Recommendations replacement graphics

I'm looking for a Nvidia PCI-E x16 graphics card to replace the onboard GeForce 6100.

This is not for gaming, just to improve my graphics performance.

Power supply is Corsair 400CX 400 watt.
Two hard drives and two combo drives installed.

A GeForce 6600 GT would have been good, but they are now as rare as hens teeth.

Maybe a 7600 GT or 8600 GT??

I want to stay well within the limits of the PSU.

Suggestions?
Thanks.

 

I've used the Asus EN8400GS Silent 512mb card in a couple lower end setups and they run fine. Fanless so they're quiet, no external power connector so they work well with lower wattage power supplies.

Newegg has a bunch of 512mb PCIe cards from both nVidia and ATI in the $30-$45 range that should fit your needs.

Sam

 

Since you didn't state the age or wattage of your current PSU, this is a general tip:

The typical power supply loses 5-10% of its max. rated wattage each year it is in use. Given this, a three year old PSU rated at 400 watts may be putting out as little as 280-300 watts.

Using this formula, if it is on the edge, I would consider replacing the PSU at the same time you replace the video card. If/when a PSU fails, it has the potential to damage the board or other PC parts.

Check user reviews and buy a decent brand. Here's one for about $30 I use as a replacement in OEM grade systems:

http://www.amazon.com/Antec-BP350-B...ef=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1295227123&sr=8-1&rps=1

Hope this helps.

 

My machine is 4¾ years old and it came with a 300 watt PSU.

I just installed this:
Corsair 400CX

I used the eXtreme Power Supply Calculator Lite v2.5 with my current components including the Nvidia 8400 GS card that scajjr recommended with a 90% system load and 20% capacitor aging.

Results:

Minimum PSU Wattage: 282 W

Recommended PSU Wattage: 332 W

That PSU has gotten vey good ratings in several reviews:
Entry Level Power Supply Roundup

 

Good choice. Corsair is one of the best on the market.

 

I'm happy with it.
Only problem is that the cables are very long and difficult to arrange in my small
case. They are wrapped, which looks nice, but it also makes them bulkier.

It has a large fan placed on the bottom instead of in the rear like the OEM replacements.
I think it helps cool the inside of the case like that.

Thanks for your response and the tips.