Advice needed on changing video card

[Bob338]

I'm almost embarrassed to post my problem. I have a Dell Dimension 4400 new in 2002, the only thing I've done to it is add some memory. On an impulse and looking at a good price I purchased a Samsung (206BW) LCD monitor to eliminate the cumbersome, small screen CRT monitor on the original system. On installing I found the aspect ratio isn't compatible with the current video card even after downloading drivers, an ATI Rage Ultra 4X. Aspect ratio required is either 1440X900 or 1680X1050. My principal use is financial with the usual internet cruising and E-mail, however I also am interested in photography. The current screen badly distorts photos though it's perfectly fine in all aspects for text. I'm interested in getting the correct aspect ratio to achieve a "normal" screen.

In looking at the cards recommended by Samsung with the correct aspect ration out of the box, the prices are about what my computer is worth and it's not a logical expense, particularly since I'm not a gamer. I contacted Dell and they advised me they had a card that is compatible with my system, a NVidia GeForce3 Ti 200 that will give me the correct aspect ratio and is otherwise compatible. They sell the card at $209, which is still a bit high for me. I did find this card with another vendor for $35 through Amazon. Apparently the cards are older and behind the times, so I've ordered it.

My questions are compatibility and any advice or cautions in the replacement of the card. I presume the normal back-up of everything and establishing a "system restore" before the surgery would be indicated. It comes with a CD and drivers and I presume I can download more up-to-date drivers from the NVidia site if necessary. Anything else? Thanks.

[XenaWP]

It says here (http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...cs.htm#1101572) that there is an AGP 4x slot. I put an ATI Radeon 9600 PRO into a vintage 2002 computer about a year ago, it will nicely provide the widescreen resolution you need, and cost about $50 or thereabouts.

I recommend that board because I know these consumer grade systems often don't have a lot of juice left in the stock power supply for power hungry video boards, and that 9600 PRO is pretty undemanding of power.

EDIT: Here's a link:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102410