Hello well I'm posting here because tomorrow I will be going to buy a new Video card because the one I have currently have does not work very well with Guild Wars. Below is the information of my computer and I'm wondering what type of card you would recommend me buying? Also do I need more RAM? Or anything else I need?
Also, what exactly does ram do? (I obviously know nothing about computers)
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
2.79 GHz
RAM: 510.0 MB
VIDEO CARD: Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller (Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller)
Thanks,
Need some suggestions, video card
Eagles99
Tarun
Right now you actually do not have a video card, you simply have the integrated onboard video.
How old is your current system, what OS are you running, how long do you intend for it to last and will you be upgrading to Vista?
How old is your current system, what OS are you running, how long do you intend for it to last and will you be upgrading to Vista?
Brianna
Hmm you could use more RAM yes.
And I also believe you have an Integrated graphics card.
RAM is the memory your computer needs for applications, lets say you wanted to do lots of multi-tasking, for instance have guild wars up, and tons of other programs that are memory intensive; basically your computer will lag a whole ton and I think in the worst case might freeze up if it runs out of memory, so more is better.
1GB will most likely be plenty enough for you, they sell 1 GB sticks or two 512mb sticks.
And I don't know what kind of slot your motherboard has, AGP or PCI-E (That is assuming it even has one), somehow I'm guessing AGP so I'd recommend something like.. an Nvidia GeForce6600/6800 or 7600 or something for the AGP? It's really hard to say, ATI also has some good AGP cards out there.
However I am bad with ATI so hopefully someone could have a suggestion for those.
Dunno, maybe some others can help out more than I, just thought I'd post what I knew.
And I also believe you have an Integrated graphics card.
RAM is the memory your computer needs for applications, lets say you wanted to do lots of multi-tasking, for instance have guild wars up, and tons of other programs that are memory intensive; basically your computer will lag a whole ton and I think in the worst case might freeze up if it runs out of memory, so more is better.
1GB will most likely be plenty enough for you, they sell 1 GB sticks or two 512mb sticks.
And I don't know what kind of slot your motherboard has, AGP or PCI-E (That is assuming it even has one), somehow I'm guessing AGP so I'd recommend something like.. an Nvidia GeForce6600/6800 or 7600 or something for the AGP? It's really hard to say, ATI also has some good AGP cards out there.
However I am bad with ATI so hopefully someone could have a suggestion for those.
Dunno, maybe some others can help out more than I, just thought I'd post what I knew.
Eagles99
I am using Windows XP right now.
How do I check if I have a AGP or PCI-E?
and should I make sure I get a certain brand of Card?
How do I check if I have a AGP or PCI-E?
and should I make sure I get a certain brand of Card?
Brianna
Hmm, well, seems that now is a good time for you to experiment, and find what you like.
I'd say go with Nvidia or ATI brand cards, see which brand suits you best over time.
Also I don't really know how to check.. I think the best way is to physically do it.
Just open the side of your case and look around, and if you see a slot usually colored something like Orange, Blue, or Black or something.. try to read on the motherboard and see if it says something like ''AGPX8'' or ''PCI-Express'', cause usually the regular PCI slots are colored white and there is a few of them, like 2-5 or something like that, the PCI-E or AGP slot is kind of independent.
Unless someone knows of software to detect that type of thing, I sure don't.
I'd say go with Nvidia or ATI brand cards, see which brand suits you best over time.
Also I don't really know how to check.. I think the best way is to physically do it.
Just open the side of your case and look around, and if you see a slot usually colored something like Orange, Blue, or Black or something.. try to read on the motherboard and see if it says something like ''AGPX8'' or ''PCI-Express'', cause usually the regular PCI slots are colored white and there is a few of them, like 2-5 or something like that, the PCI-E or AGP slot is kind of independent.
Unless someone knows of software to detect that type of thing, I sure don't.
gone
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
good for finding out cpu info
http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads...-Z_v0.1.7.html
good for finding FX card info
-no install necessary, run from desktop.
good for finding out cpu info
http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads...-Z_v0.1.7.html
good for finding FX card info
-no install necessary, run from desktop.
Admael
Brianna
/D'oh! I have both of those programs, I should have known that since I use them somewhat often.
Eagles99
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Admael
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gone
see the pic admael posted?
run proggy (cpu-z). click mainboard tab. see where is says graphic interface?
plz post what is says.
run proggy (cpu-z). click mainboard tab. see where is says graphic interface?
plz post what is says.
Blackhearted
Go to the tab in cpu-z that you see he is on in his screenshot
Eagles99
It's blank, its grey'd out with no writing.
Admael
Hm alright then, why don't you tell me the motherboard manufacturer and model?
Eagles99
Dell Computer Corp.
0N6381
0N6381
gone
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...0/en/index.htm d/l
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/SM/index.htm view
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1043338 mobo
after a quick look thru the manual (i think this is the right one), it looks like you have pci slots.
