Graphics Card Assistance

[Erich_870]

We just picked up a 20" View Sonic flat screen from Costco (Model VX2033wm) and my graphics card can't do 1600x900 screen resolution. Can anyone help me find a replacement card to match my monitors capabilities? I've looked on Newegg.com and I'm out of my league :hillbill:

Here's my computers stats:
eMachine D2880
Celeron 2.66GHz Processor
2GB of ram
Display adapter: Intel 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV Graphics Controller

Thanks,

Erich

[Seanz0rz]

hrm. do you know if you have an AGP or PCI-E slot?

they look like this:

agp in brown:
http://slo-tech.com/testi/plate01/agp_slot.jpg

PCI-E:
http://www.karbosguide.com/books/pcarchitecture/images/828.jpg

[Erich_870]

Well, This may not be a good thing... I don't think I have either :chair:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y261/Erich_870/P1040790.jpg

Erich

[Seanz0rz]

regular PCI. im not sure if you can even find pci cards anymore.

my suggestion, build a new computer! haha.

[Erich_870]

Dang, I thought you were going to say that. :(

It's all my wifes fault, but that will help me selling her on it. :hillbill:

I may have luck with a local computer repair shop, but what would I search for online?

Erich

[Seanz0rz]

no one makes pci video cards that i can find.

new motherboard is in order. building a computer is very easy.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/buyers-guide/2009/06/02/what-hardware-should-i-buy/2
http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/buyers-guide/2009/06/02/what-hardware-should-i-buy/3

[reggie 00]

you have an E machine.

I don't know for sure if an off the shelf motherboard will fit your case.

It really would be easier to get a new computer.
Just of the top of my head with out looking at a lot of websites, the last 3 computers i have bought have been factory refurbished ones at Frys. paid 300 for one 400-500 for the others.

Use the 2nd newest right now as i type, the newest i gave to Pop's for his birthday last year, and the oldest i have out in the garage waiting to go in the reloading room.

[reggie 00]

Not 100% on being able to change out the VC but i haven't had a problem with the ones i got.

Got to get the Dude to School so i didn't have much time:

http://www.frys.com/product/5873833?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

something like this should work.
if your looking to do movies too, a inexpensive speaker set up will get you decent enough sound till you can set it up to a full blown system.

[Erich_870]

Building a new computer would be sweet, but I can't afford that right now, plus, there's nothing wrong with my current one. If I can't find a PCI card that will work, the monitor will have to go back to Costco :(

Won't this guy work for what I need? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130477

Erich

[Seanz0rz]

that might work (and im wondering why that didnt come up when i searched for "PCI" earlier...

if its a fairly new machine, it should support pci2.1. worth a try for 30 bucks!

[Erich_870]

Yeah, newegg still has quite a few PCI cards listed. I went to "Desktop Graphics/Video Cards" and then chose "PCI" on the left under "interface".

Is there any way to check my machine for PCI 2.1 compatibility?

Erich

[Seanz0rz]

i guess i suck at searching!

it should be fine. newegg is great about returns too!

[Erich_870]

i guess i suck at searching!

it should be fine. newegg is great about returns too!


:loser: :angel:

I was looking on newegg and saying to myself, "I wonder why all these PCI ones won't work for me? :hillbill:"

The one I posted below needs a 300w power supply and my box has a 250 watt, but I think I'll still get it anyway, and upgrade the power supply if I have to.

Anyone else have a suggestion?

Thanks,

Erich

[mastacox]

Man PCI video cards are a blast from the past :hillbill:

That EVGA card looks good, and like Sean says Newegg is very good about returns. The only other website I can recommend for finding computer parts is www.pricewatch.com but in the end Newegg is usually the best deal.

This is the video card I've got my sights on :bowdown:: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150329

EDIT: now that I see the mail-in rebate on it, I'm pulling the trigger on it, I need DX10 graphics baddd!

[CJM]

Dude, you can build an entire new lighting fast pc for 350 bucks at most. My brother just built my mom and dad one and its sweet. Everything from newegg, he and I love that site.

[Erich_870]

Dude, you can build an entire new lighting fast pc for 350 bucks at most. My brother just built my mom and dad one and its sweet. Everything from newegg, he and I love that site.


