Graphics Card and RAM

[Shadowchild]

Hi guys.

I just want to put in a new graphics card and some Ram.

My current Graphics card is Intergrated, prolly 64mb. And my ram is 256mb.

Anyway I've already picked out what Im going to order:

Graphics Card
XFX 8400GS 256MB nVidia PCI Express Graphics Card
* Product Description: XFX GeForce 8400GS - graphics adapter - GF 8400 GS TC supporting 512MB - 256 MB
* Device Type: Graphics adapter
* Enclosure Type: Plug-in card
* Interface Type: PCI Express x16
* Graphics Processor / Vendor: NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS TurboCache supporting 512MB
* Core Clock Speed: 450 MHz
* RAMDAC Clock Speed: 400 MHz
* API Supported: DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.1
* Video Memory Installed ( Max ): 256 MB - DDR II SDRAM
* Max Monitors Supported: 2
* TV Interface: HDTV out
* HDCP compatible: Yes
* Compliant Standards: RoHS
* Package Type: Retail

RAM
Kingston Technology 2GB 667MHz DDR2 Non-ECC CL5 DIMM
* Kingston ValueRAM memory - 2 GB - DIMM 240-pin - DDR II
* 2 GB
* Generic
* DDR II SDRAM
* DIMM 240-pin
* 667 MHz ( PC2-5300 )
* Non-ECC
* CL5
* Unbuffered
* 1.8v
* Gold
* Limited lifetime warranty ( Germany, Austria and France - 10 years )
* Kingston ValueRAM memory - 2 GB - DIMM 240-pin - DDR II
* 2 GB
* Generic
* DDR II SDRAM
* DIMM 240-pin
* 667 MHz ( PC2-5300 )
* Non-ECC
* CL5
* Unbuffered
* 1.8v
* Gold
* Limited lifetime warranty ( Germany, Austria and France - 10 years )


Things I want to know

It says that the graphics card supports 512mb - 256mb. What does that mean? Is it automatically 512mb? I was looking for a 256mb (I only want to play diablo 3) but 512mb is nice!

Do I just plug in the RAM and thats it? Do I need drivers for it?

How do I know that my system will be compatible with the new hardware? I don't want it to start btd during games or crashing/lagging.

I have a 2.8ghx processor and PCI-Express support. My computer is relativly untouched so there is nothing else in there expect the way it came.

Thanks in advance. Oh and if you need my Specs, just tell me where to get them and ill post.

[Alaron]

Welcome to PCMech.

That video card uses what Nvidia calls "Turbo Cache". That means the card has 256MB onboard, but can also borrow 256MB more from your system RAM to have 512MB to work with.

RAM is plug and play. If your motherboard supports DDR2-667, you just have to pop it in. We need your motherboard model to be sure.

[Shadowchild]

Originally Posted by Alaron Welcome to PCMech. That video card uses what Nvidia calls "Turbo Cache". That means the card has 256MB onboard, but can also borrow 256MB more from your system RAM to have 512MB to work with. RAM is plug and play. If your motherboard supports DDR2-667, you just have to pop it in. We need your motherboard model to be sure.

Would the card work in my system? How would I enable it to 'borrow RAM'? I would need over 1gb for this to be a viable option right?

How do I get my motherboard specs? And once I give you the specs, if needed can you give me a RAM that is more compatible?

TY for your help so far.

[Alaron]

Since you have a PCI-Express slot, that card will work no problem. I would just leave the card as-is with the 256MB. It should be fine, though Diablo 3's specs have yet to be released.

If you have a storebrand computer, Dell, HP, etc, we recommend buying RAM from www.crucial.com They guarantee compatible RAM results using the configurator.

[shadowpr]

The easiest way to find compatible ram is to go to www.crucial.com and choose the option for them to scan your computer.

EDIT: Alaron beat me to it.

