Help with a GFX Card

Swagga J · 06-01-2009, 02:59 PM

Hi guys once again, thsi site is my 1st stop shop for my computer questions and I have to give credit to you all for the help I get. Im on a budget and am trying to find anyway to be able to upgrade my graphics card for my motherboard but im not sure which would fit. This is what im working with so far. Bare with me as its an old system but still plays games such as counterstrike source with little lag but of course my graphics must be turned down.

Field Value
Computer
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 3
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name YOUR-D137MZMHOW
User Name Angel

Motherboard
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4 520, 2800 MHz (14 x 200)
Motherboard Name Asus PTGD1-LA (3 PCI, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, LAN, IEEE-1394)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Grantsdale i915P
System Memory 512 MB
BIOS Type AMI (07/05/04)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display
Video Adapter ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series Secondary (128 MB)
Video Adapter ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series (128 MB)
3D Accelerator ATI Radeon X300 (RV370)
Monitor HP F1703 [17" LCD] (CNK4210302)

Multimedia
Audio Adapter Intel 82801FB ICH6 - High Definition Audio Controller [B-1]

Storage
IDE Controller Intel(R) 82801FB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 2651
IDE Controller Intel(R) 82801FB/FBM Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 266F
Disk Drive ST3160023AS (160 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA)
Disk Drive Generic USB SD Reader USB Device
Disk Drive Generic USB CF Reader USB Device
Disk Drive Generic USB SM Reader USB Device
Disk Drive Generic USB MS Reader USB Device
Optical Drive LITE-ON DVD+RW SOHW-802S (DVD+RW:8x/4x, DVD-RW:8x/4x, DVD-ROM:12x, CD:40x/24x/40x DVD+RW/DVD-RW)
Optical Drive SAMSUNG CD-ROM SC-148A (48x CD-ROM)
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Im asking what would be the best graphics card I can get that can be compatible with the most recent games. No im not asking to play all ULTRA HIGH settings but something that would make the gaming experience a little better than all low settings. Overall my questions are: What can my mobo handle? and can I get a gfx card that can play GTA 4 or CoD 4 with OK settings? Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Also I am aware I only have 512mb of RAM

but I am purchasing 2x1gb sticks increasing my RAM to 2.5 ( I think heh ).

This is the GFX card im looking at so far but im not sure if its 100% compatible or if theres something else better for the same price or even a few dollars more.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121274

**floop12444** · 06-01-2009, 04:46 PM

Well you have a PCI-express slot in your motherboard so you can pretty much get any graphics card thats PCI-e compatable. The only things holding you back would be your CPU and PSU. What is the brand and wattage of your power supply?

Swagga J · 06-01-2009, 05:09 PM

I wish I knew, Everest doesnt say the PSU. Anyway I can find out?

**wrench97** · 06-01-2009, 05:14 PM

Remove the side cover from the PC and there will be a label on the side of the PSU.

Swagga J · 06-01-2009, 05:56 PM

I believe its HIPRO and says not to exceed 300w so im guessing its a 300w power supply. Im going to have to get another one of those im guessing?

**emosun** · 06-01-2009, 06:49 PM

With only a single pentium 4 2.8 you could play COD4 , but not GTA4. For GTA4 you need at least a higher power dual core cpu. Your motherboard apparently only supports the pentium 4. And yes you will need a power supply aswell. Whats your budget limit?

Swagga J · 06-01-2009, 07:01 PM

Im not sure honestly. I dont want to spend more than 100 on a PSU and cpu no more than 150 if thats possible. Any suggestions? Im more than open to them. Even if it means going over my budget just let me know what would be best. (Other than building a completely new machine obviously) I just want something that can play recent games, what im running on now has little games it can handle and im tired of playing on all low graphics

**emosun** · 06-01-2009, 08:41 PM

Well you should know that it may be a better investment to save for a new machine , this current one is going to have a tough time with recent games even with a new power supply and video card due to the cpu. Normally I would say get a good powersupply and gpu and use them in your current machine , them move them to a new one later. But this board is an older one and I could see it simply not working with pci-e 2.0 cards. You can risk it and go with the 4670 and a corsair 550w. The 4670 is good for the price.

Swagga J · 06-01-2009, 08:47 PM

Yeah thats what im thinking...if anything I could always just save the parts and little by little build a machine but their so expensive =/ so theirs no hope for this piece?

**emosun** · 06-01-2009, 09:19 PM

As I said , You can buy the 4670 And see if it works , just don't be surprised if it doesn't. Make sure you get the power supply as well.

Swagga J · 06-01-2009, 10:08 PM

Alright, Thanks man.

Swagga J · 06-02-2009, 10:03 AM

Sorry for the double post but I was just on newegg and wondered if this setup is decent enough for the recent games that come out such as GTA 4, Assassins Creed and Mirrors Edge. https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/M...spx?ID=7553132 just need some constructive critisism on it due to it being my first time building if I do.

