Upgrading Video Card for PC [Archive]

CowboyCrip

01-27-2008, 10:01 PM

COD4 found it's way under my Christmas tree. My 2.5 year old PC meets minimum sys. req. but still runs very choppy even with the game options toned down.

I have an intel pentium D @ 2.66 mhz and 960 mb of RAM. ATI 300 series graphics chip on the mother board.

I would like your opinions on a sub $200 video card.

Are there any issues with installing a stand alone card? Does the motherboard graphics chip just give up processing to the new card?

Thanks.

Patonb

01-27-2008, 10:52 PM

You justneed to dissable it in the BIOS.

Do you have AGP or PCI Express?

You should bump your RAM too.

cypresss

01-28-2008, 07:49 AM

some motherboards do automatic dissable of your onchip videocard, other must be done manually from BIOS and other have jumpers.
Check ur motherboard manual.
You have to know what kind of videocard to look on: AGP or PCI-E.

Lot of video cards under 200$. When you find one, search for some reviews about graphic chip.

Good luck.

CowboyCrip

01-28-2008, 02:40 PM

When I check "My Computer" > View system info. > Hardware > Device Manager > IDE/ATAPI CONTROLERS I see listed, among other things, two entries "Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE CONTROLER"

So does that mean I just have two PCI slots? Not PCI express?

Thanks!

Rbrauer

01-28-2008, 03:33 PM

PCIe is backward compatable with PCI ..

up the ram to at least 2gig if you can.

Your processor is using the max ram and when the video starts calling for additional resources, it can't get what it needs so it's all choppy.

(something like that)

CowboyCrip

02-21-2008, 08:34 PM

Hi everyone!

I am still at it. I d/l'ed PC Wizard. I was able to track my motherboard at intel.com and discovered I do have a PCI-E slot as well as 2 PCI slots and AGP.

So I have a few ? if I may...

So, is a PCI - E video card the way to go over AGP?

I currently have an ATI 300 series integrated chipset w/ 256 mb ram. Will a stand alone card with the same amount of RAM give me better performance?

Is it worth getting a new 512 mb video card or just boost my system ram from 1 gb to 2 gb?

Also in regards to the RAM, I have 2 slots currently installed with 2, 512 mb DIMM SDRAM (1GB) My motherboard can only handle 2GB max. I found my motherboard is compatible with DDR RAM, which is better than SDRAM, correct? I think the best approach is 2 1gb DDR sticks - YES?

I think addressing, both, as suggested is the route to take. What is the best upgrade path/approach?

Sorry for the long post. I greatly value CC input.

mr_coffee

02-21-2008, 08:43 PM

They just came out with a new 9600 nvidia card, its suppose to be pretty cheap. Currently you can get an 8800gt 512 for about 250 and its worth every penny.

I think the 9600 is suppose to be around 150. But currently they are more expensive because they just just came out. I don't even think nvidia has drivers for them on their website yet.

But it performances less than the 8800gt.

You might want to think about upgrading your ram to 2 gigs, and upgrading your graphics card to a 8800gt or a 9600.

If you can spare the extra 50 bucks, go for the 8800gt.

I have a
P4 INtel 3.4
2 gigs DDR2 533
8800gt 512

and it can run CoD4 max settings and at max resolution on a 22" mointor.

Well if you dont upgrade your graphics card, COD4 is going to look like hell.
If you upgrade your graphics card without giving it enough ram, it may run choppy.

CoD4 is highly GPU intensive, not CPU, my Single core 3.4 gets just about equal frame rates in this game compared to a quad core, or a dual core at the same Ghz.
So your processor should be fine for the game. I would say upgrade the graphics card because it would give you the most performance boost. If you just upgrade your ram and try to play CoD4 on that integrated 256 its going to be blah.

CowboyCrip

02-21-2008, 09:09 PM

You must be reading my mind Mr. Coffee. I am on - and looking at the Nvidea cards. I discovered another component that needs answering... Power supply.

How the hell do I determine my pc power supply?!

The 8800 GTX requires 450w. Can't find anything power wise for the 8800GT.

Andy

02-22-2008, 07:23 AM

You should be ok w/1GB, and as recommended, go with the 8800GT (http://computers.pricegrabber.com/video-cards/p/5/form_keyword=8800GT/rd=1/st=sort/sortby=priceA) card. Best bang for the buck. Evga and XFX are good brands (although the cards are all reference cards w/possibly different coolers on them). What resolution are you running your monitor? To see the power supply, you'd probably have to open up the machine to look at the label (how many watts or amps @ 12V), but I dont think a GT card has nearly the power draw a GTX has.

I'd also check if the GT card needs a PCIe power connector, and if your power supply has a PCIe connector.

