computers here every 3 years or so.

Regarding upgrading...I agree with Gareee and go with a new system if at all possible. I have a monster Dell XPS720 which is 2 years old and is already starting to show it's age since it's only 32bit and still using Windows XP.

Well so far I am only out less then $150.00 PS, GC & Tech install. The puter runs very good, and if the upgrade works it will be worth it. I can return parts. As opposed to spending hundreds, actually possibly thousand(s) It is a gamble I am willing to take.

Not everyone is flush enough to buy another computer because their original one shows it's age. But it must be nice.

As for the issues with cooling, so far I have learned that this case has enough air flow that cooling may or may not be an issue. Depends on the card.

I have considered cannabalizing the parts. Building one from scratch. That's the good thing about owning a Dell... you get techy (*at least most of the hardware) in self defense! Plus the very interesting thing about this saga is I have learned a lot in a very short time thanx to lots of nice people.

Oh and this system is 64 bit capabale! Just needs 64 bit software (*Win XP Pro64/Win 7). 

Any way, I have been spending time at Tom's for advice. I only posted here because I was asked.

Quote - Well it has been a couple of days, whats the skinny on your system?? Did you find a higher wattage power supply that fits?? Is CS5 behaving it's self??

If there is a problem (*Garee you seem angry, I'm sorry...!), then I can definitely no longer post here. I wasn't trying to use the PS forum for a computer forum. So excuse me. I won't post anymore here about it.

HugZ!
Ariana

Well, I’m really happy for you that you’re getting the whole situation under control. Considering the fact that the average lifespan of a computer is generally 3-5 years and you are finding ways around your particular compatibility issues and coming out ahead economically despite all the variables is a big plus. Not to mention that you’re getting a crash course in computer building and becoming more tech savvy. Do let us know how it all turns out…good luck.

Thank you. And you're right it is a massive crash course. Upside I know what to look for on the new one when it comes. Downside... I have a Dell about to have it's warrenty expire. Feels like my first time on skates... just waiting to fall.

I do search the local thrift stores for hidden treasures (*never use eBay, but occasionally I do also use Craig's List). I have seen everything from wide screen LCD's to Mink Coats. Maybe someone will toss out a new computer for me! LOL!!! Heck you never know.

Until then I will figure out a good work around.

Gotta fly! We are going dancing at the Knitting Factory. Got to pick up Rob Zombie tickets for February! And Ozzie tickets for January 30th!!!

HugZ!
Ariana

I think you are overestimating the cost. You don't need a top of the line system. You could probably easily spend about $700-$800 and have a new system, with more free hd space, a new 64 bit os, more ram, and a new video card.

Just winz 64 will run you $200, and combined with the video card, thats almost half the cost of a replacement system.

Thats what I spent 2 years ago for my current system, which is quad core win7 64 bit, 4 gb ram, and an ati 4870 card.

I do understand finance limitations, but when it comes to computers, the hardware completely updates with changes every few years, and it costs far more to buy part individually than in a new pc.

A small suggestion from me, please don't go with XP-64. Been there done that and virtually no body supports it. I went back to XP-32 till Win 7 came out.

eBay is a good source for pricing, I have never been screwed on hardware, nearly everyone has a return policy.

I got my ASUS Crosshair gaming motherboard for about half price, with a dual core AMD processor. At the time it was about the best for speed with an AMD. ASUS also had one for Intel (which was faster). I am still using it even though ASUS is now up to Crosshair Formula 4. I am not a gamer, I got the board for its speed and flexability.

Good luck with your future endevors!!

I want to thank you all.. you have given me a lot to think about.

Were it not that I love 3D, I am almost frustrated enough to give up. :/ God knows there are other important issues in the world that sort of trumps computers.  I think if this upgrade doesn't work, I just might get out of 3D all together. I mean I have an art degree, I actually paint and draw quite well. Plus I also do photography, it was my minor in college!

Computers have a real scam going on, so does companies like adobe, or vue. I was surprised that as soon as Vue7Pro came out, and I bought it, then Vue8 then now Vue9 is closely following.  I think art comes from the imagination. And often the best is low-tech.

You are 'forced' to upgrade because like IE6, it is no longer suported so you are forced to upgrade. Like XP, it is no longer supported and you are forced to upgrade. Like any other consumer item, if you don't have the newest, or the latest version, does it really preclude creating? At least for my purposes. Gareee, I know you create mesh and product that most likely does require more advanced tools to keep competitive. I am not sure for the others here. But for myself, I do art, and if 3D does not do everything I need I have paint programs as well. But I think if this system is still running, then I can wait to buy a new one. This is just a decision I made today.

You know what is really funny? Before I had photoshop I used PSP, and did as much in that as I really do in PS. Limited yes, but better art that I enjoyed a lot. Don't get me wrong, I am happy I got CS5, but this will be my last upgrade.

