So you only have PCI slots and want to game?

[Dark_Kaos]

wow cleaning something can improve things for a computer a bit i guess then

 

[PSO Gamer]

Was just thinking....

So if I decide to put a completely new mother board for my Dell Dimension 3000, what are good choices for it?(obviously one that allows me to use video cards other than PCI...)

Also, I'm thinking of getting a new CPU for the PC as well. What's the best one I can put into this computer.

Thanks for helping everyone past, present, and future.

I'm a bit impatient you see... so I really dont want to have to go and buy a new PC... I can just get better parts one by one, little by little until I have it the way I want it. I guess I would need to know of a different power supply as well to keep up with all this stuff. I don't think my current is alot, sadly... =/

 

[vnf4ultra]

So if I decide to put a completely new mother board for my Dell Dimension 3000, what are good choices for it?(obviously one that allows me to use video cards other than PCI...)

Also, I'm thinking of getting a new CPU for the PC as well. What's the best one I can put into this computer.

Thanks for helping everyone past, present, and future.

I'm a bit impatient you see... so I really dont want to have to go and buy a new PC... I can just get better parts one by one, little by little until I have it the way I want it. I guess I would need to know of a different power supply as well to keep up with all this stuff. I don't think my current is alot, sadly... =/

If you want a new motherboard and cpu, I'd suggest a micro atx(so it will fit your dell case) amd socket 939 motherboard(939 supports ddr memory, which is what you already have). It will be much faster than your current socket 478 pentium/celeron board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138264
I'd suggest something like an athlon x2 3800+ processor to go with it.
Also, newegg has a deal where if you get a 939 fx55 processor, you can get a free motherboard. (note the cpu is oem, so you'd need a heatsink/fan for it too)
http://promotions.newegg.com/amd/amd_fx55/index.html

Also, you'd almost surely need a better power supply to run these parts. Probably a 400w power supply would be good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953

Then you'd need a pci-e video card...

 

[PSO Gamer]

Hmmmm....

If you want a new motherboard and cpu, I'd suggest a micro atx(so it will fit your dell case) amd socket 939 motherboard(939 supports ddr memory, which is what you already have). It will be much faster than your current socket 478 pentium/celeron board.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813138264
I'd suggest something like an athlon x2 3800+ processor to go with it.
Also, newegg has a deal where if you get a 939 fx55 processor, you can get a free motherboard. (note the cpu is oem, so you'd need a heatsink/fan for it too)
http://promotions.newegg.com/amd/amd_fx55/index.html

Also, you'd almost surely need a better power supply to run these parts. Probably a 400w power supply would be good.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817104953

Then you'd need a pci-e video card...

So does that mean I only need the second link and the last link, then a PCI-e card? because the second link appears to have the same thing from the first in it, plus the processor.

*Edit I just saw my manual for my Dim 3000 http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim3000/en/SM/techov.htm#wp1043338

It shows three PCI slots... O.o
On the inside on my comp I see three of them. The second one is taken by my modem so PCI 1 and PCI 3 are free. So if I installed a video card... if I did two of them would it make a great difference, or I can only do one at a time? I'm assuming since my current video is integrated... its not actually in any PCI port at all, because I can't see anything.

So if i bought two of the same vid card and placed it in PCI 1 and PCI 3, would that be okay? or would it not work at all? just curious. If I could do it, I would try to put the best PCI card in both....lol

 

[F1N3ST]

No SLI or Crossfire on PCI. So no.

 

[tifc8lraz]

wow cleaning something can improve things for a computer a bit i guess then

Yes, today I dusted out my friends computer and it ran very smoothly after I ran it again. Although, he also defragmented it as well. I don't know which did it. I do know though that dust can produce heat, and then the heat can stress out the components, which could indirectly cause slowdown, no?

 

[PSO Gamer]

Maybe I should defrag my comp as well. XD

 

[tifc8lraz]

Maybe I should defrag my comp as well. XD

Yeah, that would help a bit.

 

[PSO Gamer]

Just for the heck of it...(good or no?)

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0755431

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0637004

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0514737

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0683254

I'm only looking on Dell's site because the have the payment plan thing. I don't feel like paying the whole amount off the bat and want one ASAP.

Btw, for a Dell Dim 3000 in case some of you didn't know by now...

One more thing. I doubt this thing is even relelvant for what I'm doing, but can someone explain what the heck these things are?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0655755
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0655756

 

[tifc8lraz]

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0755431

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0637004

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0514737

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0683254

I'm only looking on Dell's site because the have the payment plan thing. I don't feel like paying the whole amount off the bat and want one ASAP.

Btw, for a Dell Dim 3000 in case some of you didn't know by now...

One more thing. I doubt this thing is even relelvant for what I'm doing, but can someone explain what the heck these things are?