You have my attention. Care to share all the specifics? :hillbill:

Erich

[mastacox]

"Lightning fast" for $350 may be a bit of an exaggeration, but you can build a VERY nice one for about $750, or a lot faster than your current computer for perhaps $400 or so.

For the $750 machine:

Gigabyte Mobo- $135
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128358

Intel Core 2 Quad Processor- $185
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115057

4GB DDR2 Ram- $55
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231148

Western Digital 1 TB Hard Drive- $130
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136337

XFX GTX 260 Graphics Card- $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150329

650 W Power supply- ~$100
Case- Around ~$50
DVD-Writer- ~$20

-----------
TOTAL: $755

That doesn't include the operating system, if you got Windows Vista 64 bit you'd be looking at about $150 I think.

[CJM]

Well it depends on lightning fast and your definition.

For most what you listed brian cant really be used or fully utilized by most avg people. Your avg person who surfs the net and doesnt play games doesnt need 4gb of ram, a super duper gfx card, 1tb hard drive, or a super duper cpu or mobo. If can survive on a P4 laptop with 512 ram, and only 3.2ghz then many others can. This pc runs everything I want tbh besides games or software that is vista only.

Also NO ONE SHOULD EVER INSTALL VISTA PERIOD, IT SUCKS. Stick with XP. XP can be had free from any tech savvy person you know man. Dont pay for windows out the ass..

I will have to check the specs with my brother, ill get you them. Shoot me an email so I dont forget.

FWIW, this ones only about 400 bucks and would suit you fine: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883113094

[mastacox]

Well it depends on lightning fast and your definition.


Maybe so... but I'm not sure a $400 machine can be considered "lightning fast" in any sense of the term these days. FWIW, I bought my wife a refurbished Dell laptop for $250 that surfs the net just fine.



For most what you listed brian cant really be used or fully utilized by most avg people. Your avg person who surfs the net and doesnt play games doesnt need 4gb of ram, a super duper gfx card, 1tb hard drive, or a super duper cpu or mobo.


Well, let's just say I'm an enthusiast :smokin: That's an AMAZING computer for $755, similar hardware from a computer builder is likely to cost twice that. That's about the minimum I would consider "lightning fast."



If can survive on a P4 laptop with 512 ram, and only 3.2ghz then many others can. This pc runs everything I want tbh besides games or software that is vista only.

I use my computer for games, HD video re-encoding, Photoshop, lots of graphics and CPU intensive stuff. Surfing the net is one thing, and you can do that on most cell phones these days.



Also NO ONE SHOULD EVER INSTALL VISTA PERIOD, IT SUCKS. Stick with XP. XP can be had free from any tech savvy person you know man. Dont pay for windows out the ass..

You can get Windows 7 for free until next summer, and it's been working great for me. I understand >most< of the reasons people like staying with XP, but eventually you have to move on :thumbup: I stuck with XP for a long time, but I'll definitely say that Windows 7 is a huge difference.

[CJM]

Yes if you do the things you do, you need all that hardware. I built several machines a few years ago that lasted till now tbh.

As for windows 7 or vista, no just plain no. XP is finally fully stable and of course M$ needs something new.

Like I said, for surfing the web or doing normal stuff you wont ever need what you have. Stuff becomes outdated so quick its not worth it to even build and keep around after a year or so.

[mastacox]

As for windows 7 or vista, no just plain no. XP is finally fully stable and of course M$ needs something new.

XP being "fully stable" doesn't make it the only choice. I'm telling you, Windows 7 is very cool; it multitasks better, supports better hardware, has a more customizable interface, what's not to like?

I more than anything like the built-in stuff that I would normally have to install another program to accomplish with XP, like burning data DVDs, burning ISO files, playing all of my video files including AVCHD, etc...

The 64-bit version is a little tough to get around sometimes with driver support being what it is for 64-bit Vista right now, but I've been able to find drivers for everything, and taking advantage of more than 3gb of ram is a must. I'm planning to upgrade to 8gb of ram in the not-too-distant future since it's so cheap these days.