I am actually not venting or feeling anger over this. I think I sort of am happy! It's been some time since I held a real paintbrush in my hand and used some acrylics to create art. :) 6 years ago and thousands of dollars later, I think I just had an epiphiny.  So thank you all! I am going to take the day off, and tomorrow I will see if my PS arrives, and if so I will have my tech install it. Then the video card. Maybe I will get a couple more years out of this workhorse. If not, well I guess life goes on and I can think about it then.

Have a wonderful day!!!
HugZ!
Ariana

I think you have made a great decision and I agree to the extent that the computer world can seem like a rip off, having been in it since before PC's were a glimmer in anyone's eye. If you get behind and upgrade or two or three big whooping deal, as long as you are satisfied with your work. If you have clients and they want you do do something you can't, then you can decide if you want to upgrade.

You have the ability to draw, paint and photograph, then the computer is just a tool like a brush or pencil. Use it that way and you will grow. I don't know if you are familar with BJHook (http://www.renderosity.com/mod/gallery/index.php?image_id=2142602 ), I believe he uses all the tools for his creations and does (IMO) a fantastic job.

At any rate Good luck, and god speed!!!

Have you considered buying a mac?

Quote - Have you considered buying a mac?

Hello? She's on a budget. Macs are NOT for people with budgets.

I know I'm late to the party - and I don't get here too often anymore, sorry to say as well - coupla notes worth mentioning.

1 - If you have a lot of peripheral stuff (scanner, external HD, printer, webcam, etc.) each device you plug into your USB will draw a tiny bit of energy, but it asdds up and can choke your system. When we buy a new computer, one of the immediate things we do (because we DO have a LOT of peripherals) ir slap in a 900Ws power supply ASAP.

2 - One of our workstations would overheat, so my wife bought a little fan that sits beside it. Not enough - so now, it also has the side panel taken off. It no longer overheats - she's behind me playing WoW as I type.

3 - Graphics cards. And to be honest, I haven't read specifics about CS5 regarding ATI vs nVidia, but we've been using either/or for various machines and haven't noticed any performance issues or descrepencies. Also, understand we buy $200-$300 cards. Once you get past the $100, they start improving may things and between brands even out. The $100 or under - I go with nVidia.

4 - Regarding Macs - and this is not at ALL meant to start a haters war. When someone has a bunch of software and plugins, at least half (if not 2/3rds) will be OS specific. Changing the OS means a lot more than the case. Think of SLR cameras (where you can change the lens, buy a flash, etc. - high end ones). If you're a Nikon person, you can't just go out and get a Canon camera body - you'll have to buy all new cables, all new flashes, all new lenses - it's quite a huge investment to "just change brands".

Regarding Mac and PC debates - people, just pick the ones you like and use it. No matter what gripes/comments/hangups/preferences, at the end of the day, when you look at a 3D image, or watch a video, you have to take the artist's word for it as to which computer OS was used to run the software you actually used to perform the tasks needed. Both work great (I use both, BTW) - just pick the version that suits you best.

Hope this helps, and everyone have a Merry XMas!

-Lew

1 - If you have a lot of peripheral stuff (scanner, external HD, printer, webcam, etc.) each device you plug into your USB will draw a tiny bit of energy, but it asdds up and can choke your system. When we buy a new computer, one of the immediate things we do (because we DO have a LOT of peripherals) ir slap in a 900Ws power supply ASAP.

or you can use externally powered USB hubs. (which is a good idea anyway)

I didn't read all the answers, I was just browsing through here while eating lunch, decided to post.

First off a common misconception about video cards is if they are a 1gig card they are going to rock your socks.  This is simply not true.  You can get one for around $100 and its going to be alright, but for graphic intense purposes I would really consider investing.

Nice power hungry cards are going to require additional power in most cases.  If you walk into Best Buy and purchase a computer off the shelf its going to be great for writing emails and surfing the web and all things that Jane Doe needs to do, BUT for high end graphics and gaming its not going to be a prize catch.

First off you are probably going to have to replace your power supply.  When I bought this computer last year it came with a 450watt power supply, simply not enough, I think I put an 850 watt or more in it, I don't remember exactly, but it is pretty decent.

So I already had an Nvidia 275 BFG card, so I threw that in there, but eventually a few months ago I replaced it with an Nvidia 400 Series, I think its a 1 gig, and it cost me somewhere between $300 and $400, but its completely awesome.

I play a lot of games as well as 3D and run PS, so its extremely important what card I have.  It renders pretty quickly, and because I have also purchase a new LED backlit monitor my frame rates in games are over 100 or more at times. (take WoW for example) regular LCD monitors will not go over about 60, its just the way they are.

You need to have the power supply to run the card, as many cards will come with an additional power connector that will drain from the power supply.

Also remember that Nvidia is just the name, there are many different companies that manufacture Nvidia cards, so if you are looking at two cards that are Nvidia that seem to be exactly the same except one is a higher price its probably because its a different manufacturer, and what you should do is compare the two different manufacturers, read about them online and see which has the better reviews.

Just my 2cents =)