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0655755
http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A0655756

I would just save enough money to buy a new card, Dell's prices are a complete rip off! The last two cards look like they are for rendering or some other use like game design. They may be expensive, but are not made to game with, so they probably won't give someone the best performance (I've read about people who have purchased these cards or wanted to purchase these cards because they were expensive, not a good idea).

EDIT:
The last card you asked about is for video editing and other uses that would go along with that.

 

[Op2]

Hello,

I am using a Dell Demension 3000, and as a poor student, I'm happy with it, because I'm not a real gamer.
However, I would like to be able to play Counter Strike: Source (with my friends), so I just bought a cheap card "3DFuzion GeForce FX5500 256mb PCI".

Do you guys think that I can play CCS with that card? If no, I won't buy the game.

Thanks for reading,
D.

 

[tifc8lraz]

Hello,

I am using a Dell Demension 3000, and as a poor student, I'm happy with it, because I'm not a real gamer.
However, I would like to be able to play Counter Strike: Source (with my friends), so I just bought a cheap card "3DFuzion GeForce FX5500 256mb PCI".

Do you guys think that I can play CCS with that card? If no, I won't buy the game.

Thanks for reading,
D.

Yup, it should play (maybe not on high quality) but it is compatible. My friend used to play it (CS:S) on his MX4000, and the FX5500 far surpasses that (I mean far too).

EDIT:
I just looked up your Dell online and you also have the correct hardware as well.

Also, these are the requirements for CS:S:

Minimum: 1.2 GHz Processor, 256MB RAM, DirectX 7 level graphics card, Windows 2000/XP/ME/98, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection


Recommended: 2.4 GHz Processor, 512MB RAM, DirectX 9 level graphics card, Windows 2000/XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection

You pretty much meet the recommended with everything.

 

[Op2]

Thank you very much cfitzarl! This might be the most helpful forum I've ever been.

So my Dell is not too terrible, isn't it? ^_^

 

[PSO Gamer]

I checked the only store close by me yesterday

The only two cards I saw there was Nvidia geforce fx 5200 256Mb, and diamond stealth 2120 radeon 9550. After i cash my paycheck today I'm just going to get one of the two. They're roughly the same price. Which one is better though? The games I play now on my PC does work with my intel extreme graphics 2 card that is built into my Dell, but it jumps around. So I think any video card should be enough to play it properly at normal settings... so which one should I choose?

 

[tifc8lraz]

Thank you very much cfitzarl! This might be the most helpful forum I've ever been.

So my Dell is not too terrible, isn't it? ^_^

I truly only like the Dell XPS series. Your computer is not what I would call anything near a gaming computer, but from what you have said, it suits your purpose and that is what matters! The drawback from yours is the processor; the Intel Celeron D (I've owned one, and it was decent for a lot of office work), which is basically a Pentium IV with a slower FSB (Fron Side Bus), and less L2 (Level 2) Cache. Yours should be fine for most games.

 

[wolfram]

The only two cards I saw there was Nvidia geforce fx 5200 256Mb, and diamond stealth 2120 radeon 9550. After i cash my paycheck today I'm just going to get one of the two. They're roughly the same price. Which one is better though? The games I play now on my PC does work with my intel extreme graphics 2 card that is built into my Dell, but it jumps around. So I think any video card should be enough to play it properly at normal settings... so which one should I choose?

The Radeon 9550 beats easily the FX5200

 

[PSO Gamer]

You know what's funny? I JUST bought the one you didn't say. -.-

I was waiting for a reply but I never got one. Oh well im stuck with this one now I think. Since I broke the seal.

Well I did buy it like an hr agao and didnt open the inside packaging... i guess I'll attempt to do a exchange.

 

[wolfram]

I hope you can exchange it. The FX5200 is real slow card

 

[Op2]

I truly only like the Dell XPS series. Your computer is not what I would call anything near a gaming computer, but from what you have said, it suits your purpose and that is what matters! The drawback from yours is the processor; the Intel Celeron D (I've owned one, and it was decent for a lot of office work), which is basically a Pentium IV with a slower FSB (Fron Side Bus), and less L2 (Level 2) Cache. Yours should be fine for most games.

Well, I like the XPS series, too, but... $_$. 3 years ago, I would call mine a gaming computer ^_^! Thank you for your extra information, even though I understand only a bit (at least, now I know what Intel Celeron D is).

To PSO Gamer: You really are an impatient person just like you said .

 

[Wagan8r]

So if I decide to put a completely new mother board for my Dell Dimension 3000, what are good choices for it?(obviously one that allows me to use video cards other than PCI...)

Also, I'm thinking of getting a new CPU for the PC as well. What's the best one I can put into this computer.

Thanks for helping everyone past, present, and future.

