New Video Card

Hi,
I'm not the most "techy," person, but I am up there, I just don't know what to look for when I buy computer parts. I am looking for a new video card to probably replace the one I currently have.

I'm assuming that I need to know what type of computer/other parts for any of you to help me, BUT...I don't know where to find this info O_o, so those instructions would be helpful also..
Thanks,

~Rift

run dxdiag and tell us what it says in the "system" and "display" tabs.

Wat is that O_o'' (I said I wasn't the most techy person T__T)

Further googleing shows me that its directx diagnostic tool, where can I get this?

if you are running vista/7, open your start menu and just type dxdiag. if you are running XP, go to start->run->dxdiag

System:
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 10/26/2009, 17:51:16
Machine name: removed :P
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090804-1435)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: System manufacturer
System Model: System Product Name
BIOS: BIOS Date: 07/31/06 14:52:50 Ver: 08.00.12
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3500+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 676MB used, 3263MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode


Here is the Display:
---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: WinFast PX7600 GS
Manufacturer: Leadtek Research Inc.
Chip type: GeForce 7600 GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0392&SUBSYS_2091107D&REV_A1
Display Memory: 256.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.8391 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/13/2006 22:05:00, 3960064 bytes

so, we are looking at an AGP graphic card.

unfortunately, you don't have much of an upgrade path. the best AGP card available to you would be a radeon HD4650 AGP. however, these cards are very hard to come by and can be very expensive.

my recommendation would be to save up money and get an entirely new machine. there's really no point in upgrading five year old tech.

Thanks for the help, even tho it isn't exactly what I wanted to hear



jw, where are you getting AGP from?

i got it from looking over your hardware. they are the ones typically found with AGP slots.

your processor is also out-dated for "modern" games and will likely bottleneck the performance of a new video card - in any case, you should look to upgrade to a motherboard with a PCI Express x16 2.0 slot, I would suggest a new Processor as well. These 2 parts together could be had for as little as $120 combined if you just want a simple computer that can handle typical modern programs and games. What video card you should get will depend on what games you want to play - you may also need to upgrade your Power Supply, most newer video cards will require a decent 450 watt or larger power supply.

My advice would be to just do what I did when I had crappy CPU AND GPU.

Change the motherboard, CPU and GPU. All at the same time. Otherwise, like Elder said, CPU will bottleneck the rig.

For a different answer:

You need to check the manual that came with your computer and/or motherboard or check the manufacturers website to check what sort of a graphics card slot you have. Near as I can tell, that video card is PCIe, but there may be an AGP version.

If the slot is AGP, I'd say forget about just getting a new video card and go for a major upgrade (see below).

If it's PCIe you should check the power rating of the computer's power supply and then get a PCIe card that will run with that power supply. You could probably get an ATI HD4550 based card in any case.

Yes, your CPU may bottle neck some games/apps, but that depends on so many factors, such as what games you play and what rez you play at, that you can cross that bridge when/if you come to it.

If you have the money, you should consider a major upgrade at some point. A major upgrade would involve a new CPU, motherboard, RAM, video card and power supply. (And maybe a new case if your present one isn't large enough or not "standard".)

It's a PCI-e card

http://www.leadtek.com/eng/support/list_driver.asp

Leadtek's PCI-e 7600 GS are named PX7600 GS, which is what's listed in your dxdiag readout. They only make one AGP version of that card, called A7600 GS.

Just look at Quaker's post for other considerations.

edit: if you really want to make sure, download CPU-z, run the program, and click on the mainboard tab. It'll tell you what graphics interface you have at the bottom.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php