[mastacox]

Well anyway, back on topic! :ban:

That PCI graphics card you found should be fine, and remember for the future that you can buy a very capable computer that will be lightyears ahead of what you've got for around $400.

[Erich_870]

No worries on the box build talk. I learned a lot about the latest trends. :thumbup: I have no room in the budget for a new computer, but maybe by the end of the summer. :)

I had to down grade to this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130188 Should be here end of this week, first of next. My power supply wasn't big enough for the first one I posted.

Erich

[CJM]

XP being "fully stable" doesn't make it the only choice. I'm telling you, Windows 7 is very cool; it multitasks better, supports better hardware, has a more customizable interface, what's not to like?

I more than anything like the built-in stuff that I would normally have to install another program to accomplish with XP, like burning data DVDs, burning ISO files, playing all of my video files including AVCHD, etc...

The 64-bit version is a little tough to get around sometimes with driver support being what it is for 64-bit Vista right now, but I've been able to find drivers for everything, and taking advantage of more than 3gb of ram is a must. I'm planning to upgrade to 8gb of ram in the not-too-distant future since it's so cheap these days.

All good points, someone who does the things you do needs the memory, the latest software, etc.

I had an awesome PC about 2 years ago before everything jumped lightyears in a matter of months. Shame the CPU fried (i think, not sure but i hate prescott cores)and now it even refuses to turn on so its junk as its part are worth nothing. Good deal tho, I got it thru an intel biz program, XP, the super $$$ mobo and the cpu for like 250 bucks :)

Anyways back on topic, in due time will we all need to upgrade. But ill wait it out. I like XP simply b/c I am more than the avg user and just tweak everything I want, I also like my apps and not built in windows junk too. Lean and mean running, I barely have anything installed.

[mastacox]

On the topic of budget PC's, MaximumPC did a very good article on how to "Build a Kick-Ass Gaming PC for $500."

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/build_a_500_pc_play_crysis_40fps

The hardware they list is pretty good, they give a step-by-step on how to put it together, and you've got yourself a powerful computer for around $500 which is nothing to sneeze at. For what it's worth, the article was made in April, so you may be able to find some better hardware for a similar price point now. Install Windows 7 for free, and you're done until you need to buy your OS for real next summer.

[Erich_870]

Okay the card is here.

Now I need some help installing it...

I read the instructions and went to the device manager and disabled the original graphics card and turned off the computer. I then installed the new card and inserted the CD and rebooted. I loaded the driver, but it's not working.

To see my computer I have to connect the monitor to the old card with the original 15pin connector (can't remember what it's called)

I then got on the old slow laptop to see what I missed. Am I really supposed to UNINSTALL the original graphics card driver before I install the new card? If I do that and it doesn't work for some reason, THEN when do I do?

I've back tracked and uninstalled the new card and enabled the old one to log on and get some help.

Thanks guys,

Erich

[CJM]

Install new card, then make sure it works then disable the old one.

[Erich_870]

Finally got it! :confused:

I was about to pull my hair out! :chair: I had to call EVGA and they told me I had to go into my BIOS. A quick check on the backup laptop and I found out how to get in (TAB DELETE). Then I had to change the video preference from VGA to DVI and that was I'll it took.

Thanks for all your help! We have wide screen, high res wonderfulness now. :thumbup:

Erich

[CJM]

Ya know it completely slipped my mind, if you haveonboard you gotta shut it off int he bios and turn on pci..lol.

[Erich_870]

Ya know it completely slipped my mind, if you haveonboard you gotta shut it off int he bios and turn on pci..lol.


Lol, now you tell me! :shake: I was getting pretty pissed at the whole thing last night, so the wife wanting to get involved, but refusing to follow my lead created a extra level of tension. :argue: Tonight, I still find myself sleeping with the dog, and he keeps stealing the covers! :hillbill:

Erich

[CJM]

Wanna trade? Just got a new dog a month ago, and they fix them before they let you adopt them. Stitches they used cause a reaction and the thing wont heal, so I had to take the dog back 2 hours north of me, drop her off (well my mom did that), and I get home late last night from a bad night at work and find the dog sitting in her crate-covered in feces wearing one of those collars.. Then I had to clean it all up!

