i currently am limited to only playing console games due to the fact that my computer's graphic card is quite inadequate. I would really like to be able to start playing PC games. Specifically StarCraft 2. I need good cheap cards that are compatible with my system and meet minimum requirements for StarCraft 2. thank you in advance for your help.


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System Information
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Operating System: Windows Vista? Home Premium (6.0, Build 6000) (6000.vista_gdr.100218-0019)
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 531
Processor: AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4400+ (2 CPUs), ~2.3GHz
Memory: 1982MB RAM
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
Chip type: GeForce 6150SE nForce 430
(i have no clue if this helps ask for more and i will try to give, im pretty noob bout this stuff)

What we really need to know is your powersupply. Then we can tell you what GFX card you PC can handle.

Last time I used a 4400+ was with a 7800 GTX.

You've got a 300W power supply with that Dell. About all you can upgrade to would be a low powered card like a GT 240 or HD 4670. It would help, but you still have a pretty slow CPU as well for a game like SC2.

so i'm looking at a no-go? I don't even want it to look good, i just want to be able to play it
(thanks for finding my power i was lost)

It would work, you would just have to use pretty low settings. With your CPU it wouldn't help to have anything stronger than those two cards I mentioned.

So i'm going to assume that in the long run i'd be better off to save for a better gaming computer in general than just try to keep updating this one to keep up with the technologically growing times?

It might be best to get another system from more of a boutique shop like cyberpower or Ibuypower because for one I don't know how proprietary that Dell is.