[Shadowchild]

Originally Posted by Alaron Since you have a PCI-Express slot, that card will work no problem. I would just leave the card as-is with the 256MB. It should be fine, though Diablo 3's specs have yet to be released. If you have a storebrand computer, Dell, HP, etc, we recommend buying RAM from www.crucial.com They guarantee compatible RAM results using the configurator.

Erm.. Btw.. I only assumed that my PC was PCI-E. It's a Dell and was bought like 3 years ago. AGP is no longer supported right?

here are some specs:

# Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB
# Currently Installed Memory: 512MB
# Available Memory Slots: 0
# Number of Banks: 2
# Dual Channel Support: Yes
# CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
# CPU Family: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz Model 4, Stepping 1
# CPU Speed: 2793 MHz

EDIT: Ok the memory that I chose before IS compatible. I won't buy anything from any site except Amazon, simply because Amazon have never let me down.

EDIT: you guys are ridiculously helpful.

[Alaron]

What is the model number of that Dell? Then we can check for the PCI-E slot. It most likely does.

You can buy memory wherever you'd like. Should be fine is Crucial recommends that type/speed.

[Shadowchild]

Originally Posted by Alaron What is the model number of that Dell? Then we can check for the PCI-E slot. It most likely does. You can buy memory wherever you'd like. Should be fine is Crucial recommends that type/speed.

Dell Dimension 3100
Pentium 4 HT

EDIT: I've ordered the RAM. I didn'y get the 2gb stick, but instead 2 x 1gb which is better.

Now just confirmation to order the graphics card.

1 More question. Does this graphics card come with it's own processor and does it have pixel shader? I know it supports Direct x 10 though.

XFX 8400GS 256MB nVidia PCI Express Graphics Card
* Product Description: XFX GeForce 8400GS - graphics adapter - GF 8400 GS TC supporting 512MB - 256 MB
* Device Type: Graphics adapter
* Enclosure Type: Plug-in card
* Interface Type: PCI Express x16
* Graphics Processor / Vendor: NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS TurboCache supporting 512MB
* Core Clock Speed: 450 MHz
* RAMDAC Clock Speed: 400 MHz
* API Supported: DirectX 10, OpenGL 2.1
* Video Memory Installed ( Max ): 256 MB - DDR II SDRAM
* Max Monitors Supported: 2
* TV Interface: HDTV out
* HDCP compatible: Yes
* Compliant Standards: RoHS
* Package Type: Retail

Heres the picture:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...qL._SS400_.jpg

[Devastator]

All you need to is plug the graphics card in and install the latest drivers from www.nvidia.com (Don't bother with the ones on the CD that come with it)

You don't need to buy anything else for it, it will work like that.

You need to check that your motherboard has a PCI-E x16 slot first though. Alot of Dells etc have x1's only.

[Shadowchild]

Originally Posted by Devastator All you need to is plug the graphics card in and install the latest drivers from www.nvidia.com (Don't bother with the ones on the CD that come with it) You don't need to buy anything else for it, it will work like that. You need to check that your motherboard has a PCI-E x16 slot first though. Alot of Dells etc have x1's only.

How do I check that slot?

EDIT: you've got to be shitting me. Assuming that my computer is PCI-E x1 ... There is no graphics card in my price range! The cheapest one is £67 (about $135) and I simply cannot afford it. I have the money to buy it, but theres a difference between having the money, and being able to afford it.

Can't I just use the x16 one and just install the drivers??

Please how do I check for the slot.

EDIT: Ok I'm screwed. I just googled..

Slots

* 2 PCI slots
* 1 PCIe x1 slot

It uses an x1 slot. Is there an alternative for a graphics card?

[vtfanmv5]

Dimension 3100

Slots
2 PCI slots
1 PCIe x1 slot

And no, a PCIe x16 card will not physically fit in a PCIe x1 slot.

[Shadowchild]

So what do I do now? I live in London and all the cards on Amazon that use pci x1 are out of my price range.

