What video card?

What video/graphic? card?

Ok i am a complete newb at this....

Recently got a 1gb memory upgrade which really cranked my system up lol

But now i want a video card to get that extra performance when playing games...

I want a graphics card that can deal with Age of Empires 3, which is what i play most these days, it runs smoothly, but when im having massive battles it lags badly....

Here is the results from my Crucial scan, to help you.


Your computer currently has 1280 MB of memory installed; and will support up to 2048MB.

Slot 1
256 MB
Non-parity DDR PC2700

Slot 2
1024 MB
Non-parity DDR PC2700

Your Graphics Card
Card Type (Bus Type)
AGP
Your system currently has integrated/onboard graphics.


Your Computer
Computer Manufacturer
Crucial Scanner Results
Computer Model
HP-Compaq Gamila, Giovani, or Neon Motherboards
CPU Manufacturer
GenuineIntel
CPU Family
Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.80GHz
CPU Speed
2800 MHz
Front-Side Bus Speed
100 MHz
Currently Installed Memory
1280 MB
Maximum Memory Capacity
2048MB
Total Number Of Memory Slots
2
Available Memory Slots
0

If you need any more info please ask

I also have a few 'guidlines'.

My budget is around £20 - £50 (not high i know but strapped for cash...)

Might even go up to £100 if it is really worth it, but around £50 is my target...

As you might have realised, i am from the UK, so could i have a place that delivers to UK?

Thanks for all help!

It looks like you have an empty AGP slot for graphics upgrades, which is good news! You'd notice a major performance increase over integrated, without a doubt.

In your budget, see if you can't find a 6600GT. If you can't find one in your budget, then bump down to a plain 6600, but if at all possible, get yourself the GT version as there is quite a big difference between the two.

You will also want to confirm that your power supply will be able to handle the upgrade. Open up your case and have a look at the sticker attached to the PSU. How many watts is it rated at, and who is the PSU maker?

Here is a comparison of the 6600GT vs the 6600 on Age of Empires3 for you:

http://www23.tomshardware.com/graphics.html?modelx=33&model1=296&model2=295&chart=79

Wow, there is quite a lot of difference between the two, but the chart makes me feel sad I look at the top one with 80fps and im stuck with 14...

If there are any significantly better ones, i will fork out extra 20 - 40 quid for it...

Right, opened up my case, and yes there is a free AGP slot (the brown one i believe?)

There are also two white slots free (which are PCI, but i think AGP is better?)

Ok there is a lot of info on the PSU so im just gonna give you most of it

Manufacturer: Aquarius (this didnt come with computer, it went for repairs and
the 'dude' changed this)

Model: LC-B350ATX

AC Input:

Voltage:
230V~

Current:
8A/4A FOR 350W

I think those are what you need?

Also there are another set of voltage and current:

115V~
8A/41 FOR 300W

But there are two model numbers, LC-B350ATX & LC-B300ATX, so mine is first one so im guessing mine is the 230v one?

Hope this helps....

Also, is it possible to find any websites selling the card? I have found some at around £100, is there any for less?

I have found these two video cards for much cheaper... are they any good for me?

and...

Are any of them two good? and which one is better?

the 6600 gt with 128mb is better then those two.
But the 6200 is better, out of that pick stated above.

Also, how do i know what make my motherboard is?

I have opened up my computer and i cant see any labels etc....

The technician changed the motherboard and i dont have any documentation etc.....

I cant get in touch with him because he has sold his shop and retired or summin.....

Also, people keep saying about 4x, and 16x and all that, how do i know which one my AGP slot is?

My AGP slot is around half the size of my memory card slot, so i think its 8x?

I have no idea....

Ok searched a bit for the 6600....

cheapest i found so far is:

256MB AGPx8 NVidia GeForce 6600LE DDR 128-Bit DVI TV-out - £60

256MB AGPx8 NVidia Inno3D GeForce 6600 DDR 128-Bit DVI TV-out - £65

The above are from same site, whats the difference? and are they any good?

I will update if i find cheap, like i said thats a bit tight on the budget

If you find any for cheaper than please let me know!

Well, with that card you would notice a significant performance increase over your integrated graphics, however, that is the "LE" version of the 6600. It is a budget version of a budget card, and it is significantly slower than the plain 6600 card (and cheaper).

Now, i know im not no master but i just saw this:

ASUS 128MB GEFORCE 6800XT TV/DVI 8x

for.... £95!

Is this worth it? or am i just getting excited because its 6800XT?

Well, it was out of stock so i think it is a good deal....

should i go with the:

256MB AGPx8 NVidia Inno3D GeForce 6600 DDR 128-Bit DVI TV-out - £65

or

ASUS 128MB GEFORCE 6800XT TV/DVI 8x - £95

If you can get a 6800XT in your budget, go for it! Great cards. If they have any more details on the card post them here. Sometimes great deals are actually cards that have been cheaply made, and are actually a little slower. But if it is an Asus as you say, then it should be fine!

Even though it is only 128mb, it would still be a much better card than the 256mb 6600 (vanilla).

But if you can't get that 6800XT, the 6600 (256mb) is a solid entry level gaming card).

ok...

or

EDIT: Also, how can i double check my motherboard can fit these? How do i know for sure i have 8x type?

That 6800XT looks like a great card! If you can find one, that is the one to get.

Thats what i was thinking

Shame its not in stock, and they dont have a confirmed delivery date for new ones yet either....

When it comes in stock i will post here Spread the love... he he

Also, how do i double check my motherboard is 8x? are there any pics of an 8x motherboard or something i can compare it to?

Because i cant find a model number or anything...

and DonNagual, i would like to thank you for all your help, your a life saver

Download and run this on your computer, and tell us what it says about your mainboard:

http://www.techspot.com/downloads/27-cpu-z.html

Ok got the info but i dont know if it is 8x?

Mainboard and chipset
Motherboard manufacturer MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
Motherboard model Gamila/Giovani/Neon series, 030
BIOS vendor Phoenix Technologies, LTD
BIOS revision 3.10
BIOS release date 04/15/2004
Chipset Intel i845GE rev. B1
Southbridge Intel 82801DB (ICH4) rev. 02
Sensor chip Winbond W83627THF

Help?

Nope, still cant find any info on whether its 8x or what....

Someone help?

Actually, there is an easier way. In that same program you just used to get your motherboard info (CPUz), click on the "mainboard" tab then look at the bottom of that screen. It shows the "graphic interface". What is it saying for your motherboard?

Its blank....

can anyone find out whether my motherboard is 8x?

Wait a minute.... are we talking about a compaq system here (or some other pre-made company like gateway, dell etc)?

If so, please give us the company name and model number. That is the easiest way to find out.