Nothing to do with history but need some help with

[devilsden]

getting a new graphics card.

Im running the one that I got from my DELL PC (was top of the line) 2 years ago. I just bought 5 new games and they cant run properly so Im desperately searching for a new graphics card. So, a couple of questions:

1. Im a gamer - meaning a know nothing about computers except how to hit install when I put the disk in. Is installing a new graphics card a difficult task?

2. Anyone have an opinion as to which one I should get?

Sorry if this is off topic but Im really, really scared to go messing around with my computer and blow the thing up. But, I cant get Stronghold 2, Call of Duty Pacific Assault to work and its pissing me off!

[FightingFalcon]

This question is kinda off-topic too, but when did they make a Stronghold 2?

[Husky23]

Well DD - I'll drop my nickel in the basket –

Generally, I almost always install a new graphics card immediately, or within, weeks of getting a new (desktop) machine, basically because unless when you ordered the puter and requested a specific graphics card – they’ll install an all around general performance card like an Nvidia GForce “MX” series or an ATI “All-in-wonder” series. Decent enough – but not up to the task of crunching the pixels and 3D rendering demanded of hard core gaming software.

But it’s simple to change a video card out. Couple of things to consider:

1. The physical limitations inside your machine – I know seems silly, but about 2 years ago I bought an Nvidia TI 500, and it was physically too long (can be a particular problem on compact machines). So recommend crack the machine open and check out how much room you got at the AGP slot to insert a new card. I always bust em open to get familiar with the guts anyway.
2. Also, more and more machines are sold with an ‘onboard’ graphics card – meaning simply – there’s no dedicated separate hardware graphics card in the AGP video slot. The video chip (and possibly supporting video memory) soldiered directly on the motherboard.

Notice below (a generic motherboard):

See the Nvidia onboard graphics chipset? Then there is also the AGP slot for adding owners own graphics card.




Installation is a snap. Unplug the machine, pull the cover off, find the AGP slot, blow dust out (cough cough), adjust wires and cables that may be in the way, either remove old video card and install new – or just install new one. Be mindful of static electricity. Put it all back together, run driver CD program or go to manufacturers web site and download latest driver, install latest driver, reboot, adjust your display settings. Ta-daa!


As for cards: Hmmmm. Well the two powerhouses of the graphics industry are Nvidia and ATI (all others like PNY, Asus, eVGA, LeadTek will use Nvidias or ATI's chipset). But see which fits your needs. Also the application/game you wish to run may recommend a specific graphics card. I’ve been on Nvidia cards for 3 years, all my machines have them. With the exception of my laptop. Presently I’m running an Nvidia GForce FX 5700 Ultra, my sons got a GForce FX 5200. They both do well at 256 meg of onboard video memory.

Bear in mind a power house graphics card can run upwards of $250-350 smackers.



But check out this site:

www.tomshardware.com/index.html

Excellent reviews and how too’s.

[devilsden]

stronghold 2 came out a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the help Husky. At the moment im on the phone with Dell who cant find my service tag and cant find my name, so basically they have no record of me giving them 5k for a computer. Not to mention I can barely understand what the guy is saying.

Im a little frustrated at the moment.

[Husky23]

devilsden said:

stronghold 2 came out a few weeks ago.

Thanks for the help Husky. At the moment im on the phone with Dell who cant find my service tag and cant find my name, so basically they have no record of me giving them 5k for a computer. Not to mention I can barely understand what the guy is saying.

Im a little frustrated at the moment.

Nothing like those service calls satellite re-directed to a little village in Pakistan.

Speak slower

Say, you can't give em the serial number of your machine? I never counted on those customer service pukes anyway.

[devilsden]

you'll love the final result:

I have the seriel number and the service tag number but because I bought the machine in France the guy in India or Pakistan who covers the US cant pull up the records for the machines bought in France.

I bought a Radeon card yesterday. opened the directions and the package, opened my computer took one look and paniced. Im going to see how much I can slip one of our IT guys to help install it.

Looks like Ill be playing Rome Total War for a little while.

[FightingFalcon]

devilsden said:

you'll love the final result:

I have the seriel number and the service tag number but because I bought the machine in France the guy in India or Pakistan who covers the US cant pull up the records for the machines bought in France.

I bought a Radeon card yesterday. opened the directions and the package, opened my computer took one look and paniced. Im going to see how much I can slip one of our IT guys to help install it.

Looks like Ill be playing Rome Total War for a little while.

Hey DD if you're ever lookin for a partner to play some R:TW, let me know cause I love that game.

I usually play with the Greeks (Greek States or Seleucids). The Phalanx and Heavy Cavalry formation can beat anything

[devilsden]

will do. just got back into the game again. I played a game with the Secludies a while back - fun faction. But, after I would bring too many elephants to a battle the game started to slow down way too much. part of the reason why i need a new damn graphics card. I tried to put it in the other day - opened the box and the back of my computer and paniced.

[FightingFalcon]

If you're gonna go ahead and install something as serious as a video card, I would suggest bringing it to work. I'm assuming you have IT guys wherever you work? Cause they would probably do it for free (if they're nice).

But yea, I don't screw around with installing hardware. The most I go is installing wireless cable internet. Even that took me like 35 minutes cause I'm retarded....

[FightingFalcon]

Hey DD did you install the new card?

I just got a new video card today and it took me like 5 mins to install. Really easy to do if you haven't done it yet.