Ben

Hi Guys and Gals,

This is the specs of my 2 year old computer. I want to upgrade my graphics card but I need something that wont crash my machine (IE its too powerful and my comp cant handle it).

I play 3 games: CS:s;DOD Source and hopefully Red Orcestra.

Here are the Specs:

HP Pavillion Intel Pent 4 cpu 2.80GHz
2.80 GHz, 1.00GB of Ram
windows xp home edition version 2002 service pack 2

NVIDIA gforce fx 5500


Any knowledgeable help is greatly appreciated. ALSO, feel totally free to tell me what I can add to my current setup to make things run faster. i am a computer NOOOB but I'll destroy you on CS:S...lol...thnx

Ben

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A battle is dynamic, i.e constantly changing and evolving. Follow the strategy in place but never be afraid to improvise if the situation calls for it.
All I ask for is communication

RandomGuy

I would recommend a used 9800 pro if you can find one. It should be very inexpensive and you won't have to worry too much about the extra cooling and power issues with a GeForce 6 or 7 (or ATI equivalent).

For the games you listed a 9800 pro can do very well even though its a 2-generations-old card (I recommend no HDR though).

TychoCelchuuu

How much do you want to spend? Like Random said, a 9800 pro is going to be crazy cheap and run those games pretty well (I'm easily able to play them all on a 9600), but if you have the money something like a 6800GS would last you much longer and get you much much better quality in those 3 games.

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Ben

I can spend up to $200 and I dont want to worry about cooling problems and such. Is the 6800gs still an option?

__________________




A battle is dynamic, i.e constantly changing and evolving. Follow the strategy in place but never be afraid to improvise if the situation calls for it.
All I ask for is communication

xTYBALTx

You can get a very nice card for $200, but we need to know what power supply you have before recomending one.

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Spyder

at $200, it's an option. Most 6800GS cards run in the $150-$225 price range, depending on brand. They are available in AGP, which is what I'm assuming your motherboard supports. Power wise, unless you're sporting some ultra-generic 400W or smaller PSU shouldn't be a problem, neither should cooling, as stock cooling on most GFX is more than sufficient for everyday use.

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Ben

ok, i will check out power..where do I see what power it is?

__________________




A battle is dynamic, i.e constantly changing and evolving. Follow the strategy in place but never be afraid to improvise if the situation calls for it.
All I ask for is communication

XS-StrikeEagle

Should be a sticker on the PSU inside your case, write down and copy the details here. Or just get the make and model number.