how do i go about getting a video card?

[jamess82]

I'm sorry, I know you probably get about 500 of these messages a day. I know nothing about computers, and I'm trying to make mine better.

I have a Dell Dimension 3000. It has a Pentium 4 (2.80 GHz) processor. I play games on it, mainly World of Warcraft. When I first started playing, it was obvious that it didn't have enough RAM to run the game well, so I put 2GB in there and it worked a lot better. The problem is that WoW still only runs at about 12 frames per seconds, and I was told this was due to my lack of a video card. I was told that I need an NVidia GeForce 2 or better. There seem to be hundreds of products with the name "GeForce" in them, and I need some guidance

I have two questions:

1) Will a video card make the game run better or is my computer simply not powerful enough?

2) How do I go about finding a video card that is compatible with my computer and that will significantly enhance its performance?

I am willing to spend around $100 on a video card. Can you direct me to a good one?

 

[firebyyrd]

It will make a game run better.

2. You first check your motherboard slot. See if it is an AGP slot, or a PCI-Express slot.

... i just did a quick search on an Dimension 3000.. well, it appears here:
seen from CNET.
* No AGP/PCI-E Expansion Slot

=/

 

[jamess82]

Wow, what a fast reply. Ok, how do I check my motherboard slot (just open up the case and look?) and how do I know if it is AGP or PCI-Express?

Ah, ok, just saw your edit. So does this mean I can't install a video card?

 

[OBCT]

AGP is usually brown. The edge of the card extends into the motherboard more than PCI slots. PCIe is thinner than PCI, and has a latch on the end to hold the graphics cards in place.

 

[Harvey]

The specs for your machine list only the integrated Intel graphics chipset, and it doesn't list an AGP connector. If your system is like the low end machine my sister got, the motherboard has the holes for an AGP connector, but they were too cheap to include it.

Even if your machine has an AGP slot, the other problem is, your power supply is only 250 W, which may not support a serious vid card.

If that's the case with your machine, give up trying to improve it. You can't get there from here. Instead, sell it as a whole machine, and build yourself a machine that will do what you want.

Good luck.

 

[jamess82]

Ok, thanks

I don't know how to build a computer, so I'll just have to use this one as it is.

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: jamess82
Ok, thanks

I don't know how to build a computer, so I'll just have to use this one as it is.

Aw... No need for the sad face. You're on one of the best sites in the world to learn how to do it. If you're on a budget, start here for info on various compnents. You'll need:

• A CPU and motherboard.
  
• RAM.
  
• A video card.
  
• A hard drive.
  
• An optical drive (DVD or CDR). A burner is best, and good ones are cheap.
  
• A case and power supply.
  
• A monitor.
  
• A floppy drive (optional, but cheap and still occasionally useful).
  
• An OS (Windows XP). Your purchase of the hardware will qualify you to buy an OEM copy, which will save you around $50.

Most new motherboards have onboard network (NIC) built in sound. If you want better sound, you can buy a better sound card later, once you get your basic machine up and running.

All you really need to know is which end of a phillips screwdriver to grab and how to read. The rest is really easy... and you've got lots of help on these forums. All you have to do is ask. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

One more thing -- If you live anywhere near a Fry's Electronics, you can get most or all of what you'll need at VERY good prices. Their regularly priced items are not necessarily that cheap, but their specials can be super. <a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://newspaperads.mercurynews.com/ROP/Subcat.aspx?cat=3339&subcat=3525
">Here's their weekend ad for San Jose, Ca</a>. You can often find a decent CPU and motherboard combo for $70 - $80 and 1 GB of good RAM for $60 - $70.

Of course, you can spend more for even better performance, but you can probably put a system together for $500 that will run rings around your current setup.

 

[dustmann]

You might look into a pci graphics card. Look for a Geforce 6200 pci card or an fx5200 pci. Do not confuse pci with Pci express or pci-e. You know what a pci slot is right? They're white, and the farthest left (towards the back of the case) on the motherboard, looking inside the case with the left side panel removed. Well, left relative to the front of the case. If you have an open slot, either of those cards should be better than the integrated graphics. fx5200 and 6200

 

[jamess82]

You make it sound very easy to build a computer. I think I will definitely do that next time, but I just got this one recently and don't want to feel like I wasted my money.

So I'll probably get a PCI video card and be done with it. Which is better, a Geforce 6200 pci card or an fx5200 pci card?

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: jamess82
You make it sound very easy to build a computer. I think I will definitely do that next time, but I just got this one recently and don't want to feel like I wasted my money.

If your machine is fairly new, it won't get anymore valuable, but a complete, working machine is worth more than the sum of its parts. If you just bought it used, you know what it is worth, now. If you got it new, you have a machine in warranty that may interest a friend who isn't looking for the kind of performance you want.

It won't cost you anything to check around to see what you could get for it. That will give you some idea of what you'll need to buy the rest.

So I'll probably get a PCI video card and be done with it. Which is better, a Geforce 6200 pci card or an fx5200 pci card?

I don't think those cards are available as PCI cards. The new video format is PCI Express (PCIE), which is not the same.

There may be another problem. If you can't turn off the onboard video in the CMOS, a PCI vid card may conflict with it. If you don't see the setting, you may have to ask Dell's tech support if it's even possible.

You'll have to do some hunting for the card. Here are some prices for an eVGA GeForce 4000 PCI vid card. It's not what most folks would consider a hot gaming card, but it's probably the kind of card you'll find new.

