I wanted to purchase a computer mostly to use for everyday Internet browsing, college homework or the occasional game. I saw and fell in love with the look of the Dell XPS 630i. My sales tech told me over the phone that getting the XPS system would be way more than I need but I decided to spend the money anyway. It came with a Nvidia GeForce 8800GT video card. I have had this system around 3 years now.
A few weeks ago, I turned on the computer but the screen was all pastel coloring and all my icons were large. It would't allow me to change my settings. I restarted a few times but same result. A few days later I started it up and everything was back running perfect. Later that evening I shut it down again and the next day, back to pastel colors,etc. Thinking it could be my video card, I opened the tower, removed the card, dusted little dust and reinserted. When I turned the power back on, all I got was a long continuous beep. I read on this forum it was probably my card.
Yesterday I took a video card out of one of my fathers computers he had lying around. I installed it and my computer started without beeping. However the screen was very discolored and I could barely see to click so I shut it down.
Question 1 - Does this mean it was for sure my video card but that my computer is too powerful for it?
Question 2 - Do I need to get another GeForce 8800 or can I downsize? I do watch movies online but the most "graphic" game I play is the original Command & Conquer Red Alert.
A few weeks ago, I turned on the computer but the screen was all pastel coloring and all my icons were large. It would't allow me to change my settings. I restarted a few times but same result. A few days later I started it up and everything was back running perfect. Later that evening I shut it down again and the next day, back to pastel colors,etc. Thinking it could be my video card, I opened the tower, removed the card, dusted little dust and reinserted. When I turned the power back on, all I got was a long continuous beep. I read on this forum it was probably my card.
Yesterday I took a video card out of one of my fathers computers he had lying around. I installed it and my computer started without beeping. However the screen was very discolored and I could barely see to click so I shut it down.
Question 1 - Does this mean it was for sure my video card but that my computer is too powerful for it?
Question 2 - Do I need to get another GeForce 8800 or can I downsize? I do watch movies online but the most "graphic" game I play is the original Command & Conquer Red Alert.