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Graphics upgrade, only have PCI slot

Discussion in 'Audio and Video' started by emman186, Jan 31, 2010.

  1. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    Hi , im new around here and I just want to know that can i upgrade my graphic card if i only have standard PCI slot ?
  2. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    hello and welcome; here are couple of options of PCI Video Cards for your system, if your system is bit older, it should still have AGP slot. Can you please give your system's specifications?
  3. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    This is all I know . 256mb DDR2 80gb hard drive Geforce4 MX440 64mb And its a compaq presario 6000
  4. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    Well your system have an AGP graphics card in it. I can suggest few old AGP cards still lugging around but don't expect them to blitz everything in the new games or such things.

    Here are my Suggestions:

    1. 3d Fuzion Geforce 5500
    2. POWERCOLOR Radeon HD 4670 1GB (so far the best one i found for this slot)
    3. GeForce 6200 512MB
    4. Radeon HD 3850 512MB 256-bit
    5. GeForce 7600GS 512MB 128-bit
    6. Radeon HD 3450 512MB 64-bit

    As I have no idea of your budget, i have listed the cards which cover many price points. Also keep in mind whichever you may choose, you may also need to replace your power supply.

    Goodluck
  5. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    thanks . And that means i cannot buy something like Geforce 9500GT all that ?
  6. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    I think probably nVidia's last AGP card was 7800GS, and it was expensive and not worth buying in my view even at the time of its launch.

    So if you are looking for an reasonable solution go for 4670, or 3850. However, you have to keep that in mind you may need to replace your PSU as well.
     
  7. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    Okay . Thnks . But I need graphic cards that can run Operation Flashpoint Dragon Rising and Left 4 Dead 2
  8. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    And what is a PSU ?
  9. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    The minimum requirements for L4D2 are:

    Intel Processor - Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4GHz
    AMD Processor - Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 4200+
    Nvidia Graphics Card - Geforce 7600 GT 256MB
    ATI Graphics Card - Radeon X1600
    RAM Memory - 2 GB

    Operation Flashpoint Dragon Rising system requirements:

    # 7900 GT / 256 MB VRAM or higher)
    # Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
    # Memory: 1 GB
    # Hard disk: 8 GB
    # Dual Core CPU 2 x 2.4 GHz

    PSU = Power Supply Unit

    Keeping in view the above requirements, your current system will struggle to cope with these requirements even with the new graphics card. The from selection of graphics card point of view, I wouldn't bother looking at the lower end of the cards then, perhaps 3850 or 4670 are realistic choices. Also whichever card you choose do check its PSU requirements.
  10. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    Okay . Thanks for all that info Archean . Really appreciated it . (=
  11. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    No problem & good luck
  12. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    So , do I need to replace my motherboard as well ?
  13. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    No just download the drivers and install them
  14. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    website from where ?
  15. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    and , if i buy a 9600GS , must i buy a new motherboard ?
  16. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    You'll need a new Motherboard, CPU, RAM and PSU to start with. That mean pretty much a new PC.
  17. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    Okay , thanks then . I will buy either the HD4670 or HD3850
  18. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    But , how do you know my system has an AGP slot ? By the way , i'm sorry for asking a lot of questions .
  19. Archean TechSpot Paladin Posts: 5,731   +27

    It is alright; if one is not prepared to ask they will not learn or improve. So ask as much as you want to :)

    I looked for your system's specs from the model number you told me.
  20. emman186 Newcomer, in training Posts: 19

    Okay then , thnks Archean .