 

[RajunCajun]

You need a PCI graphics card - PCIe (express) or AGP won't work. Of the two mentioned the 6200 is by far the best card. It's probably also one of the best for PCI period! I've helped you out - clink the links below. All those cards are PCI and will work for you. Of course some are better for gaming than others. Pick out several that are in your budget, then do a google search for reviews/comparisons.

Link to all PCI video cards at Newegg!

Also newegg is not the only place you can buy from, but it is one of if not the best overall site!

Here's one at ChiefValue - about the same as Newegg!

By the way, you'll have no problems adding a PCI video card. There are MANY 3000 owners that have done it. Read you manuals that came with you PC, or find them at Dell's support website. Usually all you do is change something in the BIOS to let the PC automatically detect if you've added a card. I'm not sure how you do it on a 3000, but you can always call Dell or visit the community forums at Dell.

Dennis

 

[dustmann]

I would think that the 6200 would be faster, simply because it's newer. It's cheaper, and has similar specs to the 5200. The reviews that I've read say that it will run doom3 on low, half life 2 on medium, halo on high, fear on low. I would think it would have no trouble playing WoW. And for ~30 bucks, that's not bad at all.

I would definitely recommend building your own pc next time around. It's really gratifying, not necessarily cheaper, but a learning experience and exactly how you want it!

 

[RajunCajun]

Found another 6200 - this one is in stock and ready for shipping!

Monarch Computer

 

[jamess82]

Thanks for all the help you've given me so far guys!

So I'm looking for a Geforce 6200 now, but I can't find it. All the PCI cards at newegg are either fx5200 or radeon 9250. I have no idea what either of these mean. Am I missing something?

Edit: RajunCajun has linked me some 6200's. I'm still curious about what the radeon 9250 is.

 

[Harvey]

Please remember the power supply issue I raised, earlier. If you get a card that demands more than your system can provide, you're in for some stability problems.

 

[TanisHalfElven]

i pci 6200 will do wonders above your IGP.
also tell us what setting you play at.
if you turn down the resolution a bit you'll probaly get a monstrous boost in performance. .
from wht i've seen a 6200 can run most every game today but at low res and some settings off.

 

[jamess82]

The 3DFuzion Geforce 6200 128MB DDR/PCI/TV-Out/DVI that RajunCajun linked requires at least a 300 Watt power supply. Is this something that I can just purchase, or does my computer need to be compatible with it first?

 

[Sniper82]

really sad on Dells part that a P4 system doesn't come with a AGP slot. Even my my bro inlaws older E-machines has a AGP slot. Anyway I wouldn't worry about buying another power supply. I would buy the 6200 and try it out. If you get random lockups,restarts,ect then worry about another power supply. Your'll likely be fine. My friends Compaq computer with a Radeon 9800 Pro which should draw more power than the 6200. He to is running a 250watt and has no issues.

 

[akshayt]

just get a new mobo and gpu preferably cpu as well and pay 50$ to somebody to assemble it. somebody might even do it for 10-20$, hardly takes a few minutes.

 

[dustmann]

Originally posted by: jamess82
The 3DFuzion Geforce 6200 128MB DDR/PCI/TV-Out/DVI that RajunCajun linked requires at least a 300 Watt power supply. Is this something that I can just purchase, or does my computer need to be compatible with it first?

I would highly recommend a good psu along with that card. The radeon 9250 doesn't perform quite as well as the nvidia counterpart, from what I hear. Look for a 350w + power supply. Good brands are Antec, Sparkle, FSP group, PC Power & Cooling, Enermax. Maybe a thermaltake, seasonic or silverstone. Don't veer too far away from these brands, as they won't provide much of an improvement over your junk dell psu. Look for whatever is cheapest in the 350+ Watt range out of those brands, and you'll be in good shape.

 

[Gstanfor]

I don't think a 6200 should trouble the Dell PSU, they have a peak rating well above the nominal rating. If you are going to replace the PSU, you will need to know the form factor of the current PSU (most oem's use physically smaller PSU's).

Also verify that the PSU uses standard wiring (Dell used to custom wire the motherboard connector, not sure if they still do).

 

[videogames101]

Originally posted by: jamess82
Ok, thanks

I don't know how to build a computer, so I'll just have to use this one as it is.

dude, last summe i knew not a thing about computers, now I can build one with ease. It is so much easier then you would think, you should try building your own.

 

[TanisHalfElven]

Originally posted by: akshayt
just get a new mobo and gpu preferably cpu as well and pay 50$ to somebody to assemble it. somebody might even do it for 10-20$, hardly takes a few minutes.

you in india right ?
somebody'll do it for Rs 500 happily

but local shopkeepers everywhere suck. they don;t know the first things about assembling an enthusiast computer.

besides what kind of enthusiast lets someone else touch much less build their computer ?


to the OP.
building a copmuter is a piece of cake. i built my opteron 165 rig below all by my self without help of any one except this forum and a few quides recommended to me by ppl hee.

 

[LittleNemoNES]

I built my first PC without the faintest idea how to do it. It just all made sense to me. Of course now I'm here helping the 'wee ones. So it is kind of addictive -- careful!

 

[kmmatney]

If your power supply can already power a pentium 4, then it should have no trouble with a 6200. Dell power supplies are rated conservativel. That PSU is probably the equivalent of a cheap 400Watt power supply. You don't need to worry about the power supply - so don't.

The card at ChiefValue would have been perfect, but its out of stock. I can't find it in stock anywhere but Ebay, where you can buy it brand new for around $60:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...ame=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX_Stores

Here is another one to consider:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/CustRatingReview.asp?Item=N82E16814143059