Upgrading my HD 2600XT

[aaronlk]

I've got a Dell 530 with a Diamond HD 2600XT card (with 256 MB ram).
PCI-Express slot.
CPU: Q6660
RAM: 4 GB
Windows Vista (32 bit)
Power Supply: 380 watts
Resolution: 1440 x 900

I've been playing CIV 5 on regular map size (with graphics on the lowest possible settings, without doing strategic view) and it is decent, but not great.

The video card appears to have broke. So I'm thinking of upgrading. What should I get for $50-$100?

I'd like something that doesn't use too much power.

I also need to support two monitors (probably all decent cards do this, right?). 1024 x 768 and 1440 x 900.

 

[tokala]

For maximum compatibility, a HD 4670 with DDR3 VRAM would be the best choice.

If you would like to have something more modern/powerful, you should check with Dell support if the board in your machine will work with HD 5xxx/6x00 and/or GeForce 4xx cards.

Specifically for Civ5 a GTS 450 would most likely be the fastest card that makes sense for your system. Below that the HD 6670 and 6570 should also be valid choices.

 

[aaronlk]

Thanks.

I decided to go with the Radeon HD 5570 (for around $60). It is about the same as the 4670, but lower power consumption when not in use (and might run cooler).