I'm a bit impatient you see... so I really dont want to have to go and buy a new PC... I can just get better parts one by one, little by little until I have it the way I want it. I guess I would need to know of a different power supply as well to keep up with all this stuff. I don't think my current is alot, sadly... =/

Sorry this post is late, I haven't visited in a while. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T BUY A NEW MOBO FOR YOUR DELL THAT IS NOT AN EXACT REPLACEMENT!! A new mobo will not work unless it has the same chipsets as the previous mobo. My dad made that mistake and it cost him $$$ to make it work in his system. If you already bought one and can't return it, you have 2 options. You can either build a new system with it, or you can try to make it work with your old computer. To do so however, you will need a retail copy of Windows to perform a repair install, and you probably don't have one since you have a stock computer. The reason you need to do a repair install is that the drivers for your old mobo will conflict with the new mobo and you need to erase them with a fresh install of the operating system. If you don't have a retail CD you can try to reinstall Windows from the I386 folder on your computer. However, it would be wise to back up your data if you try to save your computer. Hope I posted in time!

 

[blktal]

hey all,
Sorry I'm kinda new to computers. I just installed the x1300pci. Before the install i had the new intel express video. Using the 3dmark2001 i scored 5200, after the install i only got 5370.
any help will be cool
I have a dell 3100 p4 521 at 2.80ghz 1g ram. I only have a 230w ps could that be the problem. again thanks for any help

 

[vnf4ultra]

Sorry this post is late, I haven't visited in a while. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T BUY A NEW MOBO FOR YOUR DELL THAT IS NOT AN EXACT REPLACEMENT!! A new mobo will not work unless it has the same chipsets as the previous mobo. My dad made that mistake and it cost him $$$ to make it work in his system. If you already bought one and can't return it, you have 2 options. You can either build a new system with it, or you can try to make it work with your old computer. To do so however, you will need a retail copy of Windows to perform a repair install, and you probably don't have one since you have a stock computer. The reason you need to do a repair install is that the drivers for your old mobo will conflict with the new mobo and you need to erase them with a fresh install of the operating system. If you don't have a retail CD you can try to reinstall Windows from the I386 folder on your computer. However, it would be wise to back up your data if you try to save your computer. Hope I posted in time!

Funny, I replaced my dell motherboard and it worked ok with the dell copy of xp. No, I didn't use the same chipset, the chipset was the reason I changed(intel 845gl didn't support agp) to a intel 865 based board. I uninstalled devices in dev manager that would be different after the swap before I switched boards though, then I repair installed xp with my dell disc. Maybe newer dell discs cant do this anymore...

 

[Wagan8r]

I should have specified that my dad has an HP. HP's don't come with a Windows CD. They only give you a recovery disk and even then you have to burn it yourself off of the hard drive. Anyway, as long as you have a CD to do a repair install of Windows and you uninstall ALL of the drivers that will be different after the mobo swap, you should be fine. However, I don't recommend that noobs try it.

To the guy above, I recommend getting a new power supply. Visiontek's X1300 requires a 250W psu and Diamond's X1300 needs a 300W psu. Either way, you're still short on watts and psus don't cost very much. You also might be having issues if you didn't uninstall the drivers for the onboard video. To do so, go to your Control Panel, click Performance and Maintenance, then System. Go to the Hardware tab, and click Device Manager. There should be a Display Adapters category with a + next to it. Click it and there should be an X1300 and an Intel Express Video adapter in it. Right click Intel Express Video and select remove or uninstall. You also might want to uninstall the X1300 drivers too. Then reboot your computer and reinstall the X1300 drivers. Good luck!

 

[tifc8lraz]

hey all,
Sorry I'm kinda new to computers. I just installed the x1300pci. Before the install i had the new intel express video. Using the 3dmark2001 i scored 5200, after the install i only got 5370.
any help will be cool
I have a dell p4 521 at 2.88ghz 1g ram. I only have a 230w ps could that be the problem. again thanks for any help

And what was your original video card? Some integrated cards almost match those of lower-middle end versions, like my integrated is a GeForce 6150 and resembles the 6200 somewhat.

 

[PSO Gamer]

Sorry this post is late, I haven't visited in a while. WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T BUY A NEW MOBO FOR YOUR DELL THAT IS NOT AN EXACT REPLACEMENT!! A new mobo will not work unless it has the same chipsets as the previous mobo. My dad made that mistake and it cost him $$$ to make it work in his system. If you already bought one and can't return it, you have 2 options. You can either build a new system with it, or you can try to make it work with your old computer. To do so however, you will need a retail copy of Windows to perform a repair install, and you probably don't have one since you have a stock computer. The reason you need to do a repair install is that the drivers for your old mobo will conflict with the new mobo and you need to erase them with a fresh install of the operating system. If you don't have a retail CD you can try to reinstall Windows from the I386 folder on your computer. However, it would be wise to back up your data if you try to save your computer. Hope I posted in time!

Nope I didn't get a new mobo, so no worries. :haha:

However, I recently purchased a diamond stealth 2120 radeon 9550 video card and a 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 HT Socket 478 processor(arriving soon). I'll upgrade my RAM from 512Mb to 1GB in the future, but for now I think I'm set to go for the things I want to do with it.