Graphics Card...

Hello,

I'm lookin' to upgrade my Graphics Card. I'm very new to this and I just need some direction on what I should get. Everytime I try to play the Sims 2 it runs really slow and skips around. I'm assuming it is due to the graphics card. Here are my specs...

Dell Dimension 4600
40 Gig Hard Drive with 26 Gigs free
512 MB Ram
2.8 GHz Processor
82865G Integrated Graphics Device

I'm lookin' to start playing Doom 3. I really don't want to spend over $200 on a graphics card. Is it possible to add a new graphics card in my computer and what would be a good one to get.

Thanks for the help.

 

Is that a laptop or desktop computer?
If its a desktop then yes you really should be looking at a better graphics card!

You'r processor and memory are fine, so I'd look at say a GeForce 5900 or better. I was told previously that Doom 3 doesn't take full advantage of a 256mb card so 128mb will be fine. Also, The Sims 2 runs fine on my 9200 128mb with no problems. But with any intergrated graphics, they're not that good for gaming!

Definitely look for something like a GeForce 5900 or higher, not sure the 5700 is an ok card too.

 

Thanks for you quick reply! Are the ATI Graphics Cards any good? Any yes, it is a Desktop.

 

This card would destroy anything, it's a beast, this card is cheaper, still a beast, this, this, or this, would be good enough, I wouldent go any slower though.

EDIT:

Yes ATI's are good! I wouldent get any of the nVidia "FX" cards, the good ones are the new 6*00 series but most of them are PCI express only which wouldent work on your computer, though they do have an agp 6600 gt out, which is a really good "bang for your buck" card, as it'll play anything at very high settings.

 

agree with the XFX 6600GT...in fact, i'll probably get one after christmas...which means I will have a Sapphire 9700 Pro Ultimate Edition for sell...

 

How much? You're not in Canada are you?

Edit: Haha, Tulsa.

 

Hi,

Make sure you have a AGP slot I think that you will but check the manual.

Rick

 

According to Dell's site the 4600 has an AGP slot, I checked.

 

Wow thanks for the help guys. Greatly appreciated! Also, would be hard for me to install a new graphics card into my computer without having much knowledge in it other then putting in an ethernet card? LOL

 

Hi,

No it is not hard if you read up a little. Remember to ground yourself by touching the case before touching any part. With your model computer the first thing you need to do is disable the onboard video, you do this in bios.
http://http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600/en/4600i/sm/syssetup.htm#1139574

Go to the above link it shows how to get your dell into bios, and explains the diferent functions of bios then scroll down to Primary Video Controller this is what you need to find in bios and make sure it is set to auto.
You also have to remove the display adapter in device manager in windows.
Then install the new card by following the instuction that come with it. When you purchase a card buy retail not oem cause retail will have all the necessary software and drivers on a cd that comes with the card, it will also come with a manual. Most times oem versions do not.

Rick

 

Thanks for the reply, but the link you provided isn't working for some reason...

 

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim4600/en/4600i/sm/syssetup.htm#1138127

Sorry don't know how I did that try this one

 

Using the PC Wizard, this is what showed up under the AGP Bus...


Device : 82801BA/CA/DB/EB/ER (ICH2/3/4/5/5R), 6300ESB Hub Interface to PCI Bridge
Number of AGP connectors : 1
AGP enabled : No

So, I'm assuming there is an AGP slot, but its not enabled? How would I go about enabling it or will it do it itself once the computer recognizes the new card once I insert it and reboot?

 

Primary Video Controller
The settings are Auto (default) and Onboard.

Auto (default) — If only an AGP card is installed, the computer uses the AGP card; if only a PCI card is installed, the computer uses the PCI card; if both AGP and PCI cards are installed, the computer uses both cards.
Onboard — The computer uses the AGP card.

The above statement was taking directly from your users manual so you should be able to install the card and it will be recognized. I also took a look at how to pysically install the card in your manual and it explained how to install the card, move the monitor cable to the new card and then just reboot.

Rick

 

In Bios will be settings for graphics, if you have onboard graphics, you most likely will have to disable it & enable the AGP slot, there are also some other settings that will need attention, LOOK HERE BIOS Guide:
http://www.rojakpot.com/default.aspx?location=9

 

Have you decided what card you're getting yet? Anyway, just make sure in device manager you uninstall/remove you're old card, you could also try running driver cleaner and cleaning any intel "extreme" stuff with it. Also, don't use the drivers that came with the card, they are usually really old. Use the drivers from ati if you're getting a radeon or drivers from nvidia for geforces.

 

Hello MSchneider I like you are looking for a new card for my system one thing you need to consider is the bus speed of your AGP slot is it 4X or 8X will make a diffrence in your avil. cards, nvidia has backward technology but don't waste money on a card that you can't take full advantage of . I'm new at this stuff to so i hope this will help . schmurt

 

I'm showing through PC Wizard that I have a 8x slot. I'm still lookin' around for a good deal on a graphics card that I will be purchasing next week went the pay check comes!