Here are some alternatives:

I don't know what PCI Express it is. I doesn't say which number

* Product Description: XFX GeForce 7200GS - graphics adapter - GF 7200 GS TC supporting 512MB - 256 MB
* Device Type: Graphics adapter
* Enclosure Type: Plug-in card
* Interface Type: PCI Express
* Graphics Processor / Vendor: NVIDIA GeForce 7200 GS TurboCache supporting 512MB
* Core Clock Speed: 450 MHz
* RAMDAC Clock Speed: 400 MHz
* API Supported: DirectX 9.0, OpenGL 2.0
* Video Memory Installed ( Max ): 256 MB - DDR II SDRAM
* TV Interface: HDTV out
* Compliant Standards: RoHS

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...5L._SS400_.jpg

* Product Description: PNY Verto GeForce 6 6200 PCI - graphics adapter - GF 6200 - 256 MB
* Device Type: Graphics adapter
* Enclosure Type: Plug-in card
* Interface Type: PCI
* Graphics Processor / Vendor: NVIDIA GeForce 6200
* Core Clock Speed: 300 MHz
* RAMDAC Clock Speed: 400 MHz
* API Supported: DirectX 9.0
* Video Memory Installed ( Max ): 256 MB - DDR SDRAM
* TV Interface: TV out
* Package Type: Retail
* System Requirements: Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 SP6, Microsoft Windows 2000 / XP
* Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years warranty

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA200_.jpg

Product Features

* Manufacturer: Inno 3D
* Chipset: nVidia
* Chipset Speed: 550MHz
* Memory Speed: 550MHz
* Memory: 256 MB
* Interface: PCI Express
* TV/Out: Yes
* DVI: Yes
* VIVO: No

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA280_.jpg


I've been doing more research, and I think this is the card I need:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...aL._SS400_.jpg

roduct Features

* Inno3D
* I-7300GT-G4F3

* Manufacturer: Gigabyte
* Chipset: nVidia
* Chipset Speed: 450MHz
* Memory Speed: 800MHz
* Memory: 256 MB
* Interface: PCI-Express
* TV/Out: Yes
* DVI: Dual DVI (With Dongle)
* VIVO: No
* Software: Power DVD 6, Serious Sam 2

Technical Details

Manufacturer: Gigabyte
Chipset: nVidia
Chipset Speed: 450MHz
Memory Speed: 800MHz
Memory: 256 MB
Interface: PCI-Express
TV/Out: Yes
DVI: Dual DVI (With Dongle)
VIVO: No
Software: Power DVD 6, Serious Sam 2
Extras: None
DirectX: 9
Warranty: 2 Year
Packaging

Can you check for me if it is PCI-E x1? I googled PCI-E x1 graphic cards, and this 7300GT model came up.

Please hurry fast, I would like to order today.

TY.

[Devastator]

I think that is x16.

http://computers.pricegrabber.co.uk/...ds/m/27290712/

I had this problem once with a Dell. I think we even got a x1 card and it still didn't work as there was some other compatability issue.

Here is a similar thread:

Fitting new Graphics Card

As far as I know he never bothered with the 7300GT as it wasn't going to work, had to put up with it I guess.

[Shadowchild]

Ok it turns out I can only use a PCI card - NOT PCI - E;

* Product Description: PNY Verto GeForce 6 6200 PCI - graphics adapter - GF 6200 - 256 MB
* Device Type: Graphics adapter
* Enclosure Type: Plug-in card
* Interface Type: PCI

This is the only card which seems to be good.

* Core Clock Speed: 300 MHz
* RAMDAC Clock Speed: 400 MHz
* API Supported: DirectX 9.0

Are the speeds good enough for gaming? Like would I be able to play Half Life 2 smoothly? Someone just told me that this card is one of the slowest I could buy in todays day and age. But I just ordered 2gb of RAM and I have a 2.8ghz processor. Surely I should be able to play a game like Half Life 2 without any hitches?

