Graphic Card Update for TF2

[LesPaulShredder]

Hey so first of all I'm a total newb to the forums so I might be posting this in the wrong section. But, I just recently purchased TF2. I went through the setup but the game is laggy as anything. I tried different servers at latencies of 40-60 (which i assume was the best... yet again a little bit of a newb to pc gaming). I have a stock graphics card with 256 MB memory. I've upgraded to 4 gigs of RAM. I also have 1.8 Ghz Core2 Duo ( I think thats good enough... but I could be wrong.) So could anyone recommend: 1.) What do I need to upgrade for better gaming and 2.) Recommendations on those upgrades.
Thank You

 

[elmer92413]

I run TF2 on a 6800gt which has 256mb, and it runs fine. From what I've heard it could be your cpu. I have a e2180 which runs and 2ghz stock, but i oc'd it to 3. You might want to try bumping up the ghz and seeing what happens.
Also remember there is a difference between internet lag and low screen rates. Download a tool like FRAPS to check your framerate out. And make sure you don't have any big downloads, torrents, or other program using up your bandwidth.

 

[Ogdin]

Without knowing what you have for a vid card its hard to recommend anything.

 

[LesPaulShredder]

well according to my PC it says the accelerator I'm using is Intel(R) G965 Express Chipset Family... is that what you mean?

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Yea, that means it sucks. All we needed to know was Intel. Do you play other games? We don't want to get you overkill just for TF2, it's not that demanding.

 

[LesPaulShredder]

well like i said i just only recently started playing so I thought TF2 would be a great starter. So i do plan on playing other games soon if I can get this one working.

 

[happy medium]

What is your monitors resolution and your price range for a card?

 

[LesPaulShredder]

preferably the card would be great under $150...and 1280x1024 i think is my screen resolution

 

[happy medium]

8800gt's go for around 150.00$ But even a 8800gs @ 100$ will be 8x faster then the Intel graphics. Yes 8x faster.

So any 8800 series card in your price range will be great.Could use a 9600gt also.
If you like Amd cards any 3850 or 3870 card in your price range will be fine also.

Make sure your power supply will run them though.
Whats the wattage of your power supply? How many amps on the 12v+ rail? If you need help, what is the model of your power supply?, and I'll help you.

 

[LesPaulShredder]

to be completely honest I have no clue and I don't even know where to look for the model.

 

[happy medium]

what kind of computer is it?

 

[happy medium]

do you use Aim messenger? It might be easier to help you.
Otherwise i'll help you here right now. look cause i'll post fast for you now.

 

[LesPaulShredder]

its an HP pavilion a1642x

 

[LesPaulShredder]

yea i do have AIM too... lespaulshuriken