New Video Card

So my computer is pretty terrible and old, but I don't have enough money to buy a new comp. I was wanting to get a new video card( if possible ) to boost my fps a bit so I can play games without lag. I play GW, CoD, CoD2, CSS, and BF2 so I don't need a great card.

One thing is is that I dont know how big my Power Supply is, how do I find out?

Well...here it is .

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Professional
OS Service Pack Service Pack 3
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)
Computer Name SONYDESKTOP
User Name William

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4, 1816 MHz (18 x 101)
Motherboard Name Asus P4B266-LM
Motherboard Chipset Intel Brookdale i845D
System Memory 1024 MB (DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type Award Medallion (12/18/01)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter ATI Radeon 9550 / X1050 Series (256 MB)

Any more info needed?

Open the case and look at the PSU badge to see the ratings. Record down the total wattage, and amperage ratings on each rail (ex: 12+v @ 18A, etc etc)

Your RAM levels are pretty low, and you could definitely use a RAM upgrade (going from 1 to 2GBs will do wonders) There is one big issue though... you are stuck, because the max supported memory on that board is 1GB (512MB per bank, 2 banks total)

You will also want to upgrade your CPU (which considering the age and 478 pin design of your motherboard, is really cheap to do)

Here ya go...

CPU:
http://www.compuvest.com/Desc.jsp;js...GG6?iid=923349


So, you will increase your CPU speed by a nice margin (and P4s perform solely based on frequency)

Now, for your GPU, there isn't too much you can do. Your power supply is probably TINY, so that will create an issue.

Here is the best thing I can safely recommend you get to upgrade your PC with in respect to the GPU: (from what I can gather, it is AGP)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814102814


That's about it my friend. You are extremely limited here.

Your honest to goodness best bet? Save more money and upgrade the motherboard, RAM, GPU, CPU, and PSU. You can salvage your drives without issue. What you will be doing by upgrading is equivalent to keeping a 20 year old dog alive... it isn't in the best interest of your time, the poor PC, or your pocket book.

Yeah. Rahja's right; you are limited on what you can do. The ATI Radeon 9550 cards are AGP (I've got one myself), and am looking to upgrade because it won't run Aero at all. This is what I'm getting myself:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161207

Hopefully it'll run well (or good?).

Problem with the card is that it'll take up a PCI slot (as if I'm using it at the moment).

Ya well its like 8 years old and I do desperately need a new comp. Its runs good for everything else and at least it is still playable. I decided to buy a sound system for my car instead of a new computer xD. Thanks Rahja and Jupiter