Upgrading to flat panel monitor

Looking to purchase my first flat panel monitor which will replace my old desktop's tube monitor. How do I ensure my computer and a new flat panel will work out of the box? I don't use my computer for gaming, mostly school and internet. Will I potentially have issues with an old video card not working with a new flat screen?

Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome aboard mapache. Depends on how big of a monitor you're looking at. My 24" has a resolution of 1920x1080, my 19" was 1440x900. What's your video card? Run Speccy editing your XP key out and attach it here.

 

I was specifically considering this one from Viewsonic: http://www.viewsonic.com/products/vx2253mh-led.htm 22" is what will fit in my current computer desk.

Summary
Operating System
MS Windows XP Home 32-bit SP3
CPU
AMD Sempron 3100+ 42 °C
Palermo 90nm Technology
RAM
1.25 GB Single-Channel DDR @ 200MHz (3-3-3-8)
Motherboard
First International Computer, Inc. K8M-800M (Socket 940) 38 °C
Graphics
eView 17f3 (1024x768@60Hz)
VIA/S3G UniChrome Pro IGP
Hard Drives
98GB Seagate ST3100011A (PATA) 40 °C
10.0GB QUANTUM FIREBALLlct20 10 (PATA)
Optical Drives
ATAPI DVD A DH20A4H
Audio
Realtek AC'97 Audio for VIA (R) Audio Controller

Thanks again.

 

Your onboard graphics chip won't cut the resolution needed. Is this your motherboard? If you have that black connector shown then your next task will be to find an AGP card as these are old. According the monitor's specs you will need a resolution of 1920x1080. I don't have the expertise with AGP video cards, someone else will have to give you better help.

 

That's the one. On the front of my tower it also states there is an available AGP slot.

I spoke to a rep @ TigerDirect who stated I needed a "calibration tool" in addition to a new video card. Turns out it's CA PC Tune-Up 3.0: The "tool". The video card I found on my own here (sales guy wasn't that much of a help) has its own installation disk. Granted, my desktop is 5 years old and could probably use the tweaks, but do I really need the extra software to update all the drivers or was that just him upselling?

 

'The Tool' can do more harm than good IMO and no one here will recommend it, especially updating drivers. The card is good! Just be aware that you might need a new power supply.

 

How much are you spending on that video card? Just want to make sure you aren't over paying, you should be able to find something to give you the resolution you need for under $50 and you want to navigate the specs (make trade-offs) to get one that will run using your current power supply if possible. I'm not sure about AGP but some EVGA/Nvidia cards with heat sinks instead of fans might draw a bit less power.

I'll just verify that you do need a new video card. I had looked around when reading this thread and your graphics card when give you the resolution you want. I didn't post in the thread and the OP never got back, but your chip won't support 1920 resolution.

 

Thanks. Although it brings up new questions. The video card I posted is a DDR3 and my motherboard states: "Supports DDR 266/333/400 DDR SDRAM". What issues will I run into with trying to get them to interface? The monitor and video card each come with their own installation disks, but will I need to contact the motherboard manufacturer for some sort of BIOS/driver updates?

A new power supply I've just recently discovered I might need. Got a link handy for "how to choose" one?

The video card is $74.99 from Amazon. I found it on my own, so it's possible I'm incorrect in what I need. The monitor is capable of 1080p, so I searched "AGP 1080" at TigerDirect and that's one of the ones that popped up. While I don't plan on pushing any HD video from my computer (it's not even Blu-Ray equipped), all the 22" flat screens are 1080 so I didn't have much choice. If there's something else that will work that costs less, I'm all ears! :cool

 

The video card memory has nothing to do with your motherboard memory. For example, my video card has DDR5 and mobo is DDR3. Just install the video card drivers but wait for confirmation. I don't think you would need any BIOS updates except to turn off your onboard graphics. Walk you through that later

Open up the case and there should be a sticker on the PSU stating the WATTS. The main reason that I bring this up is that PSU's degrade over time, especially since OEM's put just enough power in there to run past the warranty.

I'll check around for you.

In conclusion, you might have to spend a max of $120 to upgrade a 5 year old machine, maybe check around for a new one if you can afford it. Lots of decent machines around for $400 and way more powerful than yours. Up to you of course.

 

Coolio. Thanks!

300w. Bestec ATX-300-12e REV: D is what's there, now. The specs for that video card state it requires 300w or better.

Thanks again!

Wish I had the cash to do it. I'd like to upgrade this monitor and have thought about going from XP to Windows 7. Again, since I only use it for the internet and school (college with MS Office products that aren't video/graphics/pic intensive), I don't have any other "issues" that I'm aware of. Yet... :-D

 

No need to 'upgrade' to W7, it's very good but not necessary for you IMO, jeez not even me but I got it for free. I just wanted you to have an idea of what's out there.

A good monitor is very important as that's what you look at all the time, regardless of what's under the hood. A bad monitor is a PITA! I had a 15" CRT and hated it as it was dying ATT! You're PSU is on the edge but if it can't power that or similar video cards then your machine just won't boot. Simple as that.

I'll check for some other cards either tonight after a nap or in the AM.:zzz

 

No rush. I appreciate the help. Should I assume that I'd buy the video card first and wait to see whether it boots up before even thinking about a PSU?

Also, I edited my above post to reflect the motherboard connector is a 24-pin.

 

Well, crapper. Guess I can't edit my own posts after a certain amount of time...

 

10 minutes.

 

Well, due to problems stated in another thread, I now have the 32-bit version of Windows 7 Professional on my machine. I need to locate a video card that will work for W7 with the Sempron processor and support a new flat panel monitor. Am I asking too much?

The monitor I linked to above is not "in-hand" so if I get a recommendation for a W7 compatible video/graphics card that won't work for it specifically, I can easily find something else. I'd like to stay within a couple inches of the 22" range, though.

I appreciate any help y'all can give.

 

AGP cards are getting harder to find. Here's one I'll suggest, if you're in the U.S. where newegg.com ships: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139043. One of the buyer reviews said the card requires a minimum of 250W power supply.

Newegg.com has some good deals on monitors now too. For example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009316

 

Thank you. Yes, I'm in the U.S.

Does it matter that the card says 64-bit and my computer is 32-bit?

 

No, that pertains only to the memory on the card.

 

Cool. I've got a 300w power supply now, but I don't do gaming or anything requiring intense graphics. Just watching videos online, surfing the internet and doing online classes.

Thanks for your help.

 

Say....

Could I save cash and get this?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139165

The monitor you linked to has a d-sub connector.