What Kind of Graphics Card Can I Use With My Dell Dimension 2350?

The Dell Dimension 2350 desktop computer was introduced in 2002, so it uses older technology. If you want to update the graphics card in this computer, your choices are limited because it does not have the latest expansion ports.

Considerations

All Dell Dimension 2350 desktops come only with a PCI expansion port. As of 2010, AGP and PCI-Express are the dominant types of graphics cards. PCI is an older technology with not enough bandwidth for video processing.

Integrated Graphics

The Dell Dimension 2350 comes with integrated Intel 3D Extreme Graphics. Even using a PCI graphics card will boost your system's performance because integrated graphics chipsets must share limited memory with other hardware components, including the central processor unit. A PCI graphics card generally has dedicated memory that will allow other processes on the computer to run somewhat faster.

Tip

Some manufacturers still sell PCI graphics cards that support newer graphics drivers such as DirectX9, reports PC Buyer Beware. You can get a reasonable PCI graphics card for less than an AGP or PCI-E based card if you shop around online.

References

• CNet: Intel Pentium 4 Processor at 2.0GHz with 512K L2 Cache
• Dell: Dell Dimension 2350
• NetworkDictionary: Types of Graphics Cards
• PC Buyer Beware: Video/Graphics Cards : ISA - PCI - AGP - PCI Express Adapter Cards - Page 1