Recently, I was talking to my step father about two Dell computers that he owns. Specifically, he's got a Dell XPS 420 and an XPS410. I have a spare SSD that I intend to give him for his 420. However, I reminded him that if the SSD is upgraded, it may well be advised to upgrade the graphics card(s) as well on the XPS420 (any maybe on his XPS 410). So here's my question, what is the best graphics card upgrade for these older computers, here in 2015?
Obviously, we have to keep in mind that these PCs have all of their original parts. That being said, there would be limitations (not just with the cost) but also factoring in the older hardware on these two older PCs. He is only a very light gamer to include a racing game he owns but does much more with multi-media such as many u-tubes, etc.
So what would be a good graphics card that would make economic sense on this older XPS 420, keeping in mind the older PSU and other hardware on this box? And what about an old XPS410 with all its original parts? The intent is to replace the graphics card(s) and also swap out the old hard drive(s) with new SSD(s) on both of these computers (no other upgrades). I'm good with advising him on the SSD(s), I just need advice on the best graphics card(s) for these boxes with their original parts still in the PCs.
One thing I am most concerned about (as a limiting factor) are the original power supply units in these PCs and how these older PSUs may limit the upgrade options as it relates to the graphic cards. For example, I think the XPS410 came with a 375W PSU. I am unsure of the PSU specs on the 420. Many thanks for suggestions here.
PS I've got an older XPS410 myself that I upgraded a long time ago (to a Nvidia GeForce 650Ti) with good advice on this forum. But in my case, I had already upgraded other parts as well to include a newer PSU. So the situation is a little different as it relates to my step father's PCs. Again, he does not want to spend any other money beyond graphics cards and new SSD(s).