Graphics Card

[KevinBarrett]

I'm in a tough spot for a graphics card. I'd like to upgrade this computer of mine without having to get a whole new machine but an appropriate graphics card is going to be tough to find.

The machine: HP Pavilion Slimline S3200n (160W power supply)
The requirements: PCI-Express x16, no greater than 160W minimum PSU, slimline PC compatible

Beyond this, I'm not picky...I just want an upgrade from the on-board integrated graphics (which is so piddly it isn't worth naming). I've read that an nVidia 8400 GS will do the trick, but that seems to require a 300W PSU. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[KevinBarrett]

I think I've found one: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6814129106
A user reports installing it successfully in an HP Pavilion Slimline S3320f which uses the same power supply as an S3200n, though I'm not sure if it would be recommended practice...

[Javelin]

do you need a card that does openGL well? if nnot I would suggest a matrox card. they use a lot less power than the gaming type graphics card. their 2d preformance is really good as well. just there not very good for anythig thats going to use openGL or a lot of direct draw

[KevinBarrett]

If it was just for 2D work, photo editing, etc, I'd say these are the cards I need...they certainly hit the mark for everything I mentioned, and there's plenty of low-profile options (Best Buy has only one low-profile card, period). However, I also need the card to serve for my wife's gaming (yes, you read that correctly, she plays Guild Wars ).

I also just found an upgrade for the power supply [link] which would certainly expand my possibilities, as well as another graphics card which is rumored to work [link].