**wrench97** · 06-02-2009, 11:13 AM

You'll have to paste individual links you can't link us to a password protected account page at newegg.

Swagga J · 06-02-2009, 11:29 AM

**wrench97** · 06-02-2009, 11:57 AM

This would be a better choice for a power supply in terms of quality and wattage> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9005&Tpk=650tx

For the Motherboard Asus and Gigabyte are the two top tier manufccturers I have used this board once and liked it> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128387

The AMD chipset will only do xfire with 2 ATI cards were you thinking doing of SLI?
Here is a good ATI video card if that should interest you> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...N82E1681410283

Swagga J · 06-02-2009, 12:11 PM

Which ATI card are you pointing out? I just see a list of them

I updated my list to substitute what you pointed out since your the computer specialist and im just learning.

Is everything else fine to run recent games?

**wrench97** · 06-02-2009, 01:55 PM

I was trying to show you this one> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102837 Not sure what happened to the link.

The rest will work nicely to play games.

Swagga J · 06-02-2009, 09:18 PM

Alright great, just one question about the CD Drive I picked out. I didnt have to pick anything specific correct? Or did I just luckily find the right one if needed?

**wrench97** · 06-03-2009, 01:35 AM

You had a 50/50 change with the interface of Sata or IDE you picked Correctly Sata.

Swagga J · 06-03-2009, 09:23 AM

Alright thanks Wrench and all others who helped me on this I appreciate it greatly.

06-01-2009, 02:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Help with a GFX Card Hi guys once again, thsi site is my 1st stop shop for my computer questions and I have to give credit to you all for the help I get. Im on a budget and am trying to find anyway to be able to upgrade my graphics card for my motherboard but im not sure which would fit. This is what im working with so far. Bare with me as its an old system but still plays games such as counterstrike source with little lag but of course my graphics must be turned down. Field Value Computer Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition OS Service Pack Service Pack 3 DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c) Computer Name YOUR-D137MZMHOW User Name Angel Motherboard CPU Type Intel Pentium 4 520, 2800 MHz (14 x 200) Motherboard Name Asus PTGD1-LA (3 PCI, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, LAN, IEEE-1394) Motherboard Chipset Intel Grantsdale i915P System Memory 512 MB BIOS Type AMI (07/05/04) Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1) Display Video Adapter ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series Secondary (128 MB) Video Adapter ATI Radeon X300/X550/X1050 Series (128 MB) 3D Accelerator ATI Radeon X300 (RV370) Monitor HP F1703 [17" LCD] (CNK4210302) Multimedia Audio Adapter Intel 82801FB ICH6 - High Definition Audio Controller [B-1] Storage IDE Controller Intel(R) 82801FB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 2651 IDE Controller Intel(R) 82801FB/FBM Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 266F Disk Drive ST3160023AS (160 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA) Disk Drive Generic USB SD Reader USB Device Disk Drive Generic USB CF Reader USB Device Disk Drive Generic USB SM Reader USB Device Disk Drive Generic USB MS Reader USB Device Optical Drive LITE-ON DVD+RW SOHW-802S (DVD+RW:8x/4x, DVD-RW:8x/4x, DVD-ROM:12x, CD:40x/24x/40x DVD+RW/DVD-RW) Optical Drive SAMSUNG CD-ROM SC-148A (48x CD-ROM) SMART Hard Disks Status OK Im asking what would be the best graphics card I can get that can be compatible with the most recent games. No im not asking to play all ULTRA HIGH settings but something that would make the gaming experience a little better than all low settings. Overall my questions are: What can my mobo handle? and can I get a gfx card that can play GTA 4 or CoD 4 with OK settings? Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Also I am aware I only have 512mb of RAM but I am purchasing 2x1gb sticks increasing my RAM to 2.5 ( I think heh ). This is the GFX card im looking at so far but im not sure if its 100% compatible or if theres something else better for the same price or even a few dollars more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814121274 Last edited by Swagga J; 06-01-2009 at 03:01 PM.

06-01-2009, 04:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
floop12444 Senior Tech, Games Team Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: England Posts: 974 OS: Windows XP SP3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Well you have a PCI-express slot in your motherboard so you can pretty much get any graphics card thats PCI-e compatable. The only things holding you back would be your CPU and PSU. What is the brand and wattage of your power supply? __________________ Everest Home Edtion ♦ System requirements test ♦ Nvidia Drivers ♦ ATI Drivers ♦ Revo Uninstaller ♦ GPUz Forum Rules Steps Before Posting

06-01-2009, 05:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card I wish I knew, Everest doesnt say the PSU. Anyway I can find out?