[mastacox]

In case you guys are curious, I bought the rest of my kick-arse machine. Quad-core processor, 8 gb of ram, SLI mobo :thumbup: This thing will be fast as hell, just the way I like it :clap: I should be able to max out the graphics settings on most any game available, and crank through HD video no problemo!

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Quad-Core Black Edition Processor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471)- $190

ASUS M4N72-E AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI ATX AMD Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131367)- $135

OCZ Platinum Edition 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227291)- $90

I ended up going with the AMD Phenom II Black edition due to excellent ratings from MaximumPC and users. It's pretty significantly faster than the Core 2 Quads I was looking at too. For the mobo I have had good experiences with Asus, and I wanted an nForce 750 chipset with onboard audio and stuff.

So up to this point I've spent a little over $600 on the mobo, cpu, ram, and graphics card; so for about $800 you've got a full computer. I've already got a case with a 700 watt power supply, DVD burner, and about 600 gb of hard drives, so I won't have to buy anything else. That's really not bad at all when you look at the components. Staying on the "trailing edge" of the technology curve instead of the "cutting edge" is a nice way to do it IMO, I'm not interested in paying the premiums for an Intel Core i7 cpu with triple-channel DDR3 ram.

[Erich_870]

Wanna trade? Just got a new dog a month ago, and they fix them before they let you adopt them. Stitches they used cause a reaction and the thing wont heal, so I had to take the dog back 2 hours north of me, drop her off (well my mom did that), and I get home late last night from a bad night at work and find the dog sitting in her crate-covered in feces wearing one of those collars.. Then I had to clean it all up!


I'll take dog $hi! over a pissed wife any day of the week, but that's just me :hillbill:

Erich

[Erich_870]

In case you guys are curious, I bought the rest of my kick-arse machine. Quad-core processor, 8 gb of ram, SLI mobo :thumbup: This thing will be fast as hell, just the way I like it :clap: I should be able to max out the graphics settings on most any game available, and crank through HD video no problemo!

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Deneb 3.0GHz Quad-Core Black Edition Processor (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103471)- $190

ASUS M4N72-E AM2+/AM2 NVIDIA nForce 750a SLI ATX AMD Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131367)- $135

OCZ Platinum Edition 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227291)- $90

I ended up going with the AMD Phenom II Black edition due to excellent ratings from MaximumPC and users. It's pretty significantly faster than the Core 2 Quads I was looking at too. For the mobo I have had good experiences with Asus, and I wanted an nForce 750 chipset with onboard audio and stuff.

So up to this point I've spent a little over $600 on the mobo, cpu, ram, and graphics card; so for about $800 you've got a full computer. I've already got a case with a 700 watt power supply, DVD burner, and about 600 gb of hard drives, so I won't have to buy anything else. That's really not bad at all when you look at the components. Staying on the "trailing edge" of the technology curve instead of the "cutting edge" is a nice way to do it IMO, I'm not interested in paying the premiums for an Intel Core i7 cpu with triple-channel DDR3 ram.


:drool: I could never afford to buy any of the games or programs necessary to make that system break a sweat!

Hand me a copy of Solid works, Civil 3D and Bend Tech and I'd be in heaven :love:

Erich

[mastacox]

:drool: I could never afford to buy any of the games or programs necessary to make that system break a sweat!

Hand me a copy of Solid works, Civil 3D and Bend Tech and I'd be in heaven :love:

Erich


Meh, I let my employer pay for Solidworks. I did hear a rumor that if you have a valid licensed version of Solidworks on your work computer, you can get a copy for free for your home computer; I'll have to ask the Soldiwroks distributor about that...

[Erich_870]

Meh, I let my employer pay for Solidworks. I did hear a rumor that if you have a valid licensed version of Solidworks on your work computer, you can get a copy for free for your home computer; I'll have to ask the Soldiwroks distributor about that...


I know we have that option for Microsoft Office 2007, but AutoCAD isn't handing out extra copies of C3D :shake:

We use network licesnes anyway, not stand along copies.

Erich

[mastacox]

For your enjoyment: http://www.ultimateyota.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=26&topic=7862.new