Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: Lynswin on June 01, 2007, 07:30:49 AM
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Hi All
I am currently running Windows Vista on a Dell dimension 1100 with 1gb RAM and 2.79 GHZ Intel Celeron processor. I do not get the benefits of Windows Aero due to just having on board graphics (ie, no separate graphics card) so my 'Windows Experience Rating' is just 1.0.
I want to put a separate graphics card in not only to enjoy the 'Aero' experience but so that my system will run better as it does struggle at times when I have a lot of windows open.
To save me the trouble of taking the back off my computer, I went on the Dell website to see what spare slots I have in my PC and I have 3 spare PCI slots (apparently).
My question(s) is this - I have seen a lot of PCI Express cards available, so will a PCI express card go into a PCI slot or does it have to be JUST PCI?
I read somewhere that it is not ideal to have a PCI video card as a main video card - is this true, and if so, why?
Are there any other things I need to consider when buying a graphics card? Bearing in mind that I do want it to be able to run Windows Aero.
I have replaced a video card in my older computer but the technology moves so fast these days that I think I have got left behind a bit!!
Any help would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Lynda
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My question(s) is this - I have seen a lot of PCI Express cards available, so will a PCI express card go into a PCI slot or does it have to be JUST PCI?
No, only PCI card will fit in a PCI slot.
I read somewhere that it is not ideal to have a PCI video card as a main video card - is this true, and if so, why?
This is true. PCI is older technology than PCI Express and is a lower performing technology. Years ago, before AGP and PCI Express, PCI slots were the only option for an add-on video card. Then, a better technology, called AGP, was developed; AGP slots were added to motherboards and video card makers developed cards for AGP slots. But now, PCI Express is the leading technology for video card support on motherboards.
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Thanks for the reply. This leads me to a couple more questions!
Is it possible that I have PCI express slots and they have just called them PCI for short??!! :P Presumably the connections are different so if I open the PC I will see, won't I?
Also, if it is just a PCI card slot and I have to get a PCI card, will I be able to get one that will run windows aero or am I fighting a lost cause?
I am still a little unsure about having the PCI card as a main card - you agree that this is not ideal but what are the implications? Will it only be apparent if I am running a highly demanding video game or is it really not worth wasting my money on even for office applications?
Finally, I am surprised if they are PCI slots as you say this is older technology but the PC is only about 12/18 months old? Does this seem right - has the technology moved that quickly?
Where does the AGP card fit into all of this? Are they different slots from PCI as well?
Sorry for all the q's but I don't want to waste my money on a PCI card if I am not going to gain anything from it!
Thanks again
Lynda
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Is it possible that I have PCI express slots and they have just called them PCI for short??!! :P Presumably the connections are different so if I open the PC I will see, won't I?
COL. No, page 54 of http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim1100/EN/OM/om_en.pdf confirms that you only have PCI slots.
I am surprised if they are PCI slots as you say this is older technology but the PC is only about 12/18 months old? Does this seem right - has the technology moved that quickly?
PCI slots are standard in all computers; this has been true for many years. PCI slots are used for a variety of add-ons: modems, sound cards, network cards, etc.
Your computer was simply not designed to be a high performance system. So, the motherboard was made with integrated/onboard video rather than featuring an AGP or PCI Express slot for higher performing graphics.
I believe you would realize better performance with PCI video card but I can't promise that you'll find the cost worthwhile. From Microsoft: Windows Vista recommended system (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/systemrequirements.mspx)requirements. Note the 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum). If you're in the U.S., take a look here for: PCI Video Cards (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?Nav=|c:319|). Here's a card with 256MB of memory that looks interesting: 3DFuzion GeForce FX 5500 / 256MB DDR / PCI / VGA / TV Out / Video Card (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1520540&CatId=319)
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Hi.
Thanks again for a prompt and thorough reply.
I am in the UK so I was going to have a look on ebay for one.
At least I know that it has got to be a PCI with a minimum of 128mb. I think these are quite reasonalbly priced so I will take a chance and get one.
Thanks again & very best wishes
Lynda
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If you're in the UK, good on you, good to see a fellow Briton here.
Try dabs.com as well, they have some excellent prices on occasion.
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goes to show the truth of the motto "Buy anything but Dell".
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Google (http://www.google.com/search?q=running+vista+aero+on+a+pci+graphics+adapter&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official) shows a few results of people who have used PCI cards with Aero and good results...heavy gaming may suffer but it's do able...