06-01-2009, 05:14 PM	#4 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,591 OS: Win7	Re: Help with a GFX Card Remove the side cover from the PC and there will be a label on the side of the PSU. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

06-01-2009, 05:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card I believe its HIPRO and says not to exceed 300w so im guessing its a 300w power supply. Im going to have to get another one of those im guessing?

06-01-2009, 06:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
emosun Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: usa Posts: 6,982 OS: xp pro sp2 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card With only a single pentium 4 2.8 you could play COD4 , but not GTA4. For GTA4 you need at least a higher power dual core cpu. Your motherboard apparently only supports the pentium 4. And yes you will need a power supply aswell. Whats your budget limit? __________________ Gpu Benchmarks Cpu-Z Power supply information and selection Gpu-Z Video card quick list

06-01-2009, 07:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Im not sure honestly. I dont want to spend more than 100 on a PSU and cpu no more than 150 if thats possible. Any suggestions? Im more than open to them. Even if it means going over my budget just let me know what would be best. (Other than building a completely new machine obviously) I just want something that can play recent games, what im running on now has little games it can handle and im tired of playing on all low graphics Last edited by Swagga J; 06-01-2009 at 07:03 PM.

06-01-2009, 08:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
emosun Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: usa Posts: 6,982 OS: xp pro sp2 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Well you should know that it may be a better investment to save for a new machine , this current one is going to have a tough time with recent games even with a new power supply and video card due to the cpu. Normally I would say get a good powersupply and gpu and use them in your current machine , them move them to a new one later. But this board is an older one and I could see it simply not working with pci-e 2.0 cards. You can risk it and go with the 4670 and a corsair 550w. The 4670 is good for the price. __________________ Gpu Benchmarks Cpu-Z Power supply information and selection Gpu-Z Video card quick list Last edited by emosun; 06-01-2009 at 08:43 PM.

06-01-2009, 08:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Yeah thats what im thinking...if anything I could always just save the parts and little by little build a machine but their so expensive =/ so theirs no hope for this piece?

06-01-2009, 09:19 PM	#10 (permalink)
emosun Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: usa Posts: 6,982 OS: xp pro sp2 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card As I said , You can buy the 4670 And see if it works , just don't be surprised if it doesn't. Make sure you get the power supply as well. __________________ Gpu Benchmarks Cpu-Z Power supply information and selection Gpu-Z Video card quick list

06-01-2009, 10:08 PM	#11 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Alright, Thanks man.

06-02-2009, 10:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Sorry for the double post but I was just on newegg and wondered if this setup is decent enough for the recent games that come out such as GTA 4, Assassins Creed and Mirrors Edge. https://secure.newegg.com/WishList/M...spx?ID=7553132 just need some constructive critisism on it due to it being my first time building if I do.

06-02-2009, 11:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,591 OS: Win7	Re: Help with a GFX Card You'll have to paste individual links you can't link us to a password protected account page at newegg. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

06-02-2009, 11:29 AM	#14 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Oh my apologies http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811146025 (Case) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813138130 (Mobo) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130339 (GFX Card) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010 (PSU) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103648 (CPU) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145184 (RAM) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822148262 (HD) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16827136152 (CD/DVD Drive) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16824236060 (Monitor)

06-02-2009, 11:57 AM	#15 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,591 OS: Win7	Re: Help with a GFX Card This would be a better choice for a power supply in terms of quality and wattage> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...9005&Tpk=650tx For the Motherboard Asus and Gigabyte are the two top tier manufccturers I have used this board once and liked it> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128387 The AMD chipset will only do xfire with 2 ATI cards were you thinking doing of SLI? Here is a good ATI video card if that should interest you> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...N82E1681410283 __________________ Power Supply and Selection

06-02-2009, 12:11 PM	#16 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Which ATI card are you pointing out? I just see a list of them I updated my list to substitute what you pointed out since your the computer specialist and im just learning. Is everything else fine to run recent games? Last edited by Swagga J; 06-02-2009 at 12:13 PM.

06-02-2009, 01:55 PM	#17 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,591 OS: Win7	Re: Help with a GFX Card I was trying to show you this one> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102837 Not sure what happened to the link. The rest will work nicely to play games. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

06-02-2009, 09:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Alright great, just one question about the CD Drive I picked out. I didnt have to pick anything specific correct? Or did I just luckily find the right one if needed?

06-03-2009, 01:35 AM	#19 (permalink)
wrench97 Moderator, Hardware Team Join Date: May 2008 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania Posts: 18,591 OS: Win7	Re: Help with a GFX Card You had a 50/50 change with the interface of Sata or IDE you picked Correctly Sata. __________________ Power Supply and Selection

06-03-2009, 09:23 AM	#20 (permalink)
Swagga J Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Pocono, Pennsylvania Posts: 36 OS: winxp sp3 My System	Re: Help with a GFX Card Alright thanks Wrench and all others who helped me on this I appreciate it greatly.