Graphics Card

[Jake.Q]

DO i need a new Card? i think i need Radeon 9800 but i only have 9000 can i just upgrade it or do i have to buy a new one??

[Zhou]

1) You need to figure out what type of mobo you have so you know the type of graphics card that you have. I'm guessing you have an AGP 8x if you're using a Radeon 9000, but maybe you have an AGP 4x. Shouldn't matter too much though as AGP graphics cards usually work for both 4 and 8x configurations.

2) You will have to upgrade it, and you may need to upgrade your power supply as well depending on the energy consumption of your new graphics card.

[Jake.Q]

How do i find what my Mobo is? and where will i be able to find a site to upgrade?
/\ /\

[Zhou]

You can use

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/index.asp

To scan your system. It'll tell you what memory you have for the most part, but there's a box in-between the two major ones with all the text that says "Your [Motherboard info] Specifications". Look for that and just post up what you have.

[Jake.Q]

Okay

it says it has added memory is this true??

Maximum Memory Capacity: 3072MB
Currently Installed Memory: 512MB
Available Memory Slots: 1
Number of Banks: 3
Dual Channel Support: No
CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
CPU Family: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.66GHz Model 2, Stepping 7
CPU Speed: 2672 MHz

[Jake.Q]

Were can i update it from?

*sorry fogot about the double post thing!

and what do i upgrade it to?

[Zhou]

Look at the line ABOVE where all those specs are and tell me what the motherboard name is.

[Jake.Q]

MSI mircostar MS-6701

[Zhou]

Yeah, that's an AGP 8x mobo. Now...how much are you willing to spend to upgrade to a newer video card (and perhaps a new PSU)? Total $ amount.

[Jake.Q]

Well in pounds about 20 quid maybe 30

[Jake.Q]

whats like one of the best i can get i will get one like

[Oppius Maximus]

£20/30? I don't think you'll be able to get a very good card for that much.

[Zhou]

You can't really purchase anything decent for 20-30 pounds. I'm also not familiar with UK hardware sites either as you can't use newegg. I'm going to have to pass the mantle on to someone who knows more about the UK market specifically.

[Jake.Q]

Ill spend what ever it costs then 50 or 60

[garion333]

Ill spend what ever it costs then 50 or 60

Now you're talking.

I'd recommend getting a 7600GS then. You should be able to find an AGP version somewhere on a UK computer hardware site. That should run you somewhere between £50 and £60.

A Radeon 6800 will cost a little bit less, but you really should go for a more powerful card in the 7600.

Now, before you select something, you need to make sure you have enough power. So, you will physically need to look at your PSU and find out 1) the total wattage (300w, 380w, 400w, 450w, etc.) and 2) the amount of amps on the 12v+ rail (6a, 10a, 12a, 16a, 18a, etc.).

To do this, you will need to take off your computer's case door and look at the sticker on the side of the PSU. It'll look something like this:



Report back to us and we can give you more help.

[Zhou]

A Radeon 6800 will cost a little bit less, but you really should go for a more powerful card in the 7600.

I think you mean nVidia

[garion333]

I think you mean nVidia

I meant Radeon 9800. Get the Nvidia 7600.

Thanks, Zhou.

[Jake.Q]

okay

input max ac 230 - 240

3a 50 hz

it says that on the back does that help? or do i still have to take the case off?

[boboftl]

If you look at garion333 pic, he's talking about the part where it says DC Max Output under 12V. In his pic it says 16A under the 12V1 line and 18A under the 12V2 line.

If you can't find it on your PSU, then I would find the manufacturer and google any serial numbers or anything that's on the PSU.

[Tet_Offensive]

I'm having an issue starting up M2:TW. I have it installed & have Kingdoms installed; however, when I insert Disc 1 and try to play it, an error comes up saying "Please insert the correct DVD-ROM and retry again." I know for a fact that Disc 1 is the play disc so I know it's being retarded for some reason. I can play any Kingdoms Campaign just fine though. Is there something wrong with my install or something?