KevinT

02-22-2008, 10:43 AM

I would recommend againt getting anything other than a bottom of the line PCI-E card. You're stuck in the same position I am with my computer (although you actually have a PCI-E slot, I don't) is that your CPU is a bit slow (assuming it's not dual core since it's 2.5 years old) and your memory is low. This is going to create a bottleneck with faster cards like the 8800GT. The card will fly through all the graphics and will be waiting for the CPU to finish it's job before it can continue.

My suggestion is to get 2MB of RAM, or more, and get the cheapest PCI-E card you can find.

Patonb

02-22-2008, 12:37 PM

At 2.66Ghz you're tossing yur money away on a 8800GT. I have a eVGA 8800gt with my quad core. The 8800gt has the pcie power connector.

List (http://www.ncixus.com/products/108/35/Video%20Cards/PCI%20Express/) of cards from NCIX.com. Any card is an update for you, however, if you want games you're gonna need more speed.

So, i wouldn't spend a bundle, as it'll just lead to more spending.

mr_coffee

02-22-2008, 02:51 PM

I don't agree.
I think he will be fine with a 2.6. It will bottleneck the GPU, but to what extent?
My CPU is suppose to be a 3.4 but when I actually look at it, its running normally at 2.7-2.9 ghz.

I had a huge battle at overclockersforums.com because people were saying my 3.4 isn't good enough for a 8800gt, that I'm wasting my money.

Well after I posted screen shots, and fps I was getting, the Dual and quad core people got even more pissed because it showed my 4 year old computer with an updated graphics card was doing just as good as their computer in certain games that are GPU depependant, not CPU.
Examples of games are CoD4, TF2, World in Conflict, CoH, and many many more. Infact, I can play all games out there, on max settings @ 1680x1050, max AA and AF, except for crysis.

In the end, all the high end computer users agree'ed with me, that it will bottleneck my GPU but not to the extent of what some people think.

Crysis is a game that is CPU dependant as well as GPU, so you need a fast fast processor.

COD4 on the other hand is not.

I bet he will get nice performance out of CoD4 with an 8800gt.
You need at least 24 amps on the 12V rail of your powersupply though.
I have a 460W powersupply with 33amps on the 12V rail. So it works great for my 8800gt.

Open up your computer case, look at the powersupply (at the very top) read what the watts are and also the amps on the +12 V rail.

If he just upgrades his ram, he won't see hardly any performance gain and it will look like hell.
If he upgrades the GPU he will see a major change.
If he upgrades his CPU, and not his GPU it will still look like hell.

Also if he ever plans to build a new system, he can just swap the 8800gt into his new system. THe 8800gt is a nice card for its price. Even the new 9800gt's are only going to be ~30% than the 8800gtx, thats pretty weak in my opinion. THe best bang for your buck is 250 for an 8800gt.

Patonb

02-22-2008, 05:28 PM

2.66 is pushing the lower end.. whats the bus speed? That'll be more important won't it?

I'm not surprised with your setup. Theres differences between chips, RAM and MBs, and its all important.

mr_coffee

02-22-2008, 07:39 PM

Thats true...my computer was an alienware so it was top of the line 4 years ago. But if his is 2 years ago, it still should be better than mine 4 years ago (hopefully).

RAM: 2 gigs DRR2 533 (Dual channel)
My processor specs are:
Intel P4 550
Code name: Prescott
Package: Socket 775 LGA
Technology: 90nm <--wow.
Core Volt: 3.616V
Suppose to be 3.4
But when I check my core speed its usually at 2796.7 Mhz, but jumps to 3.39ghz as well.

BUs speed: 200 Mhz
Rated FSB: 800 Mhz
L1 data: 16kb
Level 2: 1024 kb

Patonb

02-22-2008, 08:11 PM

You have speed stepping on I bet. Check your BIOS settings.

Mine ;)

RAM 2 Gigs DDR2 800 (
CPU
Intel C2Q 6600 GO
Code Name Kentsfield
Package: Socket LGA775
Tech: 65nm
Core V: 1.372V
Speed 2.4Ghz
FSB: 1066FSB
L2: 8m

Still haven't OC'd yet.. Can't figure out the damn BIOS on my xfx680i!

Andy

02-23-2008, 12:33 AM

Patonb

02-23-2008, 12:40 PM

To start, just start moving the FSB upwards while checking for stability w/4 threads of Prime. When it starts failing, bump vcore up and continue. Keep memory at like 1:1 so you arent checking memory stability, just cpu stability. Beyond that, I dunno about Nvidia boards, but this should translate easily to get you started.

Sorry, all that I know... What I don't know is where that setting is :o
The 680i motherboards are VARY tuneable...... If i could figure it out.
Nvidia boards have "ntune" and you're suppose to do it there, Yha... right.

