My dell inspiron needs a video card. Suggestions appreciated.

[kir_b]

I've been weeding through video cards for a while now and before I make a purchase, I thought I'd ask you fine folks for your thoughts. I'm very new to the hardware side of things, so any suggestions and or wisdom will be much appreciated, thanks in advance.

My computer is a Dell inspiron 531s, which is a slim case design with, I believe a 250 watt psu, which I understand further complicates things as I am on a budget of between 100-140 . I'm also running a dual boot linux ubuntu and windows vista ( I'm not really using the vista anymore ). I would like to get a card that would enable some relatively light gameplay { UFO: AI }, videos through my widescreen lcd monitor and hdmi would be a plus.

Any further info can be provided as needed. Thanks again, kir_b.
P.S. I would have included a link to the specs, but I haven't posted enough times.

Edit: To find out what I decided to do, see my post, "Final report". You'll find a few resources that may be helpful too you if your in a similar situation.

[Cowboy]

get a low profile 4650.

[kir_b]

Originally Posted by Cowboy

get a low profile 4650.

Noted. I'm just going to do a search/hunt for it right now. Thanks a lot. kir_b.

[Bond007]

Originally Posted by Cowboy

get a low profile 4650.

Honestly that is probably about as good as its going to get given your PSU and case.

[jcmaz]

Sparkle makes a low profile GTS250...

[kir_b]

Originally Posted by jcmaz

Sparkle makes a low profile GTS250...

thanks a lot. i'll check it out. thanks everyone. kir_b

[cozmosland]

the gts250 needs a min of a 400w ps doesnt it, i dont think the dell would be enough for it.
make sure with what ever you get that it either has a pcie aux power connector or extra 4 pin plugs for the aux power to the video card

[Dr_BenD_over]

Aren't Ati's drivers for Linux somewhat, um, lacking.

[MarkOne]

I have no problem with my ATI 4650 GPU and Ubuntu.. everything install flawless.

[kir_b]

Well thanks for all the responses everyone, very very much appreciated. Judging by all the responses, you've all made it perfectly clear to me, that I'm going to need a new power supply, that is, if my new graphics card is going to still be useful in a few years. The search, is what has taken me sooo long to get back to you all. Sorry about that.

Anyhow, I've found a 400 watt power supply that I think can be squeezed into my box, even though I might have to use a persuader on the case { a hammer }. I was hoping someone might share their wisdom on what other items I might need to purchase, as I really do live in the middle of nowhere and will be ordering everything from very far away.

The power supply is this one: Athena Power AP-MPS3ATX40 400W ATX12V

I found it on the newegg.ca website.

Thanks a lot in advance, I look forward to your thoughts. Peace everyone and enjoy your day.