Graphics Card Install Questions

[fullbug]

This is my first time ever trying the process of buying and installing a new graphics card, so please be kind and bear with me....
I have already browsed through some of the FAQS here and graphic cards, but have a few questions....

I'm on a Dell WIndows XP Pro SP2 desktop, Pro Version 2002 Intel[R] Pentium[R] 4 CPU 2.80
GHZ
2.79 GHZ 512 MB of RAM
I have a Intel 82865G Graphics Controller

So I already figure I need another 500 MB of RAM at least, will get that....
One reason I'm upgrading is because I want to be able to play 'Bionic Commando Rearmed' and the ideal specs for the game are as follows-

Bionic Commando Rearmed Download Recommended System Requirements

    * Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP (Service Pack 2)/Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Vista
    * Intel Core 2 Duo E6400/AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
    * 1 GB RAM
    * 2 GB free hard drive space
    * 256 MB DirectX(R) 9c compatible card/ nVIDIA(R) GeForce 7900/ ATI Radeon(R) X1850 or better
    * DirectX(R) 9 compatible sound card
    * Internet connection
So, after looking through your FAQ list of graphic cards ( http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?topic=31189.0 ) I figure I need maybe a Nvidia Geforce 8800GT 256MB ??

Again, I know nothing about cards, so I dont really know.....Or is my computer not nearly new enough to tackle a game like this?

[trevorpe]

Hi there,

Don't really know what game that is, but by looking at specs,
a GeForce 8800 GT will be good (that's the card I'm looking at buying for GTA IV).  If you are willing to spend more, get the 512MB Version, because from I what I know, the 8800 GT is a great card and you'd have more video memory, which would be good for bigger games.
You will definitely need RAM.  Having extra RAM won't hurt either.

[fullbug]

Thanx, so would others concur that a GeForce 8800 GT may be the thing to go with?

[Accessless]

The game recommends processors from about 2007, but your machine does meet the minimum processor requirements. Now the only problem you face is which graphics card do you need to buy. There are two types, the older AGP or the newer PCI-E. Due to the age of your computer I would suspect to find an AGP slot on your motherboard. Unfortunately finding modern AGP graphics cards is becoming more and more of a challenge. You may want or have to go with an older design of graphics card.

Now you need/want: - An modern AGP graphics card
                             - At least another 512Mb of older RAM

You may want to consider a complete upgrade considering the amount of upgrades needed. Yet I could be wrong, I am working on quite a few assumptions at this point. If you could give you Dell model number then we can get exact specifications...  hopefully...

[lectrocrew]

512 MB of RAM
I have a Intel 82865G Graphics Controller

So I already figure I need another 500 MB of RAM at least, will get that....

I have a Dell similar to your's (In my specs). I installed 2gb af RAM which is the maximum it will support. Best $ I ever spent. I'd recommend looking into adding more than just another 500mb in yours. Find out what the motherboard will support and go from there.

[Computer_Commando]

...
I'm on a Dell WIndows XP Pro SP2 desktop, Pro Version 2002 Intel[R] Pentium[R] 4 CPU 2.80
GHZ
2.79 GHZ 512 MB of RAM
I have a Intel 82865G Graphics Controller
...

I'm pretty sure that's an integrated (on-board) graphics controller, that's what most Dell's use.  Make sure the BIOS allows you to turn it off.  Without knowing anything else about your Dell, what kind of expansion slots does it have?  AGP, PCI, PCI-Express

[Accessless]

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/zero-punctuation/759-Bionic-Commando

(This is a totally useless post)

Moderated Message - Please refrain from posting noncontributing posts. Thank you.

[BC_Programmer]

Intel Core 2 Duo E6400/AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+

a P4 is nowhere near those requirements.

a P4 is a 32-bit CPU; the core 2 duo and Athlon 64 x2 are both dual cores, 64-bit, and have higher clock speeds.

Not that a graphics card isn't a good idea.


Also, given the age of the PC it's likely it uses AGP, not PCI-Express.

[Kurtiskain]

a P4 is nowhere near those requirements.

a P4 is a 32-bit CPU; the core 2 duo and Athlon 64 x2 are both dual cores, 64-bit, and have higher clock speeds.

Not that a graphics card isn't a good idea.


Also, given the age of the PC it's likely it uses AGP, not PCI-Express.

This pretty much sums it up.

To play this, you really need a new computer.

the P4 is a few generations behind now, it was a good line, but the Core 2 Duo's and Core 2 Quads outperform nearly anything, AMD is far behind at present.

[fullbug]

Thanx for all the info, looks like a new a new computer then, no sense poring money into something that wont work right?
One more question, if I was to get these upgrades, would I be able to play this game discription?

Microsoft Windwos XP/Vista2 GB RAM
Graphics Card: 128 MB minimum GeForce 68xx or equal ATI - Graphics Card (256 MB recommended)

I assume I would be looking at the same issue, my computer is too old?
*censored*, wish I could upgrade my graphic card on my Toshiba Satellite laptop, from what I understand what is built into the system is what your stuck with....

[Computer_Commando]

Thanx for all the info, looks like a new a new computer then, no sense poring money into something that wont work right?
One more question, if I was to get these upgrades, would I be able to play this game discription?

Microsoft Windwos XP/Vista2 GB RAM
Graphics Card: 128 MB minimum GeForce 68xx or equal ATI - Graphics Card (256 MB recommended)

1.  I assume I would be looking at the same issue, my computer is too old?
2.  wish I could upgrade my graphic card on my Toshiba Satellite laptop, from what I understand what is built into the system is what your stuck with....

1.  Could be borderline on that.  If you add RAM, it might be okay.
2.  Correct.  Similar situation as your Dell desktop, even though laptop could have separate graphics card.

[lectrocrew]

2.  Correct.  Similar situation as your Dell desktop, even though laptop could have separate graphics card.

? I don't follow. Do you mean the desktop could have separate graphics card?

[fullbug]

Not sure I follow # 2 either....
Its too bad I couldnt plug in a graphic card into my laptop, from an external source similar to a USB stick, I assume there is no such thing....

[BC_Programmer]

there are PC-cards, I think... but the gain in performance is minimal at best, and I'm not 100% myself how they work.

[fullbug]

If you could give you Dell model number then we can get exact specifications...  hopefully...

Will this info help any at this point in the thread? If so I can provide that in the morning....