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/SM/index.htm view
http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1043338 mobo
after a quick look thru the manual (i think this is the right one), it looks like you have pci slots.
Admael
Sounds like a Dell Dimension 3000. Is that what you have?
If so, it will accommodate an AGP bus (slot) card.
EDIT: I mean PCI :<
If so, it will accommodate an AGP bus (slot) card.
EDIT: I mean PCI :<
Eagles99
OK so I need a PCI type card. What should I be aiming for? Not too expensive please.
Admael
No, not PCI-e, PCI 
How much is not too expensive? You can get a Radeon X1300 for about ~130 USD.
How much is not too expensive? You can get a Radeon X1300 for about ~130 USD.
Eagles99
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Admael
No, not PCI-e, PCI
How much is not too expensive? You can get a Radeon X1300 for about ~130 USD. |
Admael
I'm sure you can go cheaper, but the Radeon X1300 runs Guild Wars, yes. Some other cards you can look into is also the nVidia FX 5500 (~60 USD) and the nVidia GeForce 6200 (~90 USD).
Think about upgrading your RAM, too.
Think about upgrading your RAM, too.
gone
I ran a x1300 with almost the exact system (2.6ghz processor) stock PSU, 2 gigs ram.
on low settings I was lucky if I got 24Fps(out of town). If I were you, I'd start saving up and upgrade to a whole new system.
on low settings I was lucky if I got 24Fps(out of town). If I were you, I'd start saving up and upgrade to a whole new system.
Eagles99
OK well thanks for the help guys.
Flubber, what kind of computer would you recommend if I was going to buy a new one?
Flubber, what kind of computer would you recommend if I was going to buy a new one?
gone
it all depends on your monetary status. and your ability to build your own.
right now i'm running GW on a 2.53 celeron 0X7841 with integrated fx...I hit like maybe 12fps...trust me, I know the feeling of wanting to upgrade.
right now i'm running GW on a 2.53 celeron 0X7841 with integrated fx...I hit like maybe 12fps...trust me, I know the feeling of wanting to upgrade.
Eagles99
So do you think it's worth it to buy a new graphics card or what flubber?
gone
straight up answer? no. I don't think you'll be happy.
the only reason I bought my card for that rig was because I found it at a show for $45 USD.
the only reason I bought my card for that rig was because I found it at a show for $45 USD.
Eagles99
Hmm really? well the only reason I was going to buy a new card was because I get an error when I try to enter certain places (example: Wehhan Terraces).
But other than that I don't really lag too much except when I go to town. I will lag a bit a first then it will be gone after about 2-3 minutes.
and out of town it will lag for the first group of enemies, but after that it runs fine.
But other than that I don't really lag too much except when I go to town. I will lag a bit a first then it will be gone after about 2-3 minutes.
and out of town it will lag for the first group of enemies, but after that it runs fine.
Eagles99
OK well I just bought a new video card.
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 (256MB DDR)
It's a PCI type.
Any good?
NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 (256MB DDR)
It's a PCI type.
Any good?
Brianna
Sure that will work, just make sure you disable your Integrated video before you install that, and of course download the proper drivers for the card at www.nvidia.com.
I have a BFG Tech Fx5500 OC and it worked with Guild Wars, except I had some weird bug where every time I opened my inventory the game would freeze for 30 seconds, probably an old driver issue as that was years ago.
I have a BFG Tech Fx5500 OC and it worked with Guild Wars, except I had some weird bug where every time I opened my inventory the game would freeze for 30 seconds, probably an old driver issue as that was years ago.
Eagles99
Well when I put the disc in to install it, nothing comes up...i'm a bit confused.
Can someone please post how to properly install it? Please
EDIT: I got the disc to come up, but when I go to install it
The three choices are:
Install Windows Graphics Card Drivers(Non-vista)
Install Windows Vista 32-bit Graphics Card Drivers
Install Windows Vista 64-bit Graphics Card Drivers
Also says "The following driver is only for graphics cards that support video input funtionality in addition to video output"
Then a link saying "Install WDM Drivers"
I chose the first choice since I don't have Vista
and I get the following message:
"The NVIDIA setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with you current hardware. Setup will now exit.".
Am I choosing the wrong one?
and I shouldn't have the actual card in the computer yet correct?
Can someone please post how to properly install it? Please
EDIT: I got the disc to come up, but when I go to install it
The three choices are:
Install Windows Graphics Card Drivers(Non-vista)
Install Windows Vista 32-bit Graphics Card Drivers
Install Windows Vista 64-bit Graphics Card Drivers
Also says "The following driver is only for graphics cards that support video input funtionality in addition to video output"
Then a link saying "Install WDM Drivers"
I chose the first choice since I don't have Vista
and I get the following message:
"The NVIDIA setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with you current hardware. Setup will now exit.".