[Devastator]

You're in luck:

Here's the minimum specs it will just scrape it:

Official Half-Life 2 Box minimum specs:

* Processor: 1.2 GHz Processor
* OS: Windows, 2000/XP/Me/98
* Graphic card: DirectX 7 level graphics card
* Hard Drive: 4.5 GB
* Memory: 256 MB RAM
* Other: Internet Connection, DVD-ROM Drive

As long as you run on all low settings and lowest res I think it will be smooth - so long as the rest of your system meets the specs?

Edit: To me this doesn't look like a PCI card seems like there is one extra bit on the front? I don't know. See if you have a slot that looks like it could fit the below pic. Check in the inside of your case.

http://img.systemaxdev.com/productme...4342-front.jpg

This is supposedly the same card but maybe its AGP. :S I can't remember what AGP looks like.

Edit 2: That picture isn't AGP so you can count that out.

[Shadowchild]

Yeah I think you got the AGP version. I looked at google pictures and there were many diffderent pictures of the card. Some with fans, some with plastic coolers, some with a different slot input. But the one on Amazon is PCI.

And heres the picture I got from google:

http://img.systemaxdev.com/productme...4342-front.jpg

So should I go ahead and order? I should be able to play a wider variety of games right? I'm not talking the latest games but at least games from 2002 - 2006.. right?

[Devastator]

You will be able to play more games on this than you can the intergrated. Always check whatever game you want to buy and see if it matches up to your PC to avoid dissapointment.

You may aswell order and see if it works. Check Amazon's return policy incase it doesn't work for you.

That is the exact same image I found.. lol (I didn't post it up as an image as I think it is against forum rules)

[Shadowchild]

I ordered the card. It says it needs a 250W power supply. How do I check my power? And what do I do to make sure it works or to get the power?

[Shadowchild]

Hello?

[Devastator]

I doubt that card will take any power from your PSU. You can look at your power supply on the inside of the case and check the sticker and it will tell you its wattage.

[Shadowchild]

I looked and it turns out that the DC output is 230W. The card requires 250W.

So I have to buy a new power supply now:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA250_.jpg
Advance - ATX-5012 PC Power Supply - 480 W

Or should I get something smaller? Maybe 250w - 300w:

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...QL._SS400_.jpg
Trust Pw-5110 psu - 370W

So which one should I order?

And when I do order, I just take out the old one, and fit in the new one right? I don't need to worry about whether it will fit will I?

[Devastator]

After not wanting to spend much money you are beginning to spend more and more.

If it was me I would risk the 20w difference. If you want to upgrade you have to feel capable of changing all the cables over.

Check the topic in the General Hardware forum for a sticky on good and bad power supply makes.

A good one which hits 250w + will do fine. Not many companies do that lower wattage these days.

[Alaron]

No need to post so many images. Links are more dialup friendly. Thank you.

_Moderator_

[Shadowchild]

Just thought I'd keep you guys informed.

The card arrived this morning. PCI was compatible, slotted into the slot nicely. However, even a 20w loss in power was a big deal. I only managed to see the boot screens before my monitor stayed blank. No problem though as I know what the problem is and am awaiting my new 480w power supply. Still waiting for the RAM as that will just make my system more comfortable.

I've left the Graphics card inside the computer, but I put the blue lead in the old socket. However, I can't find the drivers for my graphics card - can ya lend me a hand? PNY Verto GeForce 6 6200 PCI - Graphics adapter - GF 6200 - PCI - 256 MB DDR2
The description describes it as a 'Plug-in card', but I don't want to be foolish and automatically assume that it is plug & play.

EDIT: I've found the drivers. I've read more about this card and I got good reviews. Most of them saying it was the best for people in a position as unforutunate as mine - a shitty brand comp without PCI-E or AGP slots. I'm really excited.