Graphics Card Assistance

[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!

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. 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/Produc...82E16814130188 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/fea...y_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!

I was about to pull my hair out! 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.

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! 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. Tonight, I still find myself sleeping with the dog, and he keeps stealing the covers!

Erich