Author Topic: Need help (Read 484 times)

Greebo · « **Reply #15 on:** April 28, 2007, 05:18:34 AM »

Its a PCI motherboard according to Dell support's website.

Fulmar · « **Reply #16 on:** April 28, 2007, 11:52:53 AM »

Since you're limited to a PCI card, your choices are slim. The BEST PCI cards you can get are the ones below:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814103031
$106.99 - $20 Rebate = $86.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814139010
$92.99

I'd recommend the ATI Card (top link). HOWEVER the ATI card needs a 420W power supply, I have no idea how many watts your power supply is. But IMHO, I'd save your money and buy a new computer that doesn't have onboard video.

If you want a quick fix, go for the new PCI Card. Otherwise, save the $100 and get a new computer. Putting in a PCI Card in your computer is like putting a Ricer Body kit on your 1978 Gremlin. Waste of money IMO.

BBBB · « **Reply #17 on:** April 28, 2007, 10:29:23 PM »

Yeah but he will still see a perf gain even with a PCI card. A PCI card and 512 megs should buy him 25-30 more frames. Until the next patch..lol.

-Sp0t

Edit: I just looked up your specs. I have a few questions..first your 512 megs of ram, is that one stick or two 256 meg sticks? You only have two memory connectors. Also your power supply in that rig is only 250watts. That isnt even enough to power that "higher end" PCI card.
So really you are at a cross roads here. You could go the way of spending around 200-250 bucks and go with maxing out your system. That is adding 2 gigs of ram and a PCI video card. Or just take that money and time and invest it into a new computer. After looking at your specs...invest in a new rig.
Your computer specs

Xasthur · « **Reply #18 on:** May 01, 2007, 01:04:18 PM »

I do indeed have two memory slots with 1 512mg stick.

It is a DDR 333 stick too, if I remember correctly.

It looks like this machine has had it then.

Perhaps i'll just get 1 gig of ram and stick that in for the time being.....I was quoted $150 AUD for medium-to low end 1 gig DDR 333 stick. Am I being stiffed here? Are there any brands/sellers I should look into for this short term fix?

Given the information that you've all provided for me, I think I will give up on this thing and just persist with it until I can take a break from uni (going to start towards my PPL), start working and get some cash together.

Then will come the 'I need help pt II: need a new rig' thread

Again, thanks to all for the advice, links and effort you put in to help me out.

~~guys, highly appreciated.~~