Am I choosing the wrong one?
and I shouldn't have the actual card in the computer yet correct?
Brianna
You will need to install the card into the computer first, before you update it's drivers.
Also I wouldn't recommend installing the drivers from the CD, I'd say get them from the website.
www.nvidia.com then go to ''Download Drivers''
For you it will be in this order;
*Product Type: GeForce.
*Product Series: GeForce 5 FX Series.
*Operating System: Windows XP.
*Languge: English (US).
Then just download those, install them, and reboot.
You'll have to re-arrange all your desktop settings though, like resolution and stuff.
Also I wouldn't recommend installing the drivers from the CD, I'd say get them from the website.
www.nvidia.com then go to ''Download Drivers''
For you it will be in this order;
*Product Type: GeForce.
*Product Series: GeForce 5 FX Series.
*Operating System: Windows XP.
*Languge: English (US).
Then just download those, install them, and reboot.
You'll have to re-arrange all your desktop settings though, like resolution and stuff.
Eagles99
OK well this is getting frustrating, and I can't think of anything else to try..
I bought a new Video card: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 (256MB DDR)
Now I followed all the directions right. I uninstalled my old Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller (Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller)(but everytime I restart it comes back). I downloaded the drivers for the new card from NVIDIA.com but didn't install them. I next turned off my computer and installed the card into the computer. Now, when I turn my computer back on it usually will freeze either and the first Windows XP window or when it gets to the desktop.
My computer:
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
2.79 GHz
RAM: 510.0 MB
VIDEO CARD: Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller (Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller)
Anyone got an idea on how to fix this?
I bought a new Video card: NVIDIA GeForce FX 5500 (256MB DDR)
Now I followed all the directions right. I uninstalled my old Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller (Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller)(but everytime I restart it comes back). I downloaded the drivers for the new card from NVIDIA.com but didn't install them. I next turned off my computer and installed the card into the computer. Now, when I turn my computer back on it usually will freeze either and the first Windows XP window or when it gets to the desktop.
My computer:
Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
2.79 GHz
RAM: 510.0 MB
VIDEO CARD: Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller (Intel(R) 82865G Graphics Controller)
Anyone got an idea on how to fix this?
Brianna
At this point I honestly don't know.. I think it's now out of my expertise.
Maybe someone else can shine some light on this?
Maybe someone else can shine some light on this?
Eagles99
Well it looks like I fixed the problem I had of getting in error in certain towns...I downloaded a program called 3danalyze and had it run Guild Wars. Now it runs pretty nicely and I can enter the places I could not before. Looks like I will be returning the Video card tomorrow :P.
Also, thanks a lot to all the people who helped me in this thread.
Also, thanks a lot to all the people who helped me in this thread.
moriz
if you still have the card and want to give this one last shot, here's something you can do:
after you've inserted the card into the slot, start the computer and log into your system BIOS (usually, you repeatedly press the DEL button as it boots up, but it might be different for you). once there, try to find the setting for graphics. if you find it, check to see that it lists "PCI" instead of "IGP".
that error you're having sounds like the BIOS trying to use the IGP instead of the card you've installed.
anyways as a point of reference, the PCI card is approximately 8x faster than your intel GMA. if you haven't returned it, it might be worth your while to get it to work.
after you've inserted the card into the slot, start the computer and log into your system BIOS (usually, you repeatedly press the DEL button as it boots up, but it might be different for you). once there, try to find the setting for graphics. if you find it, check to see that it lists "PCI" instead of "IGP".
that error you're having sounds like the BIOS trying to use the IGP instead of the card you've installed.
anyways as a point of reference, the PCI card is approximately 8x faster than your intel GMA. if you haven't returned it, it might be worth your while to get it to work.
Edge Martinez
I run a 256Mb ATI 9250 PCI card. It is dirt cheap, runs GW good, but in the end sucks because it can not run BF2. It meets all the requirements of BF2, but it's just that 1 card that can't run it. I think you did good with the nVidia. Stick with it. It took me a bit too, to get it to work right, but I've never been sorry... for GW that is.
Eagles99
OK in the BIOS how do i find the setting for graphics? what will it say?
moriz
there's no sure way to tell you, since every computer is different. the easiest way to find it is to just go through each option in the bios until you find it.
remember, do this AFTER you've inserted the card.
remember, do this AFTER you've inserted the card.
gone
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Eagles99
OK in the BIOS how do i find the setting for graphics? what will it say?
|
according to that (see above link) look for 'primary video'.
/edit
after reading thru, it seems you were trying to uninstall your integrated fx. you don't want to do that. what you want to do is disable it. that can be accomplished via control panel >> device manager >> display adapters (open tree/click on +) >> highlight your integrated card (intel chipset family) >> right click >> disable. while you're there make sure your new card is enabled.