A GPU in my Dell Vostro

[Mike-K]

Hello.
I'd like a bit of guidance putting a serious GPU in my Vostro 410 (running its stock CPU -- Core2 Quad {Q6600} ). I have a not-so-serious board in it now, and I'm sure that, with the upgrade, the enclosure will require more airflow. I should note that this project will be used for distributed processing (e.g. SETI@home), and might be on for a couple days at a time.

The GPU is an HIS 7950 IceQ (i.e. AMD Radeon HD 7950 Boost), which has a max TDP of 225 W. It's a dual-width unit (i.e. it takes two slot openings). It has a fan, and there are 4 tubes that loop on the top (liquid cooling?)

So, do I need more airflow than what the stock fan gives?

The case fan (in the back) is 120 mm. There is no place to mount a fan in the front (drive bays to the bottom, and no room in the facia (plastic front piece).

If it needs more airflow, should I get a better case fan, or supplement the extant one with a PCI-slot fan? What CFM (or m^3/hr) should I go for?

[evasive]

Before worrying about airflow, will you please replace the 350W stock PSU with something decent?

[Mike-K]

[quote="evasive"]Before worrying about airflow, will you please replace the 350W stock PSU with something decent?[/quote]

That's already covered! It was so obvious that I didn't even think to mention it. :-/

I found an EVGA 600W unit.

[Karlsweldt]

Ambient temperatures play a role in how much cooling air is needed for a highly active PC. The higher the ambient temperature, the more forceful the CPU/GPU fans will run.
But a general rule is airflow should be 1.5:1 ratio, input to exhaust. And at least 2 feet of free space behind the PC.. or warm air is recirculated.
Most PC cases have space for a front case fan, but the front panel is not vented! If a rear fan provision, typically employed as an exhaust fan. Better an intake fan purpose.
The mid-tower case I use for F@H has two rows of perforations at the bottom of the side panels. Adds maybe 8 sq. in. of air flow inlet. My GTX460 'sings' a bit when fully active with F@H. PSU is an Antec TP-3 650 watt model.
If your system has only a 350 watt PSU, it may be "adequate" for how it was delivered. But not for any upgrades. Definitely go with 700+ wattage, if the GPU needs 225 watts!!

[evasive]

Ok, this is what it looks like when undressed:
http://archive.benchmarkreviews.com/ind ... mitstart=2

I don't think you need an extra fan to push air in your case, this thing will take whatever air it needs.

[Mike-K]

[quote="evasive"]I don't think you need an extra fan to push air in your case, this thing will take whatever air it needs.[/quote]

Ok, thank you. I'd like to compare the temperature (no card vs. with card).