The Windows 7 Advisor tells me the graphics card in my Dell Dimension 4700 will not support the OS's Aero features. I would like to buy a replacement graphics card (lower cost is better), but it seems to be a very complicated business. The Dell website doesn't help. Can anyone give me the names of one or two cards that will work in my computer?

What are the exact specs of the PC?

I presume it's based on the Intel 915G Express Chipset. Your mobo should have a PCI-E x16 slot. So any cheap PCI-E card should run Windows 7 fine.

What's your budget for the card?

I don't know how to find out what my chipset is, but a 2005 PC mag review of this model (which is around when I bought it) says it uses a "PCIe-enabled 915G chipset". So I guess that's the one you thought it was.

I would prefer to pay less than $50 for a new board.

As for an open slot on the motherboard, why would I need it? Won't I be replacing the existing graphics card in its current slot? And wouldn't that be the one that has the white DVI jack on the back of the computer?

you would need an open slot on the motherboard because most computers bought at a retail store have something called onboard graphics. Meaning they dont physically take up a slot on the motherboard but rather it is built into the motherboard.

Your computer may or may not have a dedicated graphics card, but if it says its pci-e enabled then you should be able to pick up a pci-e video card and put it in no sweat.

As others have said you may have integrated graphics or you may have a card (both configurations were offered on that system). If you have a card remove the old one and replace it, if you have integrated graphics install the new card in the empty PCI express slot and move the moniter connector from it's current location at the motherboard connector to the moniter connector on the new card. Then disable the integrated graphics in BIOS (if possible).

Here are some reccomendations on basic but decent cards:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125250
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125253
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102843

Terrrific! I have what I need now. Thank you all for your help!

I would suggest that you look into the Radeon HD 4670. It's a very nice card for the budget.

However, if you're willing to spend around $100+ then look into the HD 4770 or the HD 4850.

Note: Ensure that you have a good enough PSU to be able to handle all the components.