But, it's more than speed, so i don't need it. I've read the q6600 can hit 4Ghz, but on liquid.

CowboyCrip

02-23-2008, 04:24 PM

Hey guys. Thanks for the feedback. Here is my pc 411.

Internal Specification : Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 2.66GHz
Codename : Prescott
Revision : ?
Technology : 0.09µ
Number of Logical Processors : 2

General Information :
Real Frequency : 2666.83 MHz
Multiplier : 20x
Low/High Multiplier : 14x / 20x
Overclock Locked : Yes

Front Side Bus Information :
FSB Frequency : 133.3 MHz
Bus Speed : 533.4 MHz (QDR)

Mainboard

Product : D101GGC
Version : AAD35788-305
Serial Number : BTGC60800RNJ
Support MP : Yes, 2 CPU(s)
Version MPS : 1.4

Memory

0 (RAS 0) : 512 (Single Bank) - DIMM, SDRAM
A1 (RAS 2) : 512 (Single Bank) - DIMM, SDRAM

Memory Controller Information :
Memory Controller : Standard, EDO
Number of connectors : 2
Max. Module Size : 32 MB
Max. Memory Size : 64 MB
Supported Speed : 70ns, 60ns
Supported Voltages : 5v
Error Detection Method : No
Error Correction Capability : Unspecified
Current/Supported Interleave : 1-way/1-way

Chipset Information :
ECC Diagnostic : No
Shared Memory (video) : Yes

???
Cc is better than Google sometimes...

So given the above additional info.... Let's say I wanted to spend $450.... Suggestions still the same. I think now I should get a new Mother board with a more recent processor.

CowboyCrip

03-03-2008, 02:32 PM

Hi everyone.

I put in a BFG GeFORCE 8500 GT this weekend... What a difference!

COD4 runs smooth as silk with all options selected at 1024 x 768. Cost $138 including a $30 rebate.

I am still going to buy the 2 gigs of DDR RAM - My board only supports DDR or SDRAM.

Anyway, thanks again for all your help.

Perhaps now I will hop online and frag your asses!

Patonb

03-03-2008, 06:24 PM

I just cghecked the intel site for your board (Intel (http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d101ggc/sb/CS-025906.htm)) and you can bump up the cpu to a 3.4ghz 800mhz fsb!

Andy

03-04-2008, 01:09 AM

Now speed that bad boy up with RivaTuner (http://downloads.guru3d.com/RivaTuner-v2.07-download-163.html) and watch it crunch frames even better!

Test out that overclock with this (http://downloads.guru3d.com/ATi-Tool-0.27-b2-download-725.html) (scanning for artifacts) to see if its stable.

CowboyCrip

03-04-2008, 12:47 PM

I just cghecked the intel site for your board (Intel (http://support.intel.com/support/motherboards/desktop/d101ggc/sb/CS-025906.htm)) and you can bump up the cpu to a 3.4ghz 800mhz fsb!

Hey Paton.

Is that done through the BIOS? Stupid ? but I can't get into mine. I turn on the PC and after the Intel screen pops up, I press F2 (which is what Intel site says my MB uses to enter BIOS. I tried DEL. f10, CTRL-DEL-ALT and nothing -the OS just loads like normal. WTF!? I am pushing and holding. I tried different times too (i.e. right at start up, ect.)

Hey Andy.

I was going to D/L N-TUNE. You find greater functionality in RiivaTuner? i'LL check it out.

Will Fiddling with these things lead to over heating - shorter life span, etc.?

Patonb

03-04-2008, 06:51 PM

Um no.. Andy's way is through the BIOS. Mine is buying a new CPU.

Newegg.com has a few, 3 actually, under 100 bucks

Try esc to get into your BIOS.

Andy

03-04-2008, 07:44 PM

I dont know if Ntune works or not...Nvidia OC apps either dont work or are shady if internet board reports are true. Rivatuner you can manually move things faster more reliably. Heat might actually be less as you can adjust fans to come on sooner and faster than what comes stock.

Should you want to upgrade...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131196

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116052

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

This is a nice combo that will get you into current tech at 3.0-3.2 Ghz easily and cheaply.

CowboyCrip

03-04-2008, 08:38 PM

Thanks guys.

CapnGimp

03-04-2008, 10:02 PM

I use the 8500GT 512mb on my rig. Use nTune (nvidia control panel)to go in and set the 3d capabilities/filters to the max. Most of it is turned off by default.
I can play Lomac wide open with smooth framerates all the time.
There is a lot of eyecandy that will be lackluster in games until you turn on all that stuff. My frame rates went from ~30 to ~60 at the same settings in-game.
I don't overclock mine either.
I got this card for 80 bucks in Nov. Always shop around for the best price!

