Author Topic: Advice on Upgrade (Read 413 times)

bandit752 · « **on:** February 21, 2005, 10:13:54 AM »

I posted this question on my previous post on frame rates but think its notable for here!

This is the computer specs!
The HP Pavilion a705w desktop PC

Intel Celeron(P) 340
Motherboard
MSI name: MS-6577 v.3x ATX
HP/Compaq name: Giovani2-GL6

Memory Installed
256 MB
Maximum allowed
1 GB (2 x 5Type
184 pin, DDR1-333 SDRAM
12 MB)
Video graphics
Integrated graphics with up to 64 MB shared video memory

I know the Celeron isnt really the best here, But I would like to consider adding this video Card
ATI RADEON 9250 256MB DDR PCI Graphics Card
and bringing the memory up to 1GB

I can always move the card and maybe the memory to a Pent IV machine in the near future!

Your opinion would be greatly helpful!
Thanks!

Hajo · « **Reply #1 on:** February 21, 2005, 02:48:41 PM »

Anything would be an improvement over the onboard graphics.

Expect a difference in the positive....but not a huge one. ATI9250
is mid level card....but most importantly your cpu won't be of much help either. Make sure you do have an AGP slot before buying the card. some manufacturers don't have them when using onboard graphics. If the 9250 comes in PCI and you're running a sound card in a pci slot...make sure the sound and vid cards not sharing the same address. Print of mobo or booklet with mobo should show which slots share IRQs

If you ever get the urge....build your own...save your pennies to do this. Buying factory crates is very limiting to what you can do down the road.

Oh! Don't forget to uninstall old vid drivers....might have to disable onboard video in the BIOs.....or even throw a jumper!
Check this out before purchasing the card. Ya might just be stuck with what ya have.

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 21, 2005, 03:24:50 PM »

All that assumes it will even run AH with that CPU. The minimum for AH is an 800mhz PIII I think.

Skuzzy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 21, 2005, 03:28:55 PM »

I was going to say. If that is a 340Mhz CPU, it will not run Aces High II, and I would be hesitant to put any money into it if it were mine.

bandit752 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 21, 2005, 05:37:32 PM »

Thank you for the reply and the advice!
I think I will, save those pennies and go for a nice custom design,
Figured it would be something like that,,
Meanwhile the laptop is working ok and thank you for all the advice!

MOSQ · « **Reply #5 on:** February 21, 2005, 08:58:20 PM »

The Celeron 340 is a 2.9Ghz CPU.

I used to run AHII on a Celeron 1.4 Ghz CPU, so you should be able to.

However that model HP has these specs:
Expansion slots (total)
PCI Three (two available)
DIMM Two (one available)
AGP No AGP slot on this model

So you're stuck with a PCI slot Video card. Don't pay more than $125 for a PCI video card. But you already knew that.