Patonb

03-05-2008, 01:12 PM

I got this card for 80 bucks in Nov. Always shop around for the best price!

I wonder bout the actual numbers..... My Evga 8800gt SUPERCLOCKED is always 30-50 bucks more than other 8800gts, because its different specs inside.

CapnGimp

03-05-2008, 02:26 PM

http://www.gpureview.com/show_cards.php?card1=544&card2=475
and
http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/02/04/best_cards_february_2008/page7.html

two very useful pages for vc comparisons
first one has drop down menus at top to compare 2 cards side by side and compare prices at some stores
second groups cards by similar performance

I BE LUVIN MY QUADCORE! Ain't it nice? :D

ps This is the first computer I ever bought except laptops, always built my desktops myself, piece by piece. But I paid 700 bucks brand new WITH xp and MS Office preloaded, threw in the 8500gt to replace onboard video, for a total of 820 shipped from TX. I just paid my bro in law the last payoff, he fronted me the money in Nov.
We have 3 of them now, mine his and one being used as a server for his Dental office. I set the server up and 'TESTED' it with BF2 Reality Mod and Lomac for about 2 weeks, lol. I had to get me one then, I couldn't force myself to go back to playing on my 4 yr old laptop :D
Q6600 G0 4GB ram, 2x500GB SATA2 hds, etc. You can't beat the price with a stick. They are the only folks I've used for parts/computers since I built my first P120 thru them in 97.

Patonb

03-05-2008, 05:06 PM

What MB Cap'n? My MB was 250 alone! xfx 680i sli..

CapnGimp

03-05-2008, 10:03 PM

It's an MSI single channel board, low end,( to get that low-low price. Gonna upgrade it to a better dual channel board someday, no hurry though,)but clockable, I'll give ya the model tomorrow, just got off LoMAC with Anthony, we've been at it 5 hours. His son just came in to help him assemble his new Q6600 and motherboard, you know he is a happy puppy :D He's a cool dude.
It's time for F U T U R A M A !! gotta watch my heroes, lol holler at ya in the morning.
Bender's my mentor :applaud:

CapnGimp

03-06-2008, 05:26 PM

MSI-P6NGM
It had a 400watt ps but put a 600w in a few days ago to test an 8800GTS to see if I wanted to upgrade. The 400 had no PCIe connector. I decided not to upgrade, wasn't much difference in framerates between the two. I DID notice all the filters were off by default(shoulda checked) and turned the card on max when I reinstalled it(both). I have almost double framerates and a better picture in-game now. Went from 28-30 to 58-60 in exact same place on the airfield, later turned up all the eyecandy in game and flew smoothly also.
BTW, I loaded Vista32ultimate on here for a while today. Big memory hog, I updated it(almost 2gigs of downloads!!) and then it whined 'Avast Matey, Thar be Pirates!!' and started BSCD a few times and pretends failure before I get in now, lol. So when I get bored I'll off it and try 64bit instead( w/o updating o'course ;) )
I'm curious how LoMAC will fly-framerates, etc. The only reason I'm trying it is for comparison. I have absolutely no intention of keeping it- or shelling out the cash for it, unless something maGical happens. I be sKeert of pirates, arrrr!

Patonb

03-06-2008, 11:41 PM

Vista 64 is suppsively a bitch to install. I tried and couldn't get it... Also turned out my RAM was bad.... So no idea.

CapnGimp

03-07-2008, 02:58 PM

OK, got it installed no problem. I'm putting LoMac on shortly. I'm now on XP, defragging the Vista drives. I had let Vista's defragger run for over an hour and it still wasn't thru, lol. I am using diskeeper to defrag it now, it was a huge mess even after an hour of letting Bill's best at it... haha, whata joke.

Check THIS out... I was installing it on K drive(mine go to O), writing over the 32V. I loaded yesterday. It backed up 12GB of that to the drive(K) BEFORE it began install, with no option to tell it yea or nea, silly Billy.
After all was said an done, it CHANGED the Vista install drive to C Vista and renamed my C XP to D some generic crap. If THAT don't take the cake. The real pisser, I was looking as some more suble renaming it does inside folders and found the 12GBs of backup and was tossing it out when I discovered the C drive had been renamed.... I freaked for a sec thinking I was watching my C go the way of the buffalo. I pulled up disk management and figured it all out then. Whew!
It idles at about 1GB with av, opera and teamspeak running withOUT Aero enabled and sidebar closed. The fresh install with no video driver idled about 700GB I think. I screencapped it and when I go back over there, I'll post it. Gonna load Lomac and see how it flies. I left all 4 GB of memory in when I installed also. Let ya know more in a few. If you want a copy, holler.